Home maintenance

For most people their home is the most important investment they will ever make. Maintaining your home will:

• maintain or increase the value of your home
• prevent damage and expensive repair bills
• save energy and reduce running costs
• increase your security, safety and comfort

The Private Sector Housing Team has produced a helpful guide on how to maintain your own home. This booklet is one of the Private Sector Housing Team’s service improvements to encourage and support you as a homeowner in maintaining both the value and condition of your home. You can also telephone or email us for maintenance advice.

Please download a copy of the Home Maintenance Booklet from the documents table below or alternatively phone the Private Sector Housing Team on 01752 307075 or email us on decenthomes@plymouth.gov.uk

These are our top ten maintenance tips:

• make sure your gutters and down pipes are free from leaves and debris
• replace loose or missing roof slates and tiles and make sure all of your roof flashings are in good condition
• make sure air bricks and sub floor ventilation is clear, it is important to ventilate your home
• have your gas appliances serviced regularly and make sure there are no leaks
• top up your loft insulation if necessary ensuring adequate ventilation of your roof space
• check your doors and windows for adequate security
• make sure the outside ground level is not higher than your damp proof course
• never pour fat or oil down drains, throw used nappies away, don’t flush them down the toilet
• have your electrical wiring checked by a qualified electrical every 5 years
• when carrying out home maintenance or DIY make sure you wear appropriate clothing and use suitable protective equipment, if in any doubt seek advice

Documents

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Home maintenance booklet - a booklet with advice on maintaining your home. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 1759KB