Now the weather’s lovely and we are spending more time outdoors this is the ideal time to take stock of the outside of the house and check for winter ravages.

So:

• Remove old and blistered paint from timber door and window frames
• Repaint window frames and woodwork – avoid painting in hot sun! (The paint may blister)
• Replace crumbling pointing
• Replace damaged guttering and rusted cast-iron guttering with a modern alternative

Consider the times you intend to carry out these jobs (using loud equipment at the crack of dawn will not endear you to the neighbours) and as always:

NEVER FORGET:

• Don’t tackle any DIY job that you aren’t confident you’ll finish.
• Don’t put yourself in any danger – if you are the slightest bit concerned, call in an expert to do the job for you.