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Caring for Buildings

Buildings get old and components wear out.

Regular maintenance will help you keep your home in good shape.

Three steps to help you start:

Get to know your home.

Check your home regularly for defects.

Do regular maintenance and tackle repairs before they get serious.


1. Get to know your building
How old is the property?
What kind of roof does it have -- pitched or flat? Does it have slates or tiles?
What work has been done to it? Keep records of any work you have had done.
Get to know the key points to access in emergencies:
Find out where the main stop cock is, in case you need to turn off the water supply.
Find out where the fusebox or consumer unit is, in case you need to turn off the electricity.

2. Check your home regularly:

Once you have got to know your home, keep an eye on it. Give your property a visual check-up at least twice a year. Spring and Autumn are good times to do a maintenance check:
Spring: this gives you all summer to do any work needed.
Autumn: to make sure your home is protected against the winter weather.

Pay attention to any changes - these could help you to identify a probelm early, and so save you time and money.

3. Do regular maintenance and tackle repairs before they get serious:
You don't have to do all the work at once, but repairs to the chimney and roof and any faults which are causing damp patches should be dealt with urgently.

Remember: Your home is your greatest asset
- don't take it for granted!