Property Today

Like any major investment you need to put aside time regularly to keep it in the best shape possible and ensure it retains its value.

Here are Property Today's five tips to keep your home in the best condition:

1) Check the roof: One of the first places to see damage on a house is the roof. You need to check your roof regularly, as issues here can go unnoticed until they become a big problem (and you get leaks). Do a visual inspection for slipped, cracked or badly damaged tiles. Look at the pointing and get someone in if this is in a bad condition. You should remove moss from tiles if it's starting to take over. And give gutters a good clear out regularly, removing all leaves and weeds before they can block anything up.

2) Check for damp: Regularly check your walls for damp. It's a serious problem that you must deal with straight away if you find it. Dampness can get through defective mortar joints or hairline cracks in any rendering.

3) Check anywhere water goes: Ensure the cement mortar around waste pipes is in a good condition and check water down pipes for splits or leaky joints. If there is anything growing on your walls such as climbing roses or ivy, either remove it or keep a very close eye. These plants can damage brickwork and retain moisture in the wall.

4) Keep woodwork in top condition: All wooden window and door frames should be painted at least once every three years. This will stop dampness getting in. Renew any broken sash cords in windows, and fix broken or cracked glass immediately.

5) Stop leaks before they happen: Inside your home, check your plumbing pipework and waste pipes for joint leaks. Now and again clean out bath and sink traps. And if the seals between baths and showers and the wall are starting to deteriorate, replace them immediately.