The worst home maintenance mistakes you can make in 2020

Don't forget about winter

Since ancient times our ancestors had to plan ahead for winter, and things haven't changed much. It's true, today's society is much more comfortable, and less weather-dependable but winterisation should still be a priority around the month of October.

Before the winter colds hit, drain your sprinkler system, insulate your pipes and service the boiler.

Don't forget to service the boiler

Much like any other appliance your boiler needs regular service in order to function to its full capacity. If you forget to service your boiler annually, you'll not only invalidate the warranty but it might have a much shorter lifespan than otherwise possible.

Don't forget to maintain the gutters

You need to clean your gutters seasonally, or at least once the spring and the autumn are over. Gutters are fundamental to protecting your home's structural stability, foundation and roof from water damage, and forgetting to unclog them can cost you a lot in the future.

For a complete home improvement guide, see our blog on Improve Your Home in 9 Steps..

Address leaks on time

Water can corrode surfaces, and mould and mildew can start growing as soon as 24hrs after a surface has been exposed to water or condensation. Don't postpone leaks, and keep your bathroom dry to avoid further damage and expensive repairs.

Don't botch DIY attempts

Enthusiasm for DIY is admirable but sometimes home maintenance and repairs should be left to the professionals , especially in cases of plumbing, drainage, electricity or gas repairs. Many of these "quick little repairs" are only quick and little because of the years of expertise your tradesperson has. Don't risk causing further damage, and call a professional, if you're not certain in your skills.

Don't procrastinate

Let's be realistic - home maintenance is costly, tiring and the last thing you want to do on a sunny weekend. But if you allow little things to pile up you might end up with an expensive renovation project. Instead create checklists for the tasks you need to handle every month, and handle problems one at a time. Why not start by looking at our guide on how to prepare your house for a snowy day?