8 Maintenance tips to get your home in great condition for Spring

1. Check those gutters:
   Put on a pair of gloves and get out a ladder. At the turn of every new season, it's a good idea to check your gutters for debris. Try and remove as much as you can with your hands, and then use a garden hose to spray away any remaining dust and dirt. You can also place the hose into the downspout of the gutter (i.e. a pipe that runs vertically along the side of the home) to rinse out debris or dirt.
2. Check your tumble dryer and washing machine:
   It's a good idea to check the vents of your tumble dryer every so often - a clogged up dryer vent can potentially spark a fire if neglected. You can disconnect the vent from the back of your tumble dryer machine and use a brush to work away any buildup of lint. Then replace securely, according to the design of your machine. It's also a good idea to check the hose of your washing machine. If there's a crack or leak, this can result in a fair bit of damage next time you use it.
3. Check pipes for leaks or damage:
   If needed, call in a reputable service provider to assist with getting any necessary repairs done. While you're at it, it's also a good idea to check the state of your geyser; as well as all ceilings and walls inside your home for any signs of water / moisture damage and mold growth.
4. Test smoke alarms:
   If you have these installed, periodic testing is a must so as to ensure that whenever they may be needed that they are in working condition. If yours run on batteries, ensure that you change out the batteries as needed. It's a few minutes' worth of a job that can end up being a life saver for the family if ever they are needed.
5. Check the condition of your roof:
   Whether you spotted any signs of water damage on your ceilings or not, it's good to check the condition of your roof. It's essentially your home's first line of defense against water and weather damage, so a regular check can help to notify you of any trouble spots that need repair before it starts causing further damage to the inside of your home. You can replace any cracked roof tiles or fill in spots that need it before any seasonal rains arrive.
6. Get painting:
   Paint doesn't just make your home look good, it's also a good way to provide your home with a protective barrier from the elements. So, you can get out those brushes and rollers to give your home a fresh new coat of paint after filling in any cracks or scraping away old paintwork that's begun to peel away from the walls.
7. Check the seals around your doors and windows:
   Walk around your home and inspect the seals around all of your windows and doors - do they need any repair work or replacing? It's best to do this before any seasonal rains so as to prevent any water damage from occurring.
8. Glance through your buildings and home contents insurance cover:
   Make use of the turn of the season to check that your home insurance cover is comprehensive enough for your needs. For instance, have you got sufficient building and home contents insurance cover?

Discovery Insure's building cover factors in the main building of your home, as well as any outbuildings on your property. Cover includes:

• No excess for weather-related claims
• Accidental loss or damage to the building structure, as well as fixed glass, mirrors or sanitaryware
• A need for emergency security or alternative accommodation
• Emergency plumbing, electrical and locksmith services
• A need for replacement keys, locks or remote controls
• Garden damage - including trees, plants shrubs and irrigation systems
• Accidental loss or damage to swimming pool filters, boreholes or other water pumps

Home contents cover applies whether you are a homeowner or renting a property. Cover safeguards your valuable items and includes:

• No excess for theft (due to forced entry to your property) or weather-related claims
• A need for emergency security or alternative accommodation
• A complete asset inventory assessment which can be updated frequently
• Power surge protection
• An online vault to store important documents, such as proof of ownership or valuation certificates

The Vitality Drive programme is designed to create a nation of great drivers and reward you for driving well. As a Vitality Drive client, you get up to 50% fuel cash back every month and you can maximise your rewards and fuel cash back percentage by combining your vehicle and home insurance. Click here to learn more about Vitality Drive.

Learn more about what Discovery Insure's comprehensive home insurance cover offers, as well as find additional details for add-on benefits to tailor your plan even further here.