Advice and guides
These guides help you recognise warning signs, make safe observations and give a contractor clearer information. They are not a substitute for inspecting the property.
Browse the guides · Ask about a repair
A customer does not need to diagnose a building defect. It is still useful to know what details matter: whether a mark changes after rain, whether a gutter overflows from one outlet or along its full length, whether a fence is loose at the post or only at a panel, and whether cracked mortar is isolated or widespread.
Use the guides to understand the questions likely to be asked and the information you can gather safely.
Roof and rainwater
Signs a roof repair should not wait explains which symptoms need prompt review and why safe access matters.
Why gutters overflow looks at blockages, outlets, alignment, capacity and downstream drainage.
Flat-roof maintenance covers outlets, edges, upstands, ponding and the danger of unnecessary foot traffic.
Slipped and damaged roof tiles explains what can happen around a missing or displaced tile and what photographs are useful.
Walls, mortar and damp-looking marks
When pointing needs replacing helps distinguish open, loose joints from harmless surface variation.
Common causes of damp-looking stains explains why roofs, gutters, plumbing, masonry and condensation may produce similar visible symptoms.
Boundaries, paths and drainage
Repairing versus replacing fencing looks at posts, rails, panels, ground contact and the value of local repair.
Warning signs of external drainage problems covers slow clearance, recurring standing water, smells, movement and local collapse.
Decorating and exterior upkeep
Preparing surfaces before painting explains why cleaning, repairs, drying and sound preparation come before the top coat.
Seasonal exterior maintenance provides a practical route around roofs, gutters, walls, timber, boundaries, paving and drainage.
Landlords and choosing a contractor
Organising landlord maintenance covers access, authorisation, priorities and repair records without turning the process into a compliance lecture.
Choosing a property-maintenance contractor sets out useful questions about scope, preparation, boundaries, changes and handover.
Use guidance safely
Observe from ground level or another safe position. Do not climb onto roofs, enter unstable areas, open electrical equipment, disturb suspected asbestos or interfere with gas appliances or pipework.
Photographs are most useful when they include a wider view and close detail. Note when the symptom occurs and whether it changes with rain, use of a fitting or time of day.
Questions about the guides
Can a guide tell me exactly what the fault is?
No. Several causes can produce the same symptom, and hidden conditions may only become clear during inspection or opening up.
Should I carry out the repair myself?
These guides are not step-by-step repair instructions. They help you observe and describe the issue. Work at height, regulated systems, structural movement and suspected asbestos require appropriate competence.
Can I send photographs after reading a guide?
Yes. Include the property type, postcode, affected area, when the problem began and what changes it.