Essential Home Maintenance Tips to Reduce Costs

Homeowners can significantly reduce long-term expenses by implementing regular maintenance practices for their properties. Paula Higgins, founder of the HomeOwners Alliance, emphasizes that small, consistent tasks can enhance the efficiency of appliances and prevent costly replacements. For instance, descaling kettles regularly using baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar can prolong their lifespan. Products like Waitrose’s Essential Liquid Appliance Descaler, priced at £2.50, are also available for this purpose.

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Maintaining appliances such as dishwashers and tumble dryers is crucial. Regularly topping up dishwasher salt and rinse aid optimizes cleaning performance, with Tesco offering a 3kg bag of dishwasher salt for £3.75. For tumble dryers, removing lint from filters after each use and conducting a deep clean every few months can prevent malfunctions. Hotpoint recommends vacuuming the filter to maintain efficiency.

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To prevent plumbing issues, BlockBusters suggests pouring boiling water down kitchen and bathroom drains weekly to eliminate grease buildup. For more severe clogs, specialized cleaners like Mr Muscle Sink & Drain Unblocker Gel, available for £6.20 at Waitrose, can be effective. Additionally, investing in drain strainers can help catch debris before it enters the plumbing system, with prices starting at £1.55 from B&Q.

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Regular inspections of roofs and gutters are essential to avoid significant damage. Higgins advises using binoculars to check for cracked tiles or moss growth, which can lead to costly repairs if neglected. Cleaning gutters biannually can prevent water damage to the property. Gutter brushes, available for around £24 from Wickes, can help maintain clear drainage.

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Annual servicing of boilers is recommended to avoid breakdowns, especially in winter. A standard service costs between £70 and £110, while a new boiler can range from £1,200 to £2,000. Furthermore, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly is crucial for safety and insurance compliance. Matthew Harwood from Confused.com notes that failure to maintain alarms could result in denied insurance claims.

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Homeowners are advised to establish a savings fund for unexpected repairs, setting aside 1-2% of their property’s value annually. For an average UK home valued at £271,531, this equates to approximately £2,715 per year. Older properties may require 3-4% due to higher maintenance needs, according to Airtasker.

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Experts stress that regular maintenance is not only a homeowner's responsibility but also a requirement for many insurance policies. Nathan Blackler from GoCompare highlights that insurance claims may be denied if damage is linked to poor maintenance.

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While many experts advocate for proactive maintenance, some homeowners may find the associated costs burdensome, particularly in the context of rising living expenses. Critics argue that the financial strain of regular upkeep can be challenging for those on tight budgets.

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• “Regular, small tasks keep appliances working efficiently and help you avoid early replacements,” — Paula Higgins, Founder of HomeOwners Alliance

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• “A relatively inexpensive roof repair can prevent far more costly internal water damage,” — Paula Higgins, Founder of HomeOwners Alliance

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• “Many home insurance policies require proof of regular alarm maintenance to validate claims related to fire, theft or damage.” — Matthew Harwood, Home Insurance Expert at Confused.com

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By adhering to these maintenance tips, homeowners can mitigate potential issues and manage costs effectively.

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