Property maintenance matters, too

When it comes to protecting the value of your property and the comfort of your home, regular home maintenance is key.

There is also the insurance aspect to think about. Claims resulting from a lack of maintenance are likely to be rejected by the insurer. Here are some handy home maintenance tips:

Paint the walls, both inside and out. Fill any small surface cracks and paint over it.

Clean out gutters and remove leaves and debris regularly. It can save you money on replacing gutters and even on repairing roof damage as a result of water overflowing into the roof and ceilings during a heavy downpour.

Check your roof. Ensure tiles are still securely in place and that flashings are properly sealed. Paint and seal your roof to avoid water leaks.

Attend to water leaks immediately to avoid bigger problems with damp and other water damage.

Check your windows, doors and handles for any required adjustments and tighten screws and bolts that may have come loose. Check that lock mechanisms are in good working order and spray with lubricating oil if necessary.

Check your drains for any blockages and build-up of grime or fat.

Don’t hammer nails into the walls. This could lead to cracks in the plaster. Use a drill and a proper wall hanging fitting.

Mbuso Mhlanga is the marketing executive at Cosmopolitan Projects.