Brits warned ignoring £90 job could cost £4k

As the winter weather starts to bite, Brits have been warned to carry out essential checks - or risk a hefty bill. Annual tasks such as inspecting your roof, checking your windows for drafts and unblocking your gutters are very easy to ignore as more exciting festive events get in the way. However, failing to carry out winter property maintenance could cost you dearly.

The good news is that with just a little annual spending, you'll be saving massively in the long run. When it comes to key areas of crucial winter home maintenance, it's boilers that can often fall under the radar. Yet a standard boiler service costs between £90 and £150 - which can mean you avoid shelling out for a new one, which could cost you around £3,800.

British Gas emphasises that not only can a "faulty boiler be incredibly dangerous", but making sure to regularly service your boiler could even help you save on energy bills by making sure it's working efficiently.

As well as revealing the other essential yet often overlooked winter tasks, the experts at Springbok Properties explain exactly why they are important and just how much money you could be saving.

Shepherd Ncube, CEO of the nationwide property buyers said: "We often neglect our homes in winter due to the cold temperatures and shorter days, but it's vital to take on essential maintenance tasks, especially things like boiler servicing after a summer of little to no use.

"This is particularly important for those struggling to sell, as issues such as faulty boilers, damaged roofs, or poor insulation can all have a major impact on buyer decisions."

A professional roof inspection typically costs around £250, with minor tile replacements adding roughly £170. However, if cracked or missing tiles are left untreated, rainwater can seep into the structure and cause damp or rot, with full roof replacement potentially costing as much as £7,000 on average.

Blocked gutters are another common winter problem. Cleaning costs roughly £100 to £150, while repairs average around £30 per metre. But if left to clog, gutters can overflow, leading to water ingress and damp. A full gutter replacement can cost over £1,000.

Insulating pipes before freezing temperatures set in costs just £1.75 per metre, but failing to do so could lead to burst pipes and serious water damage. Repairs for a moderate burst can run between £300 and £450, while fixing ceiling water damage can add another £1,700.

Checking windows and doors for drafts or damage costs little more than a general inspection fee of £25 to £35 per hour, but replacing a failed double-glazed window can range from £160 to £990 per unit.

For homes with working fireplaces, a professional chimney clean costs around £90, while failing to do so could lead to chimney fires, which can cause thousands in damage. Even a minor soot and smoke clean-up can cost £1,500 to £3,500, with severe fire damage reaching £50,000 or more.