Homeowner Advice

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

Storm Preparation: Protecting Your Home From Damage

29th September 2023

With the approach of Autumn, storms may once again be a regular occurrence. Whilst we can’t avoid the weather, there are things that we can do to prevent damage to our homes.

As the weather approaches

When it is time to batten down the hatches, you need to prioritise. Your tomato plants may not survive, but they are probably low priority, whereas addressing issues like a wobbly fence, unstable tree, or missing roof tiles should really be tackled before the weather takes a turn and they become much bigger problems.

If you've got a lengthy list of outdoor maintenance tasks, it may be a good idea to get help from a local handyman who could potentially tackle the entire list for you before the storm arrives.

When the storm has passed

When the storm is over, it's a good idea to take some time to assess the damage and see what you need to do. It's easy to overlook storm damage such as missing tiles until the rain starts pouring in and you discover a leak. By that point, it could be too late to claim the damage on your insurance. Once the storm has passed, take a few minutes to inspect for the following:

Missing tiles, damaged guttering, fascias, or soffits that aren't simply due to wear and tear
Broken glass – thoroughly check your home and garden for any signs of damage to windows, whether in your home, sheds, or greenhouse
Damaged garden furniture – hopefully, you managed to stow away most of your garden furniture before the storm, but check anything that may have been too large to move or was overlooked
Garden damage – examine trees for broken or damaged branches that could pose future hazards, and assess fences and boundaries for storm-related damage

The number for that handyman could come in useful again, as they could help you to fix any minor issues that have arisen before the next inevitable autumnal storm hits.

Assessing the damage

From flooding to uprooted trees, damage caused by a flying trampoline to missing roof tiles, if you've been affected by storm damage, there's a chance your insurance may cover it. As soon as you notice the damage, take photos and record the date and time of the storm, as well as when you first noticed the damage. Reach out to your insurer to inquire about your coverage; your decision to file a claim may depend on your excess. Your insurer might also specify using approved tradespeople; if you need help finding a trustworthy local tradesperson, consult our directory of approved, vetted, and rated professionals.

Above all, at Trust A Trader, our goal is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of both our customers and tradespeople. For additional guidance and advice, check out our community on Facebook or X.

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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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