Home maintenance checklist: what to check each season

Water is behind a large share of serious damage in houses — from roofs, gutters, pipes and appliances. Most of it starts with something you can see in a few minutes: a stained ceiling corner, an overflowing gutter, a damp cabinet under the sink. A seasonal walk-round catches these early, when the fix is cheap.

• Have the boiler or heat pump serviced by a qualified technician before the cold sets in.
• Bleed radiators that are cold at the top and check the system pressure afterwards.
• Clear leaves from gutters, downpipes and drains.
• Shut off and drain outdoor taps and garden hoses to protect them from frost.
• Check window and door seals; replace worn draught strips.
• Clean or replace the filters of ventilation units and cooker hoods.

• Keep unheated rooms and the loft above freezing where pipes run through them.
• Ventilate briefly but thoroughly several times a day to remove moisture; watch for condensation on windows and in corners.
• After storms and heavy snow, look at the roof from the ground for displaced tiles or damaged flashing.
• Know where the main water stopcock is — and check that it still turns.

• Check the roof, chimney and flashings; clear gutters again after spring storms.
• Walk around the façade: look for new cracks, flaking paint, damp patches and damaged sealant around windows.
• Check the plinth and basement for signs of water after the snow melt.
• Have air-conditioning or cooling units serviced before the warm season.
• Test outdoor taps and the garden irrigation for leaks.

• Treat or repaint exterior wood — windows, doors, fences, decking — in dry weather.
• Clean and inspect the façade and paving; re-point or seal where water could get in.
• Trim plants and trees away from the walls, gutters and roof.
• Plan larger jobs such as insulation or roof work for the dry months, with time to get quotes.

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries or units as the manufacturer specifies.
• Look under sinks, behind the washing machine and around the toilet for drips.
• Renew silicone joints in the bathroom and kitchen when they crack or turn black.
• Check the residual current device (RCD) with its test button, as recommended by the manufacturer.

A simple notebook or spreadsheet with dates, what was done, by whom and how much it cost becomes very valuable over time: it reminds you when the next service is due, helps with warranty claims and is a good argument when you sell the house.