General Home Maintenance Guide

Scope of Works

• Quarterly health‑check of plumbing, electrics, heating, smoke/CO alarms and roofline gutters.

• Minor repairs – tighten hinges, replace tap washers, adjust doors, re‑seat loo seats, recaulk baths.

• Preventive servicing – lubricate locks & windows, bleed radiators, test RCDs and fuse‑spurs.

• External upkeep – clear leaves from gutters, touch‑up fence/trim paint, seal minor masonry cracks.

• Report & advise on emerging issues (loose roof tiles, damp ingress) with photos and repair estimates.

• Tidy & dispose of replaced parts and green/general waste; leave work areas clean.

Typical Cost (inc. VAT)

Time on Site

• 1–2 hours for a small flat’s quarterly check and odd‑job list.

• 3–4 hours for a three‑bed semi inc. gutter clear and minor exterior paint.Extra time for difficult loft access, seized stop‑taps, blocked gutters packed with debris, or when sourcing uncommon parts.

  
  

Questions to Ask Your Trade

1. Are you insured (public liability) and DBS‑checked for home access?

2. Is the quote fixed or hourly, and does it include VAT and parking?

3. Do you provide a written checklist report with photos after the visit?

4. Will you bring all materials or charge trade price plus margin on parts?

5. Can you arrange specialist follow‑ups (gas engineer, electrician) if issues arise?

6. How do you handle waste disposal and is your waste‑carrier licence valid?

7. What is the emergency call‑out rate outside normal hours?

   
   

How to Avoid Surprises

• List jobs in priority order—group small tasks to maximise the minimum charge.

• Provide clear parking or visitor permits to avoid delays and extra fees.

• Photograph access points (loft hatch, stop‑cock, consumer unit) to send ahead.

• Stock matching paint/tiles for touch‑ups; saves time sourcing.

• Confirm whether loft boards and safe lighting are in place before asking for attic checks.