How to give your home a Healthcheck

Many of us ensure that we have a regular check up at the doctors to ensure that we stay in good physical fitness, but have you ever thought of giving your home the same treatment? To keep your house in perfect condition I advise that you carry out a yearly review of your property to keep everything in good workong order.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Heating System
   It is extremely important that all gas boilers are serviced once a year, so find out when your boiler was last seen, contact a registered installer to carry our a regular annual check.
2. Flues and Chimneys
   If you have a gas fire ensure that the flue outlets on outside walls are not blacked or obstructed. If you have a fire which burns on solid fuel (wood or coal) arrange for the chimney to be swept at least once a year.
3. Doors
   Check that they open and close smoothly as both heat and cold can affect them. Use a lubricant like WD40 if hinges are squeaky.
4. The roof
   Try to get a look at your roof from the outside. Check to see if any tiles are cracked, missing or slipped as these will need replacing by a professional roofer.
5. Fences
   Boundary fencing may last for many years but its life can be extended if a protective fence treatment is applied. Broken or worn fencing is best fixed immediately to avoid further problems.