22/01/08 - Health Check Your Home 22/01/08
Many of us diet and detox in January but have you ever thought about giving your home a similar health check? To keep houses in tip-top condition NHBC, the UK's leading warranty and consumer protection provider for new homes, advises carrying out a yearly review to help keep everything in good working order.
A list of just some of the items it's worth checking through are listed below:
- Inside
Heating system - it is important that all gas boilers are serviced once a year, so find out when your boiler was last seen. Contact a registered CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) installer to carry out an annual check. - Smoke detectors - make sure these life saving devices are working properly by pressing the test button. Smoke alarms in new houses are mains powered, but if your alarms are battery operated check the batteries work properly. Use a duster or gently run a vacuum cleaner nozzle over the alarm to keep it free of dust and grime.
- Flues and chimneys - if you have a gas fire make sure that flue outlets on outside walls are not blocked or obstructed, if you have a fire which burns solid fuel (wood or coal) arrange for the chimney to be swept at least once a year.
- Carpets - make sure that carpets and rugs are secure, particularly in areas of heavy use like doorways and stairs. If carpets are loose or frayed think about replacing them.
- Doors - check that they open and close smoothly as heat and cold can affect this. Use a lubricant like WD40 if hinges are squeaky.
- Woodwork - to keep it in good condition it may need a lick of paint or a coat of varnish.
- Taps - are they dripping? If the answer is yes, you may need to change the old washer for a new one.
- Radiators - are they cold at the top but hot at the bottom? If so, the likely cause is trapped air which should be released using the valve at the top of the radiator.
- Outside
The roof - try to get a look at your roof from the outside. Check to see if any tiles are cracked or have slipped as these will need to be replaced by a professional roofer. - Guttering - moss, leaves and other debris can accumulate in gutters. Blockages can be bad news so make sure that guttering is cleared at least once a year. Again this should, ideally, be carried out by a professional for safety reasons.
- Exterior woodwork - this should be regularly repainted or re-stained to preserve the wood. New houses will first need repainting after about two years, after that homes need to be repainted or stained at intervals of four to five years, more often if you live by the sea because salt and wind can damage paint.
- Fences - boundary fencing may last for many years but its life can be extended if a protective fence treatment is applied.
A quick check on your home will help identify areas that need attention and catch problems at an early stage. Carrying out regular maintenance will keep your home just the way you want it - in top shape.
ENDS
Notes to Editors: NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established more than 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.
NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80% of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 6 million homes to date.
NHBC helps raise standards by:
- registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards
- setting and maintaining construction standards for new homes
- inspecting at key stages of construction
- providing 'Buildmark,' the most comprehensive warranty and insurance cover for homes in the UK
- offering building control services in England and Wales
- providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering, energy rating services and home information pack and energy performance certificate provision for new homes and housing-related sectors
