The Ultimate Checklist for Essential Home Repairs: What to Fix and When

A good rule of thumb when considering home repairs is to start from the top and work your way down. This means starting with your roof, guttering, exterior walls, windows, doors, floors and finally, the garden. Let’s take a look at each one of them in turn.

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photo-of-brown-roof-shingles-1453799/

Inspect your roof

Inspecting your roof should be the first job on your essential home repair checklist. If you have a roof problem, it’s going to affect your whole property. Therefore, it’s important that this part of your home is in the best possible condition. 

If you can safely check your own roof, look out for broken or slipped tiles/slates, broken ridge mortar or tiles, cracked chimney flaunching and moss or algae growth. 

Spring is the best time to do this, with better weather and longer days. Also, if you do find that you need a new roof, roofers tend to be busiest during summer so get in early. 

Check your guttering

While you’re checking your roof, do a thorough inspection of your guttering and downpipes. Make sure all your gutters are clear of leaves, moss and other debris especially after winter storms. Check guttering brackets, joints and all downpipes for loose fixings or cracks. Don’t forget to inspect your fascia and soffits for deterioration.  

Examine your exterior walls

As you work your way down from your guttering, do a thorough inspection of all your exterior wall coverings whether this is render, brick or cladding. Look for cracks, damp patches, flaking paint, broken mortar or stains. 

For any cracks that you find in your walls, it’s worth making a note of their position, length and width and monitoring them over time as there could be a sign of subsidence.

Assess your windows and doors

Your windows and doors are an integral part of the envelope of your property. Along with the roof and walls, they keep your home weatherproof and contribute to the insulation of your house. Beyond physical barriers, it’s also crucial to protect your home’s internal electrical systems and valuable electronics from unexpected power fluctuations. Investing in a reliable house surge protector can safeguard your appliances and ensure long-term electrical stability, preventing costly damage from voltage spikes.

Depending on their material and age, your windows and doors may need repair or replacement. Wooden windows and doors need more regular upkeep, while uPVC and aluminium require less maintenance.

Review your flooring

Your flooring is one of the hardest working elements in your home. It has to withstand foot traffic, pets and day-to-day wear. Some floor coverings such as timber can be repaired and renewed whilst other types like carpet, cannot and need to be replaced over time.

As a central decorative feature, you’ll want to keep your flooring in good condition whether that means repair or replacement.

Survey your garden

Exterior spaces including your garden, terrace or patio are exposed to the elements all year round and require regular upkeep and maintenance. Spring is typically the best time to carry out repairs although some can be done in the winter, if the weather allows.  

Check your fences, gates and shed for post-winter damage, as well as your paths and driveway, repairing or replacing as necessary.