Home Maintenance Costs and Checklist UK

System	Location	What It Does
Stopcock (internal)	Usually under kitchen sink or in a downstairs cupboard	Shuts off cold water supply to your home. Turn clockwise to close.
External stop valve	Usually under a metal cover on the pavement outside your property	Shuts off water supply from the mains. Your water company may need to operate this.
Consumer unit (fuse box)	Usually near front door, under stairs, or in garage	Controls electrical circuits. Individual switches (MCBs) protect each circuit. Main switch turns off all power.
Gas shut off valve	Usually next to the gas meter	Quarter turn valve. Turn handle 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the pipe to shut off gas.
Boiler controls	On or near the boiler	Controls heating and hot water. Know how to turn it off completely and how to reset it.
Drain access points	Outside, usually at ground level with a round or square cover	Access points for clearing blockages in the drainage system.

Task	What to Do	Why It Matters
Test smoke alarms	Press the test button on each alarm until it sounds. Replace batteries if the sound is weak.	Smoke alarms save lives. The sensor in most alarms degrades over time. Replace the entire alarm every 10 years regardless of whether it still tests correctly.
Test carbon monoxide alarms	Press the test button. Replace batteries if needed.	Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. A working alarm is your only warning. Replace sealed unit alarms every 5 to 7 years, or as the manufacturer recommends.
Check under sinks for leaks	Look under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Feel the pipework and the base of the cupboard for dampness.	A slow leak under a sink can cause significant damage to the cabinet, floor, and any rooms below before you notice it.
Check visible pipework	Look at exposed pipes (in the airing cupboard, under the boiler, in the loft if accessible) for signs of dripping, corrosion, or green staining on copper pipes.	Early detection prevents water damage.
Clean extractor fans	Wipe kitchen and bathroom extractor fan grilles. Remove built up dust and grease.	A blocked extractor fan cannot remove moisture effectively, which increases the risk of condensation, damp, and mould.
Clear external drain covers	Remove leaves and debris from drain grilles and gullies around the outside of your property.	Blocked drains cause water to pool against walls, which can lead to damp penetration.
Check window condensation	Look for persistent condensation on windows, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.	Regular condensation is the first sign of a ventilation or heating problem that, if left untreated, will lead to mould.

	Details
Annual service cost	£80 to £150 depending on your location and whether you use a local independent engineer or a national provider. London and the South East tend to be at the higher end.
Why service annually	Maintains manufacturer warranty (most warranties are void without annual service). Prevents breakdowns. Ensures safe operation. Identifies small problems before they become expensive.
Who can service it	Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can legally work on a gas boiler. Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card. You can verify any engineer at GasSafeRegister.co.uk.
When to service	Book your annual service in late summer or early autumn, before the heating season starts. Engineers are busiest and hardest to book from October to February.
Replacement cost	A new boiler with installation typically costs £1,800 to £4,500 depending on the type, brand, and complexity of the installation. An annual service at £100 is a fraction of replacement cost.
Warning signs	Strange noises (banging, whistling, gurgling), yellow or orange flame (should be blue), pilot light going out frequently, radiators taking a long time to heat up, higher energy bills than expected.

	Details
Cost	£150 to £300 for a typical 3 bedroom house. Smaller flats may be less, larger or older properties more.
How often (homeowners)	Recommended every 10 years, or sooner if the property is older, after major alterations, or if you have any concerns about the electrical system.
How often (landlords)	Legally required every 5 years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Duration	Typically 3 to 4 hours for a standard 3 bedroom house. Longer for larger or more complex properties.
Result codes	C1: Danger present (immediate risk). C2: Potentially dangerous. C3: Improvement recommended. FI: Further investigation needed. C1 and C2 codes require urgent action.
Who can do it	A qualified electrician with inspection and testing qualifications (typically City and Guilds 2391 or equivalent), registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA.

Damp and Mould:

Damp and mould are among the most common problems in UK homes. They are usually caused by condensation (warm, moist air meeting cold surfaces), though they can also be caused by penetrating damp (water coming in from outside) or rising damp (moisture rising from the ground). Understanding the cause is essential for fixing the problem.

