Homeowner Advice

General tips and advice for homeowners covering maintenance, seasonal tips and everyday property care.

Springtime Home Maintenance Jobs

22nd April 2019

It’s been a long time coming but, dare we say it? Spring finally feels as though it is on its way. It may feel like you have been fighting a losing battle over the winter, tackling damp, leaks, draughts and a neglected garden. Now is a great time to get on top of things so that you can start doing the fun jobs – the ones that will help you to relax when the summer finally arrives.

For the ultimate guide on maintaining and improving your home’s exterior, check out our to-do list for Spring.

Check Your Windows

The chances are that you have spent the last few months on the inside, looking through windows dotted with raindrops. Now is the time to take a close look at them, from the inside as well as the outside. Keep an eye out for warped, rotted, or peeling window frames and condensation, between panes or inside the house. If you notice rotting window frames or excessive condensation, you will need to repair or consider replacing your windows – call a window specialist for more information. If the damage is limited, a local window specialist may be able to repair your window panes; if the damage is too extensive, you will be able to get a no-obligation quote on replacement.

Check the Roof

With luck, the worst of the rain has passed, however the Great British weather can always be relied upon to throw in a surprise shower or two! Take a good look at your roof, watching out for missing or damaged tiles. Even if the roof looks in good condition, pop into the eves and check for damp – even the smallest leak can cause rotting rafters and damage to insulation. If in doubt, get in touch with a reliable roofing specialist for advice.

Spruce Up Your Door

Your front door does much more than protect you from unwelcome visitors and the elements; it says a lot about you. It probably received a battering during the winter months, so now is the time to give it a little tlc – a good wash for UPVC doors, and a sand and fresh coat of paint for wooden ones to add curb appeal and give you a warm welcome every time you come home.

Clear Your Gutters

Unless you have experienced a problem during the winter, it is unlikely that you have checked your gutters since last autumn. Now is the time to do it – clear any debris, check for loose or damaged sections and ensure that downpipes are clear. If you spot any damage or if you are unsure about working at heights, get in touch with a local guttering specialist.

These simple jobs will take just a few hours but will help to protect your home and save you money in the coming months. If you are looking for a local trader that you know you can trust, check out our directory. Alternatively, for information and guidance on jobs of all sizes, from gutter clearing to renovation projects, follow us on Facebook or Twitter .

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Looking for more homeowner advice advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common homeowner advice questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.
Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.
Should I renovate my home or move house?

There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.
What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.
What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

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