NHBC (National House-Building Council) has worked consistently for over 75 years to raise the construction standards of new homes and provide protection for new homebuyers, with its flagship Buildmark. This is a warranty covering more than 80% of new homes built in the UK, giving homeowners assurance and redress if anything goes wrong.

Whether your home is new or old, NHBC advises all homeowners to carry out a yearly review of the property, to keep everything in order and protect your investment.  Items worth checking are:

Heating system: As the weather gets warmer, adjust central heating to a summer setting or switch off to save energy.  This is also a good time to bleed radiators, to get rid of air pockets and to have your annual boiler service.

Smoke detectors: If run on batteries, these should be checked and replaced if necessary. All detectors should be replaced after ten years.

Home security: Check the locks on all doors and windows, to ensure if they are in full working order.

Plumbing: Dripping pipes and taps waste vast amounts of water and can also create significant internal damage.  Thoroughly check your plumbing system and, if necessary, contact a qualified plumber to make repairs.

Roofing: Look at your roof from the outside to see if any tiles are cracked or have slipped. If so these will need replacing by a professional roofer.

Solar panels: These should be self-cleaning. To maintain their efficiency, any debris that has accumulated should be removed safely.

Guttering: Check for damage and clear away blockages that may have accumulated because they can lead to water damage. For safety reasons, a professional should do this.

Woodwork: This needs preserving against weather conditions. Timber windows and doors need repainting every three to five years; so make a painting plan to action during the drier summer months.

Garden fencing: This provides homes with security and privacy, so maintaining it in good condition is important.

Further advice for homeowners can be found in the NHBC’s free publication, A Guide to your new home – a practical guide to looking after your new home.

More information: www.nhbc.co.uk/homeowners

The post Top home maintenance tips from NHBC for new and old homes appeared first on The NHIC.

This is a major bonus for homeowners and private and public landlords who can rely on the total expertise and professionalism of these organisations.

The joint arrangement between Comcero , NFRC and NAPIT, means they are all committed to enabling more people to work together successfully when hiring competent, reliable trades people for small and large jobs in the home and work place.

The NFRC is the UK’s largest roofing trade association representing over 70% of the roofing industry by value.

NAPIT’s members are active in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors and they can register and be assessed by NAPIT in the fields of electrical installation, plumbing, heating and ventilation (which includes air conditioning).

Comcero’s chief executive, Bal Mattu, says: “As fellow members of the NHIC we welcome the opportunity to work with the NFRC to ensure contractors offer the highest standards in workmanship and customer service. Similarly, NAPIT is an organisation committed to consumer safety and operates a comprehensive and rigorous code of practice for its members.”

A free independent local marketplace for services, Comerco is committed to encouraging transparent, ethical business, to help stamp out cowboy builders and rogue traders.

Further information: www.comcero.com

The post Comcero works closely with NFRC and NAPIT appeared first on The NHIC.