It's a good idea to set some time aside throughout the year to thoroughly inspect your property. If you need to make repairs, always use the right equipment if doing the work yourself or, if it's a big job, hire a professional. This can help maintain your home in good repair, which in turn can help you meet the conditions of your insurance policy.
Here are a few ways to help look after your property.
1. Wish list
Make a list of the things you'd like to do around the house. This list may cover you for the next 12 months, and it may be that you need to prioritise some tasks or save up for others. At the end of the 12 months, you may want to reassess the list to see if you still need the work done. If you can, setting aside an emergency fund can help if the unexpected happens.
2. No time to waste
If something is broken or damaged, try and get it repaired as soon as you can before the problem escalates and the solution becomes more costly.
3. Roof and gutter care
When the weather is warm and dry, get your roof checked, clear your gutters, and make any necessary repairs that could cause severe damage in the future.
4. Home electrics WoF.
It may be a good idea, especially if you live in an older home, to regularly get a warrant of fitness done for the wiring of your home to ensure everything is still functioning correctly.
5. Annual chimney sweep
If you have a fireplace and use it to heat the house in winter, sweeping your chimney before you use it each year may help prevent it from becoming a fire hazard. If you use your fireplace in the autumn, winter and the start of spring, then a good time to sweep your chimney could be at the start of each autumn, or before your first fire.
6. Find the mains
It's good to know where your water mains are located before an emergency strikes. The meter number is on your water rates bill as well as on the meter itself, so check that these numbers match up.
7. Check your hot water cylinder
Cylinders should last 10-20 years but, if they fail, they can do a lot of expensive damage. If you have just moved into a new house, it's worth finding out how old the water cylinder is and getting it checked out by a plumber if it's past the 10 year mark.
Any questions?
Now’s a great time to review your insurance. We recommend checking your details are up to date and ensuring the policy and cover you’ve chosen is right for you and your insurance needs.
If you have any questions about your insurance, need to update your AA Insurance policies or would like a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can find our opening hours and ways to get in touch with us on our contact page.
This blog provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation or personalised financial advice. Excesses, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply to AA Insurance Limited’s policies. Please check the policy wording for details of cover. The provision of cover is subject to the underwriting criteria that apply at the time.
