Decorating is the obvious one so we're not going to go into that in great detail, this article is more about hints and tips for spotting problems that you can fix when the weather improves, or sorting them now before they get worse.

1. Penetrating Damp

Winter is the best time to make sure that you don't have a damp problem. Penetrating damp occurs when water spills onto the walls and doesn't run off quickly enough, sometimes it will be coming into the roof . Look for damp patches, peeling wallpaper and mould and note where it's happening.

2. Internal Pipes

Damp sometimes comes from pipes inside the house that have sprung a leak. They could be hot or cold water pipes or central heating pipes but small leaks can go undetected for a long time and build up a surprising amount of damage. Damp patches on internal wall or ceilings will point to this, but say the pipe concerned is hidden from view then it's a job for a plumber, unfortunately.

3. Condensation

Condensation is slightly different to damp, although if it isn't attended too it can turn into a damp problem. Moisture in warm air turns to water when it hits a cold surface like a window or glazed door, in extreme circumstances on outside walls.

Occasional condensation that clears quickly, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, isn't a problem. But if it hangs around for a long time you need to increase the ventilation - extractor fans, window vents, even leaving windows open for a while, will help.

4. Check internal drains

Winter is a good time to clear the drains on baths, showers and sinks. Dismantle them, clear them out and make sure, as far as you can, that the pipe downstream from each waste trap is clear. If it isn't there may be a blockage or part blockage further down and in severe weather that may freeze, expand and crack the drain pipe. Hire drain rods if at all in doubt, or try a chemical drain cleaner.

5. Check windows and doors

Winter is the perfect time to inspect the condition of windows and doors as any draughts will be all too obvious. Make sure that seals are in good condition, wood frames and cills aren't soft (this will indicate rot beneath the paint) and that catches and locks work properly.

6. Woodwork tidy up

Go into each room and take a critical look at the condition of woodwork - skirting boards, mouldings, door frames staircases and the like. If there are places where the paintwork or stain has degraded, you can go around touching up to keep things fresh for another year. The inspection will also show up any areas that need more serious attention.

7. Have a clear out!

De-cluttering is all the rage and the cold winter months are ideal for going through the house, taking stock of what's taking up space and getting rid of stuff you no longer need. It can go to charity shops or be sold on eBay or Gumtree, at a flea market or a host of other places. You never know, you might end up making enough to get yourself a treat!

Related articles

Monthly Newsletter

Not signed up to our monthly newsletters and would like to keep up to date with a variety of products? Select from below which products you would like to receive.

Caravan Boat Property Personal Business

Please enter a valid email address

Subscribe