Important home tasks to do before summer

Homeowners are being told of the most important home improvement tasks to tackle ahead of the summer.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk have named five jobs to sort now before the summer heat sets in.

From maintenance chores to refreshing outdoor spaces, it’s best to get the house in tip-top shape for summer parties and barbecues.

Tackling these long-awaited home projects is also important because a lack of maintenance could void home insurance policies.

A survey from Quotezone.co.uk revealed 23% of homeowners are not aware that evidence of lack of care on a damaged property can invalidate their insurance and leave them vulnerable if they need to make a claim.

To spruce up the house, homeowners are advised to carry out tasks such as clearing the gutters, sealing leaks and maintaining the roof.

Tiffany Mealiff, home insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Homeowners should take action now and complete some essential home TLC projects so they can fully enjoy the summer.

“Addressing these tasks early ensures that the house is well-prepared to weather the heat and it also mitigates potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems.

“Tasks such as insulating and upgrading windows can also save households money because they eliminate leaks, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.

“As well as reducing energy bills, property maintenance also safeguards households’ finances through insurance protection.

“Many homeowners are unaware that if there’s any damage to the property due to negligence or poor maintenance, it could result in rejected home insurance claims.”

The team at Quotezone.co.uk have provided a checklist of five jobs to tackle before summer:

1. Clear the gutters

During winter months, debris tends to accumulate in the gutters and block them, causing potential drainage issues. It’s especially important to clear the gutters before the summer storms or else risk flooding or structural damage.

2. Seal leaks

Leaks in windows, doors, and the roof allow conditioned air to escape from your home. Sealing these leaks not only helps keep the house cool and comfortable but it also reduces energy consumption and prevents water damage.

3. Inspect and maintain the roof

Summer storms can cause serious damage to roofs. It’s important to check the roof for cracked, broken or missing roof tiles and get them fixed as soon as possible. You should also look for damaged bricks or cracks on the chimney and check for water damage from the attic.

4. Plumbing maintenance

Plumbing issues such as leaks, burst pipes, or clogged drains can lead to significant water damage to your property. Regular maintenance, including inspecting for leaks, repairing dripping faucets and clearing clogged drains helps prevent plumbing-related water damage.

5. Trim trees and shrubs

Make sure to regularly trim trees and shrubs to prevent overhanging branches from damaging the roof or siding during summer storms – spring is a time of rapid growth for most plants and trees so now is a good time for maintenance. It’s also important to remove dead or diseased trees to reduce the risk of falling branches.

Reference:

Quotezone.co.uk’s survey findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,600 respondents across the UK in November 2023, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.