Like any major investment you need to put aside time frequently to keep your property in the best shape possible and make certain it retains its value.

Here are five tips to keep your home in the perfect condition:

1) Examine the roof:

One of the first areas to see damage on a home is the roof. You need to examine your roof regularly, as problems here can go unnoticed until they become a big dilemma (and you get leaks). Do a visual inspection for slipped, broken or badly damaged tiles. Look at the pointing and get somebody in if this is in a defective condition. You should clear off moss from tiles if it's starting to take charge. And give gutters a dutiful clean out periodically, removing all leaves and weeds before they can clog anything up.

If your guttering has had problems that can't seem to be repaired then it may be time for some replacement guttering This might include links, sagging or cracks that do not appear to go away with your cleaning and improvement work.

If you wish to go the DIY direction then there are a number of gutters available to buy at DIY stores. You can select to get PVC-U guttering or cast iron gutters though you should bear in mind that cast iron gutters are heavier and therefore more challenging to install yourself.

If you cannot get access to your roof, contract a reputable gutter replacement firm to accomplish this for you. A quick search on google for Fascia,soffits and guttering should suffice, but remember to add in your local area on the search to narrow it down and find a local business that way.

2) Inspect for damp:

Regularly check your walls for damp. It's a substantial problem that you must treat straight away if you catch sight of it. Dampness can get through defective mortar joints or hairline cracks in any rendering. In older houses the walls are usually solid which encourages damp but in many cases damp is encouraged due to pitiful maintenance. The roof, walls, floors, windows and doors and pipe work in and outside the house, are all potential causes of damp. Normally a damp patch inside the house is instantly identified as being connected to a problem outside the house.

A damp patch at the uppermost of a chimney breast will signify the probable explanation is a leak through the chimney stack. A wet patch at the top of a wall could possibly be due to a leaking gutter outside which will call for repairing or replacing

3) Check Everywhere water goes:

Ensure the cement mortar around waste pipes is in a good condition and check water down pipes for splits or leaky joints. If there is anything thriving on your walls such as climbing roses or ivy, either remove it or keep a very close eye. These plants can crack brickwork and retain moisture in the wall.

4) Keep woodwork in top condition:

All wooden window and door frames ought to be painted at least once every three years. This will stop dampness getting in. Renew any broken sash cords in windows, and fix broken or cracked glass instantly.

5) Stop leaks before they materialize:

Inside your home review your plumbing pipework and waste pipes for joint leaks. Now and again clean up bath and sink traps. And if the seals between baths and showers and the wall are starting to deteriorate, replace them right away.