People living in houses built in the last ten years may typically have to deal with less maintenance, as the build quality and energy efficiency of new homes today is often superior to that of older properties.
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
