Like any significant investment you need to put aside time frequently to keep your home in the best condition possible and make sure it retains its value.

Here are five tips to keep your house in the best condition:

1) Check the roof:

One of the first areas to see damage on a house is the roof. You need to examine your roof at regular intervals, as issues here can go unrecognized until they become a big predicament (and you get leaks). Do a visual investigation for slipped, cracked or badly damaged tiles. Look at the pointing and get someone in if this is in a bad condition. You should remove moss from tiles if it's starting to take over. And give gutters a decent clean out periodically, removing all leaves and weeds before they can clog anything up.

If your guttering has had issues 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 seem to dwindle with your cleaning and repair work.

If you desire to go the DIY route then there are a number of gutters available to buy at DIY stores. You can decide to get PVC-U guttering or cast iron gutters but you should bear in mind that cast iron gutters are heavier and consequently more demanding to install on your own.

If you are unable get access to your roof, employ a reputable gutter replacement small business to perform 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 inspect your walls for damp. It's a troublesome problem that you must deal with straight away if you discover 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 poor maintenance. The roof, walls, floors, windows and doors and pipe work in and outside the house, are all likely causes of damp. Normally a damp patch inside the home is easily identified as being connected to a problem outside the house.

A damp patch at the top 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 might possibly be due to a leaking gutter outside which will call for repairing or replacing

3) Check anywhere water goes:

Make certain 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 growing on your walls such as climbing roses or ivy, either remove it or keep a very close eye. These plants can corrode brickwork and preserve moisture in the wall.

4) Keep woodwork in good condition:

All wooden window and door frames need 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 immediately.

5) Stop leaks before they crop up:

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