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Just like a vehicle, a home also needs to be carefully maintained. An important part of owning any property is keeping it in good condition. Some tasks are seasonal, others require monthly checks, and some only need annual attention. Issues can be prevented by simply doing regular maintenance or check what requires attention.

Area of expertise – paint, waterproofing, damp proofing, sealants and adhesives, fasteners.

The roof takes a beating from the elements – rain or sunshine, and neglecting it can shorten its lifespan. By completing a thorough inspection of the roof every year you can address problems before they become costly to repair. Look for lifting or cracked tiles. Another way to spot cracked roof tiles is to head into the inside of the roof and look for signs of daylight. Replace or repair cracked roof tiles with a suitable product.

This time of the year is also a good time to check that the TV antennas or satellite dish is secure. Skylights should be properly sealed.

Check any parapet walls for signs of weathering. Look for loose or flaking paint. This should be repaired as soon as possible as cracks allow moisture to penetrate walls. Always remove all traces of flaking paint and apply a primer before applying a waterproofing product. A home is the single biggest investment one can make and it is vitally important to take care of it. Here are pointers as to how a retailer can advise store visitors about what to do and look out for when it comes to home maintenance.

Check gutters and downpipes for blockages. Flush the system with water to detect leaks. Gutters may also rattle loose in the wind and should be re-secured. Check that gutters slope enough towards the downpipes and that water drains away properly. Metal gutters and downpipes should be rust free and treated wherever rust shows.

These need inspection both on the exterior of the house and the interior. On the outside, look for loose bricks or mortar, flaking paint and efflorescence (a white powder), which indicates moisture within the brickwork. Also check that the flashing at the base of the chimney is intact. If it is lifting, cracked or worn, you’ll have to waterproof the area with a good waterproofing product.

For metal chimneys, check for rust and make sure all caps and braces are intact. Inside the home, you can clean out the fireplace at the start of spring to prevent corrosion. Open top chimneys can be closed for the summer.

Take a walk around your property and check for signs of poor drainage. Look for dips in the lawn or flower beds, especially where water comes off the roof. Pooling water should always be a warning sign. A French drain, which draws water away from the house, is a possible solution.

Inspect driveway paving, pathways and the paving around swimming pools for loose or uneven bricks. Repair or replace as needed. This is also a good time to address any weeds or grass growing between paving bricks. It looks unsightly and can be removed with a weed killer. Owners might also want to lift the bricks and put down weed matting.

Inspect patios for signs of cracks, mould growth and efflorescence. Use a waterproofing compound specifically for concrete to seal the surface. If you plan to tile a patio, remember to add a quality sealant to the tile adhesive. Some adhesives on the market have a built-in sealant.

Give all inside walls and ceilings a check for mildew, flaking paint and cracks. Any cracks noted should be monitored for future reference. Large structural cracks must be taken seriously – approach a professional for advice on this. Flaking paint and any sign of efflorescence must be properly investigated and the cause established before any repair work is completed. Look for areas where the ceiling appears bowed or stained – this could be an indication of a water leak inside the roof. Identify the problem before you repaint the ceiling. In some cases, the ceiling board will need to be replaced.

Bathrooms are particularly susceptible to condensation and mould. Pay special attention in these areas. You can wash down the ceiling with bleach, allow to dry and repaint, but in order to prevent the problem from reoccurring, you may need to have an extractor fan installed.

Plenty of heat in winter and cool air in summer is lost due to poor insulation. Check all doors and windows. Weather stripping is relatively cheap and an easy fix. Check for glass that is loose in the frame (often caused by loose or missing putty around the frame). You should also consider replacing panes that are cracked. Silicone can be used to seal any gaps between the window frame and the wall.

Exterior wooden doors should be checked for weathering. Discoloured areas of wood are warning signs of water damage. The door will have to be properly sanded and resealed. Check locks on all doors and lubricate hinges and moving parts on windows.

Remember your metal garage door. If it is rusty, you’ll need to sand off the old finish, apply a rust inhibitive primer and repaint.

Geysers are often overlooked when the time comes for home maintenance, but they should be inspected. By neglecting your geyser you decrease its lifespan. Geysers should be serviced every three years in areas where the water supply is good. In hard water areas consider a service every year. This should be done by a professional plumber. A quarterly visual inspection of the geyser should also be conducted. Check that the drip tray is in place and intact, and that overflow leads to the outside of your home. Also check the geyser cylinder (metal tank) for signs of rust. Rust-coloured hot water could indicate a rusting inner lining, call in a plumber and have it checked.

Check all taps for leaks and replace worn washers. Check under the sink and basins for signs of water leaks. Check your toilet system. To detect a small leak in the cistern you can drop some food colouring into the cistern and see if it streaks down into the loo. The toilet should also be secure on floor. Seal if needed. Have a good look at the silicone sealing around your bath. Remove and replace if this is cracked or discoloured.

Also inspect washing machine and dishwater pipes for wear and tear. Remember garden taps. While you are outdoors, check your sprinkler system for leaks, damaged sprinkler heads and exposed pipes.

Many house fires are caused by faulty electrical wiring or overloading circuits or plug sockets. Regular maintenance checks can help to prevent these fires and identify problem areas. Check that all plugs in the house are working. Inspect each plug and cord for discolouration and damage. Now check all electrical appliances. Inspect cords for tears, frayed wiring or damaged prongs. Replace where needed.

If there are young children in the house, remember to cover unused plug sockets with safety covers. Computers, DVDs, TVs and other equipment should be plugged into surge protection sockets.

If you have a smoke alarm you should test it twice yearly.

It is also a good time to replace some old incandescent lamps with CFLs or LEDs. Every house should have a fire extinguisher, but these also need to be regularly checked and maintained. 13