Simple ways to save on property repairs

Keeping your home in good condition could save you money. We have some tips to help you stay on top of repairs.

 

Taking care of your home

Staying on top of some of the small jobs will help you avoid them becoming bigger jobs in the future. Get started with knowing:
 
  • what you need to check
  • what to look out for in your garden
  • energy-efficient suggestions.

Checks to get you started

Here are some of the jobs to help you take care of your home.

Mould and damp

Your bathroom is the dampest room in the house, so you may see signs of mould.

Keeping your grout and bath or shower seals clean and free of cracks and leaks can help stop mould. Use an anti-fungus product to clean. Prevention is a much better option than having to fix a bigger problem.

Airing rooms will help prevent damp problems. But if you are cleaning regularly and find an area that is always damp, it could be that you have a leak. 

Window maintenance

Windows are expensive to replace so you need to look after them.

If you’ve got wooden window frames, give them a lick of paint once a year and clean the glass regularly to keep the rot away. 

Check for signs of pest damage

Damage from pests can be costly. 

Look for the tell-tale signs like mice droppings and gnawed furniture or clothes.

Moths can cause damage to material and woodworm will feed from wood. Look for small holes in your floorboards and clothes. 

If you think you have pest damage, call a professional in for help.

Check your loft

Check inside your loft before the winter months for anything that needs fixing before the weather gets colder and wetter. Look for:

  • tears to the roof lining
  • rot or decay in roof timbers
  • cracked water pipes or tank
  • signs of wasps or vermin.

Insulation should be at least 250mm thick to save you money on energy bills.

Look after your garden

A garden that is well loved can add value to your home. It could also save you time and money if you spot serious structural damage early on.

  • Trees and shrubs - Roots can damage drainage pipes and even cause subsidence. Make sure they are not too close to the walls of your house.
  • Wall climbers and creepers - Plants growing on your house may look nice, but you need to keep them in check. Over time, they can cause damp and damage the structure of the house.
  • Introduce a wild area - If you have the space, allow part of the garden to grow wildflowers. A wild area will invite more bees and help your garden become part of the eco system.

You could lose your home if you don’t keep up your mortgage repayments

Good to know

It’s always worth checking your home and contents insurance to see if you’re covered for damage in your home.

Energy-efficient home improvements through our partners

We've teamed up with Octopus Energy and Effective Home to help make your home more energy efficient. By applying with one of our partners you could be entitled to cashback or a bill credit on qualifying home improvements.

Solar panels

Solar panels generate power for your home and could improve your EPC rating by converting sunlight into clean, renewable energy.

Find out about solar panels

Heat pumps

Heat pumps can be an energy-efficient way of heating your home and could help lower your home’s energy bills.

Learn more about heat pumps

Insulation

Adding loft, wall, and floor insulation to your home is vital for keeping it warm and cosy. It could also reduce the cost of your heating.

Learn more on home insulation

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