Preventing Condensation (the Most Common Cause):

Ventilate properly: open windows or use trickle vents for at least 15 minutes a day, especially after cooking, showering, or drying clothes
Use extractor fans: always use the extractor fan when cooking or showering. Leave it running for at least 15 minutes after you finish. If your extractor fan is not powerful enough, consider upgrading it
Heat consistently: keep your home at a consistent temperature rather than letting it get very cold and then blasting the heating. Cold walls attract condensation
Avoid drying clothes indoors on radiators: this releases a large amount of moisture into the air. If you must dry clothes indoors, do it in a well ventilated room with the window open or use a vented tumble dryer
Keep furniture slightly away from external walls: a gap of 5 to 10 cm allows air to circulate behind furniture and prevents cold spots where mould can grow unseen
Fix leaks immediately: any leak, however small, introduces moisture that will eventually cause damp and mould

Early Warning Signs:

Persistent musty or damp smell, especially in corners of rooms
Black spots on walls, ceilings, around windows, or behind furniture
Peeling or bubbling wallpaper or paint
Cold spots on walls (these often indicate missing or failed insulation)
Persistent condensation on windows (occasional morning condensation is normal; all day condensation is not)
Tide marks on walls near the floor (may indicate rising damp)
Damp patches on walls after heavy rain (may indicate penetrating damp)

When to Call a Professional:

If damp and mould persist despite good ventilation and heating habits, the cause may be structural (penetrating damp, rising damp, failed damp proof course, or defective guttering). A damp specialist can carry out a survey to identify the cause. Be cautious of companies offering free surveys that then recommend expensive treatments. Get at least two independent opinions before committing to any remedial work.

Prevention	What to Do
Seal entry points	Check for gaps around pipes, doors, windows, vents, and where services enter the building. Mice can squeeze through a gap as small as 6 mm. Use steel wool, wire mesh, or expanding foam to seal gaps.
Remove food sources	Store food in sealed containers. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Do not leave pet food out overnight. Keep bins sealed and empty them regularly.
Fix water leaks	Many pests are attracted to moisture. Fix dripping taps and leaking pipes promptly.
Clear clutter	Clutter provides hiding places and nesting material. Keep storage areas tidy and off the ground.
Maintain the garden	Cut back vegetation that touches the house. Remove piles of wood, leaves, or debris near the property. Keep compost bins sealed.

Different times of year bring different maintenance priorities. This calendar spreads tasks throughout the year so no single month is overwhelming.

Spring (March to May):

Check the roof from ground level using binoculars. Look for missing, cracked, or slipped tiles or slates
Clear gutters and downpipes of winter debris. Check for leaks by running water through them
Inspect external walls and brickwork for cracks, damaged pointing, or staining
Check external woodwork (window frames, fascia boards, doors) for rot, flaking paint, or damage
Service the lawnmower and prepare the garden for the growing season
Check paths and patios for trip hazards caused by frost damage

Summer (June to August):

Book your annual boiler service for late summer or early autumn, before the heating season
Paint or treat any external woodwork that needs attention (dry weather makes this easier)
Check and repair any external sealant around windows and doors
Clear weeds from patios, paths, and driveways
Check that airbricks and ventilation grilles are clear and unobstructed
If you have a flat roof, check for blistering, cracks, or ponding water

Autumn (September to November):

Clear gutters and downpipes again before winter (falling leaves are the main cause of blockages)
Check the boiler is working correctly before you need it daily. Bleed radiators if any have cold spots at the top
Lag any exposed pipes in the loft, garage, or outside to prevent freezing
Check the roof again before winter storms arrive
Clear fallen leaves from drains, gullies, and paths
Check weather seals and draught excluders around doors and windows
Test your heating system. If radiators are slow to heat, the system may need a powerflush

Winter (December to February):

