Home, Car And Life. Time To Take Stock

Being stuck at home has presented us all with the time to examine our homes. I know I have made a list of jobs long overdue, some of which I can tackle without having to break the lockdown and go for supplies.

I will be wielding the paintbrush this week, using up leftover paints to touch up some of the more heavily trafficked areas of the house.

So why not make a list of jobs that need tackling both inside and especially outside, now that winter is nothing more than a distant memory.

Inside

Look critically at your decorations. Better light can reveal a multitude of sins.
Fireplaces – time for a good clean and once over.
When were the chimneys last swept? Some recommend twice a year.
Dripping taps? An easy DIY repair if you have the washers in stock.
Sunlight will show up dirty windows.
Declutter. Surprisingly uplifting – less is more?

Outside

Check gutters and downpipes for leaves and debris.
Check roof for slipped slates.
Inspect pointing for signs of cracking.
Jet wash driveways and patios.
Get the weed killer out. It’s dry and the nettles are already growing.
Weed and feed the lawn. Watering will be required.
Check fences and walls for winter storm damage.
Creosote shabby gates and fencing.
Garden furniture may be in need of a stain too.

Mortgage

The current down time is also a good time to take a look at your mortgage. Interest rates have now sunk to an historic low and likely will remain so for a long time to come.

If you are on a fixed rate, it may be worth considering paying the penalty to end early and fix at a new lower rate.

If you end up moving to a new lender, you might want to consider the possibility of releasing some equity in your property which could pay for home improvements or help tide you over during this challenging financial period.

In all cases, please take sound professional advice and don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deals. The usual comparison websites are a good starting point and if you are not already following Martin Lewis, the money-saving expert, then why not?

Insurance

Your home insurance may not be due, but why not dig out the policy and have a read through. Does the policy offer cover for all that you need? Is the contents cover high enough? It must include carpets and curtains which can cost a lot to replace. And don’t forget the myriad of electrical devices that our homes now have.

Buildings cover should not be overlooked too. Is the rebuilding cost adequate? This is not the same as the market value and there are guides available to help you calculate the correct figure.

Once again, use a comparison website to find the best deals, but do make sure you are comparing like with like.

You might also like to consider life insurance. There are some very affordable plans available and knowing you have left loved ones with secure finances can be very reassuring.

Car

Why not also check your car insurance policy whilst you have time on your hands. It is all too easy to renew with the same provider each year. There are no prizes for loyalty, and I move my policies around most years.

Alternatively, ring your current insurer come renewal time and ask for a better price. Most will do their best to retain you as a customer.

If your car is currently lying idle for long periods of time, you should aim to start it at least once a week and leave it running for half an hour or so. Do not leave it unattended though. This should help keep the battery charged.

Run the air conditioning too or you run the risk of the seals drying out and letting all the refrigerant escape.

You should also move the car’s position slightly to avoid flat-spotting the tyres.

Give the car a good wash and get the polish out too. Washing away all the winter grime is quite therapeutic and it is said a clean car always drives better than a dirty one!