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Maintaining your home

Taking good care of your home will help maintain its value.

It may also help you avoid potentially expensive problems in the future.
 

 

Things to keep an eye on

We’ve rounded up some of the most important things for you to keep an eye on.

Our top checks to do around your house, include:

  • checking for mould and leaks
  • look for signs of life you don’t need
  • what to look for in your garden.

Top tips for maintaining your home

1. Check for mould and damp

When you’re cleaning, keep an eye out for spots of mould or damp patches. The main areas to check are the bathroom, around ceiling edges, and windows.

If you find a bit of mould, it can often be removed with a household cleaner designed to get rid of fungus. It’s commonly caused by excess moisture in your home. Using extractor fans or opening windows can help prevent it – particularly when you’re cooking or using the shower.

If the problem is over a larger area or it constantly feels damp, it might be worth checking if you have got a leak. Check your home insurance as it may cover any repairs.

2. Clean your grout and sealants

Cleaning tile grout and sealant is a simple way to keep your home looking fresh. Especially if you’ve got a mould issue around your shower or bath.

When you’re cleaning, check for any cracks. It’ll help you keep on top of any potential leaks, mould and damp, or further damage.

3. Keep your windows clean

Not only do fingerprint-free windows look better but keeping them clean can help prevent rot. Particularly if you have wooden window frames.

Once a year, give the wooden frames a lick of paint. This helps keep them water resistant. It’ll help keep any rot setting in.

4. Look for signs of life

There are few things worse than having pests or bugs in your home.

Mice. Check inside cupboards, around pipes, under furniture and kitchen appliances. Look for droppings, scratches or gnawed furniture and wiring.

Woodworm. If you have lots of wood in your home, check for small holes. If you spot anything, get an expert in to investigate.

Moths. They are particularly keen on natural fibres. So, if your favourite jumper or bed sheets are being nibbled at, you might need to get some expert help.

Check your home and contents insurance for pest clauses. It may cover treatment and repairs.

5. Pop into the loft

Check your loft regularly to see if any issues have appeared. This is important to do before the colder winter months come.

Look for signs of leaks, wasps' nests or mice. Check for tears to the roof lining, or damage to pipes and the water tank. Also check woodwork for rot or decay.

Have a look at your loft insulation. If it’s nice and thick, at least 250mm, it could save you money on your heating bills.

6. Don't forget your garden

Keeping your garden tidy is important. An overgrown garden can cause structural issues to your property.

For example, big tree roots can damage foundations if they spread under your house. Shrubs and trees can break drainage pipes and could cause subsidence if they’re too close to outside walls.

If you have wall creepers, keep these cut back. They could cause damp, encourage insects, block gutters and may damage your brickwork.

Eco-friendly home improvements

Reduce your energy expenses with these home enhancements.

Eco-friendly home improvements

Reduce your energy expenses with these home enhancements.

Heat pumps

An energy efficient way of heating your home and reducing your energy bills.

More about heat pumps Heat pumps

Solar panels

Solar electricity is a clean and renewable energy source, which could help lower your energy bills.

More about solar panels More about solar panels

Insulation

Insulation keeps your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer and could reduce your energy bills.

More about home insulation More about home insulation

Switch and borrow more

Thinking about borrowing more on your mortgage and switching to a new deal? We’ve made it a little easier.

If you have three months or less left on your current deal, or your previous deal has already ended, you can switch to a new deal and ask to borrow more online.

See all the latest Halifax deals that are available and choose the one that suits you best. Answer a few simple questions and get a decision in around 15 minutes.


Switch and borrow more


Lending is subject to application and an assessment of your circumstances.

You could lose your home if you don’t keep up your mortgage repayments

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Can we help?

Speak to one of our mortgage and protection advisers.
 

Speak to an adviser

Thinking of improving your home?

If you love where you live, let us help you make the most of it.

We have useful tips on what to look out for when you are doing home improvements and some options to pay for it.

Home improvements

Thinking of improving your home?

If you love where you live, let us help you make the most of it.

We have useful tips on what to look out for when you are doing home improvements and some options to pay for it.

Home improvements