The Great Outdoors

Maintaining and improving the outside of your home is well worth the investment and will always make it more marketable

Wind, rain, sun and snow play havoc with the exterior of your house. Maintenance and improvements will keep your property in good repair all year round and improve its value. It's important to repaint the exterior at regular intervals and to keep an eye on the pointing roofing and gutters, and having minor maintenance work carried out when required.

Law of the land

You'd be mistaken if you thought you could do what you like within your boundaries. Before considering having any work to the outside of your home, check your deeds. They may, for example, state that the front garden must be kept open or that fences aren't allowed. If you have doubts as to where your boundaries lie, check with the local Land Registry office.

Keeping on good terms with neighbours is vital if your work spills on to their land, Services such as drainage, pipework and wiring may also run under a public road, and you may need to deal with the council or water or electricity supplier.

You are responsible if something from your property, for example a falling roof tile, causes damage or injury to passers-by or neighbours. Keeping your property in good order is essential.

Regular checks

Flat roofs, often seen on extensions, need regular checks, especially before winter sets in. Cracked felt, root or moss growth, rotten roof timbers and poor drainage are some of the problems that may occur. The majority of flat roof failures occur at the outlets, flashings, perimeters and gutters, so workmanship in these areas is especially critical. Waterproofing the roof with a modern high performance membrane will reduce future problems.

Glazing matters

Since April 2002, replacement glazing is required to meet the latest Building Regulations for thermal efficiency. These regulations are designed to reduce the amount of energy wasted in the home, thus cutting your heating bills.

A conservatory is a great way of adding space, light and atmosphere. Depending on the size of the structure, though, you may need planning permission, but most domestic conservatories are currently exempt from Building Regulations on thermal efficiency. If, however, the conservatory is open to the rest of your house, you probably will need to satisfy these regulations.