Concluding the year by making sure everything is in good working order in your home is a nice way to prepare for the year ahead. The last thing you want to do is start the New Year having to sort out some unexpected hiccups, so have a read of our list below to help you prepare for 2020.
Revisit your inventory
Out with the old, in with the new. Revisit your inventory that details everything you currently own in your home so you can clear out unnecessary rubbish and make way for new things that you need. This includes your pantry, medicine cabinet, garage, attic, and cupboards. If this is something you haven’t done, it’s not too late to start. CNBC’s personal finance section notes that itemising your possessions is also a key home task to undertake, especially in terms of insurance policies.
Get your boiler serviced
Getting your boiler serviced is important to make sure it is running efficiently. However, just remember that many homeowners probably have the same idea, so the demand for service engineers at the end of the year/start of 2020 will be very high. That’s why HomeServe recommends getting insurance for your boiler and heating, as coverage usually comes with a free annual service as well as warranties on parts and repairs. This is extremely important as fuel-burning appliances like burners can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they aren’t properly maintained.
Have your carpets deep-cleaned
Carpets accumulate tonnes of dust and dirt over time. Just imagine all the dirty footprints that have trampled all over your carpets, especially during winter. Our post on ‘Natural Cleaning Solutions’ lists a homemade remedy to deep clean your carpets. Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda with aromatherapy oil for good measure over your carpets and run it over with a vacuum.
Clean your gutters
As most leaves fall during the latter part of the year, it’s important to clear out your gutters to avoid them getting clogged up. Saga Magazine’s Melanie Whitehouse warns that if you don’t it will result in pooled water, which can cause structural damage to your home, especially as the UK is notorious for bad weather. Clearing them even before the possibility of snow arrives will minimise any damage, and save you a lot of money in the long run.
Inspect your roof
Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home when harsh weather strikes. Inspect your roof and try to spot any erosion, leaks, or stains, and replace missing tiles. Check your attic or the highest floor in your house as well for signs of water damage. Check if any trees are obstructing or coming into contact with the roof and trim them.
Insulate frozen pipes
When the water contained in pipes freezes, it expands and causes damages or even cracks in the pipes. If the pipes burst, your home will be filled with water. To prevent this from happening, insulate pipes where necessary. Water UK states the thermostat must be kept at a consistent temperature, and the heating should be left on low if you plan on stepping out. Try to keep cabinets below sinks open to allow warm air to circulate.
Check your home’s structure and foundation
Accidents can happen within your home as well. Public Health England found that the statistics for unintentional home injuries are alarmingly high, resulting in around 370,000 visits to A&E departments annually among children five and below. Immediately repair any cracked bricks in your exterior stairs, check if the railings are still sturdy, and even make sure your driveway is cleared to prevent any slipping accidents.
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