It's always good to be prepared. Maintaining your home can help you spot issues before major repairs are needed. It can also help keep your property’s value in good shape.
And if you ever need to make an insurance claim? A well-maintained home could work in your favour! It doesn't need to be a big job. Just a few simple checks throughout the year can make all the difference.
Monthly home maintenance checklist
Let’s start with some routine maintenance.
You can carry these out whenever suits, but making these checks at least once a month is a good habit to get into.
Checks to do inside your home
Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working
You should test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month to make sure they're in good working order. Ideally, test them every week.
This is the most important maintenance task on your list. You’re at least 4 times more likely to die in a house fire if there are no working smoke alarms, according to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by faulty gas appliances and systems.
It’s referred to as a silent killer as it can’t be seen, heard, smelt or tasted, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Boiler checks
Keep an eye on your boiler to make sure it’s working correctly and that you’re not having to constantly increase water pressure.
You should have your boiler serviced annually, according to the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
Regular maintenance minimises the risk of your boiler breaking down and could help extend its lifespan. This should save you money in the long run.
You might also consider installing a smart thermostat as these can give you better control over your heating and alert you to any problems.
Our guide on the boilers could help you choose a new one if it’s time to send yours to boiler heaven.
Water leaks
Water leaks can be identified by devices that send a message to your smartphone.
They're clipped near your stop tap and constantly monitor the system.
Escape of water is one of the most common home insurance claims - 29% of our customers said they had previously made a claim for escape of water when they got a home insurance quote with us*. And leaks can cause a lot of damage.
The average claim for escape of water is £9,344 for buildings insurance and £8,017 for contents insurance*.
Damp
Walk around and check the walls and ceilings for signs of damp.
Damp can ruin your decor, damage your furniture, and cause health problems so it's important to spot and fix any damp patches.
Locks
Have a look at the windowsills, and make sure the locks are working correctly.
Some windows have a key for the locks, so check the keys are working and that the window properly shuts.
Bathroom
Have a look at the grouting on tiles in the bathroom, and silicone around the edges of the bath, for any signs of wear.
If so, this could soon start to let in water and could cause damage to your flooring or your belongings.
Subsidence
If the walls have cracks or they look out of shape it could be a sign of subsidence. You'll need to have this checked out by a professional.
Condensation
Keep an eye out for condensation. This is when your windows steam up and create water droplets. If condensation is quite bad in your home, it could cause damp and mould. These both can lead to a variety of health issues.
Checks to do on the outside of your home
Gutters
Make sure your gutters are in good shape and not blocked or overflowing. Take a look at your fascia boards too. This is what the gutter is attached too, it also connects the bottom row of roof tiles to the rafters.
Pipes
Are there any unexplained damp patches underneath external pipes? If so, there could be a hairline crack that needs fixing.
Check your outside drains too, just in case they've become blocked. They're prone to collecting all sorts of rubbish over the year.
And while you're at it, lift the manhole cover now and then to make sure everything's flowing as it should.
"'Escape of water' - which is what insurers call leaks or damage caused by water from a pipe or water tank- is the biggest cause of buildings insurance claims. In fact, just over 20% of people who got a quote with us told us they'd claimed for escape of water in the last 5 years*. Burst pipes can cause a great deal of damage to your home, so checking your pipes and water tanks is essential each year."
Brickwork
Every now and then, check your brickwork.
Look for any erosion or missing pointing in the joints. It’s worth filling these as the damage could continue to get worse.
Fences
Keep an eye on trees and plants to make sure they’re not breaking through fences or hanging over your neighbour’s property. No one wants a fence feud!
Fences are prone to wear and tear, especially if they've been standing for years. If your fence is looking tired and then breaks down from a storm, your insurer might not pay out unless it's been maintained.
Shed
You also need to look at your outbuildings. If the felt on your shed roof has disintegrated it could let in water and damage any items inside.
And if you’ve bought new garden furniture or expensive equipment, it might be worth investing in extra security. This should help to keep your shed or outbuildings secure.
This is especially important if you've invested time and money in your garden over the last few years.
Trees
Got trees near your property? It's a good idea to keep an eye on them. Just over 500 people told us they'd claimed for damage caused by a tree in the last year when getting a quote with us.
You can do this by trimming overhanging or unstable branches regularly - especially before a storm. Or, get a tree surgeon to check if you're unsure.
Seasonal home maintenance checks
Some checks are better saved for certain times of the year.
It's also a good excuse to revisit your home insurance, especially accidental damage cover.
Spring home maintenance
Spring is the season of fresh starts - and that goes for your home too. Here's a few things to tick off:
- Clean your windows - Inside, outside and in-between. Check frames for any early signs of rot.
- Check for winter damage - It’s also a good idea to check your entire property for any signs of winter-related damage. For example damage to your guttering or structural damage to your home.
- Check the loft - you're looking for any holes in the roof or damp patches.
Summer home maintenance
The warmer weather's the perfect time to tackle jobs outside:
- Replace the fence - Replace fence panels and posts while the weather is good. Also take the opportunity to tidy up pathways around your property.
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Do any painting - now's your moment for fresh coats on fences, walls or sheds.
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Check for climbing plants - make sure they're not taking over your brickwork or roof tiles.
Autumn home maintenance
As temperatures drop, it's time to prep your home for the cold months ahead:
- Insulate your pipes -make sure you have lagging around external pipes so they don’t freeze.
- Service your boiler - book a central heating service to make sure everything is working correctly before the winter sets in.
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Check the radiators - make sure they’re heating correctly. If they’re not, then bleed them to ensure an even spread of heat.
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Think about loft insulation - keeping heat in can mean lower energy bills.
- Check your loft pipes - make sure the pipework in the loft is properly insulated.
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Sweep the chimney - and get the flue checked. It clears out smoke and gases, so it's key for safety.
Winter home maintenance
Most checks are best done before winter hits, but these are still worth keeping an eye on through the colder months:
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Examine the roof for damage if there's a storm - look for any missing or broken tiles. Check the chimney breast too, to make sure it's still in good shape.
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Clear your gutters - blocked gutters can send water straight down your walls and brickwork, causing more damage.
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Cut back overhanging trees - any unstable looking branches should be removed before high winds have a chance to put them through the conservatory roof!
Want more tips? Read our guide on preparing your home for winter.
Trusted trades
Keep a list of different tradespeople you'd trust to call - plumber, electrician, the works.
Ask friends or neighbours who they've used and liked. It's a lot less stressful than googling in a panic when you need help in a hurry.
Maintaining an older home
Older homes might need a bit more love and care. So it's particularly important to carry out regular maintenance on them.
Historic England suggests identifying weak points and anticipating where problems may occur.
For example, you may decide you need professional advice and commission a condition survey of your home.
It’s also worth considering what rules and regulations apply if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
*Data taken from Confused.com between December 2022 and May 2023
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