A practical season-by-season maintenance checklist for UK homes: gutters, roofs, heating, plumbing, damp, garden and safety checks, with what you can do yourself and when to call a professional.
Regular small checks prevent expensive repairs. A blocked gutter can lead to damp walls; an unserviced boiler can fail in a cold snap. This checklist breaks home maintenance into seasons, so it's manageable. Adapt it to your home.
Autumn (September to November)
- Gutters and downpipes: clear leaves and check for leaks once most leaves have fallen. Work safely from a stable ladder, or hire someone.
- Boiler service: book an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer before winter. Landlords must arrange an annual gas safety check.
- Radiators: bleed them if they're cold at the top.
- Boiler pressure: check it's in the range your manual recommends.
- Draught-proofing: check seals around windows and doors.
- Chimneys: have chimneys used for fires swept, at least once a year.
- Garden: store hoses, and isolate and drain outside taps to prevent freezing.
Winter (December to February)
- Frozen pipes: insulate pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls. Know where your stopcock is.
- Heating when away: keep heating on low or use frost protection to prevent freezing.
- Condensation: ventilate kitchens and bathrooms, wipe window condensation, and watch for mould.
- Roof: after storms, look for slipped or missing tiles from the ground.
- Alarms: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
Spring (March to May)
- Roof and chimney: check for winter damage; use binoculars from the ground.
- Gutters: clear again if needed.
- Walls: check for cracks, damaged pointing and damp patches.
- Windows and doors: check frames, paint and seals.
- Drains: clear gullies and check for slow drains.
- Air bricks: make sure they're clear of soil and plants.
Summer (June to August)
- Exterior painting and repairs: dry weather is ideal for woodwork, fences and sheds.
- Loft: check insulation, ventilation and signs of leaks or pests.
- Bathroom seals: reseal baths and showers with mouldy or cracked silicone.
- Trees and hedges: trim, avoiding nesting season disturbance (birds nest mainly from March to August; it's an offence to damage active nests).
- Water use: fix dripping taps and running toilets.
Monthly and anytime
- test smoke and CO alarms;
- check for leaks under sinks and around appliances;
- clean extractor fan filters and tumble dryer lint filters;
- keep an eye on the water meter for unexplained use, which may indicate a leak.
DIY or professional?
Many checks are simple, but call a professional for:
- any gas work (Gas Safe registered engineers only);
- most electrical work;
- roof repairs and work at height;
- structural cracks.
Choose tradespeople through schemes such as TrustMark, get written quotes, and check reviews.
Before going away
- In winter, leave heating on low and consider turning off the water at the stopcock if you'll be away for a long time (check your insurer's conditions).
- Ask a neighbour to check the property, and clear post from view.
- Unplug non-essential appliances.
A five-minute monthly walk-round
Once a month, walk round the outside of your home and through each room. Look for damp patches, new cracks, loose tiles, dripping overflows, blocked gullies and signs of pests. Catching problems early is the cheapest maintenance of all.
Keep records
Keep a simple log of services, repairs and receipts. It helps with insurance claims, warranties and selling your home.
Insurance
Home insurers may refuse claims for damage caused by poor maintenance or wear and tear, for example from long-term leaks or blocked gutters. Regular maintenance helps protect you.
Frequently asked questions
How often should gutters be cleared?
At least once a year, usually late autumn; more if near trees.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year is recommended, and is often required by the warranty.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.