Have you had your central heating boiler serviced this year?
You will want to make sure that you don’t have any breakdowns during the months you least need one and when engineers are busier than ever.
If you are selling your home, your buyer’s solicitor will request the certificate that proves that you have had a service carried out within the last 12 months too. So, if you are not overly concerned for yourself that your boiler is ok, remember that your buyer’s will want proof that it is both safe and serviced.
Don’t forget to get those gutters and drains are cleaned out too.
As autumn sets in and leaves start falling you want to ensure that drains, gutters and gulleys are all clean of debris to enable water to run freely and prevents overspills and flooding which can lead to damp issues.
When Surveyors visit properties to carry out their Valuations on behalf of buyers, they do check and will include these within their reports.
Buyers then also worry that if a seller cannot look after these basic maintenance procedures what else they have neglected to look after that can’t be seen.
Once you have turned your heating back on, ensure that you have enough ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
Condensation and mould can become an issue if ventilation is inadequate and can contribute towards any damp concerns for buyers.
Check any lightbulbs that might need replacing.
You want your outdoor lighting to be working properly, making sure your home looks inviting in the colder, darker months.
Make sure any outdoor plants and pots that looked pretty in the summer months do not cause a tripping hazard for visitors at dusk.
Make sure any outdoor water taps are insulated. You can buy tap covers or wrap them in bandages etc. You certainly don’t want to be dealing with burst pipes and taps in the winter months.
Make sure your central heating is left on low in the winter months to prevent possible burst pipes indoors. Check your insurance policy. It will tell you what the minimum temperature it should be set at to be covered by your policy.
We hope you find these hints and tips a useful reminder.