Keep heating on at a low background temperature (at least 12 to 15 degrees) even when away, to prevent frozen pipes
Know where the stopcock is in case a pipe freezes and bursts
Clear snow and ice from paths (you have a duty of care to visitors)
Check the loft for signs of condensation or water ingress after heavy rain or snow
If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with warm (not boiling) water or a hairdryer. Never use a naked flame
Check that ventilation openings are not blocked by snow or debris

Problem	Likely Cause	What to Do
Dripping tap	Worn washer or cartridge	Often a straightforward DIY repair. Turn off water to the tap, disassemble, and replace the washer. If you are not confident, a plumber can fix this quickly.
Running toilet	Faulty fill valve or flapper	Adjust or replace the fill valve. Replacement parts are inexpensive and widely available.
Slow draining sink or bath	Hair, soap, or grease build up	Try a plunger first. Then a drain unblocker product. For persistent blockages, use a drain snake. Avoid chemical drain cleaners repeatedly as they can damage pipes.
Low water pressure	Partially closed stopcock, blocked aerator on taps, or a supply issue	Check your stopcock is fully open. Clean tap aerators (the mesh filter on the end of the tap). If the problem persists across the whole house, contact your water company.
Noisy pipes (water hammer)	Rapid valve closure or loose pipework	This is common and usually harmless. Securing loose pipes may help. Persistent water hammer may need a plumber to install a water hammer arrestor.
Boiler losing pressure	Small leak in the system, or pressure relief valve releasing	Repressurise using the filling loop (check your boiler manual). If pressure drops repeatedly, call a heating engineer to find the leak.

Safe to DIY	Call a Professional
Bleeding radiators	Any gas work (boiler, gas fire, gas hob): must be Gas Safe registered ([gassaferegister.co.uk](https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk))
Replacing tap washers	Electrical work beyond changing a light bulb or fuse: use a registered electrician
Unblocking drains with a plunger	Roof work (risk of falls)
Painting and decorating	Structural alterations or removing walls
Replacing sealant around baths and showers	Damp proofing (diagnosis and treatment)
Fitting shelves and curtain rails	Any work involving asbestos (common in properties built before 2000)
Replacing smoke alarm batteries	Tree felling or major pruning near buildings or power lines
Clearing gutters (if safely accessible from a ladder)	Drain repairs below ground level

Typical Cost	Approximate Price Range
Annual boiler service	£80 to £150
New boiler (supply and installation)	£1,800 to £4,500
Electrical inspection (EICR)	£150 to £300
Gutter cleaning	£75 to £200 (depending on property size and access)
Replacing a broken window pane (double glazed unit)	£150 to £400
Chimney sweep	£60 to £100
Roof tile repair (small job)	£150 to £400
Drain unblocking (professional)	£80 to £200
Damp survey	£200 to £500
Emergency plumber callout	£75 to £150 plus parts

Emergency	Immediate Action
Smell of gas	Do not use light switches, matches, or phones inside the property. Open windows. Turn off the gas at the meter if you can do so safely. Leave the property. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside.
Burst pipe	Turn off the water at the stopcock immediately. Turn off the central heating. Turn on taps to drain the system. Place buckets under the leak. Call a plumber.
Power cut	Check whether it is just your property or the whole street. If just yours, check the consumer unit for tripped switches. Call 105 to report a power cut or for updates.
Flooding	If safe to do so, turn off electricity at the consumer unit. Move valuables upstairs. Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Document everything with photographs.
Boiler breakdown in winter	If you have no heating, use electric heaters safely (never leave unattended, keep away from curtains and furniture). Do not use your gas hob to heat your home. Call a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Maintaining Your Home

Executive Summary

Know Your Home

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Understanding Your Systems

Your Electrics

Preventing Common Problems

Pests

Seasonal Maintenance Calendar

Roof and Gutters

Plumbing Basics

Windows and Doors

When to DIY vs Call a Professional

Budgeting for Maintenance

Emergency Preparedness

Myths vs Facts

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FACT

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Action Checklist

Where this comes from

Your next steps