Practical Property Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Investment
At Simon Levy Associates, we regularly see how proactive property maintenance can save owners significant time, stress, and expense. Whether you own a residential or commercial property, ongoing care is essential to preserving value and preventing avoidable defects. Drawing on our experience as chartered building surveyors, we’ve outlined some practical maintenance tips to help protect your investment.
Carry Out Regular Inspections
We always recommend regular inspections of your property, both internally and externally. Simple checks can highlight early warning signs such as cracked masonry, loose roof tiles, blocked gutters, or signs of damp. Identifying issues allows them to be addressed before they become more serious and costly problems.
Take Damp and Ventilation Seriously
Damp is one of the most common issues we encounter during building surveys. It can result from poor ventilation, defective rainwater goods, leaking pipework, or deterioration of building fabric. Ensuring adequate ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms, keeping air bricks clear, and addressing leaks promptly can significantly reduce the risk. Where damp persists, we advise professional investigation to diagnose the underlying cause rather than relying on surface treatments.
Maintain Roofs and Rainwater Systems
Roofs and rainwater goods play a critical role in protecting the building structure. During our inspections, we often find rainwater ingress caused by slipped tiles, failed flashing, or blocked gutters. Annual inspections, particularly after severe weather, can help prevent water penetration, timber decay, and internal damage.
Monitor Cracks and Structural Movement
Not all cracks indicate serious structural problems, but some can be a sign of movement or subsidence. We recommend monitoring cracks over time and keeping a simple record of their size and location. If cracks widen or new ones appear, a professional assessment can determine whether further investigation is required.
Plan Maintenance Rather Than Reacting to Problems
A planned maintenance strategy is far more cost-effective than reactive repairs. We encourage property owners to schedule routine maintenance for key elements such as heating systems, external decorations, drainage, and joinery. This approach extends the life of building components and helps avoid unexpected failures.
Keep Clear Records
Maintaining accurate records of inspections, repairs, servicing, and warranties is essential. From our experience, good documentation supports insurance claims, demonstrates responsible ownership, and proves invaluable when selling or leasing a property.
Seek Professional Advice When Needed
While some maintenance tasks can be managed by property owners, more complex issues require professional input. At Simon Levy Associates, we provide independent advice on building defects, maintenance planning, and long-term property care. Our surveys help clients prioritise repairs, manage risk, and protect their investment with confidence.
Get Expert Advice to Protect Your Property
If you want clarity on your property’s condition or need support planning maintenance works, professional advice can make all the difference. At Simon Levy Associates, we provide independent, expert guidance tailored to your building and your objectives.
Whether you require a building survey, defect diagnosis, or a long-term maintenance strategy, our chartered surveyors are here to help you protect your investment with confidence.
Contact Simon Levy Associates today to discuss your property and find out how our surveying expertise can support your next steps.
