🛠️ The First-Time Buyer’s Home Maintenance Survival Guide
You’ve got the keys — now here’s how to avoid nasty (and costly) surprises
You’ve signed the papers, picked up the keys and popped the champagne…
But now it’s just you — and the boiler.
Welcome to the real side of homeownership.
Because once the excitement of moving in fades, the responsibilities start stacking up fast. And if you’re not prepared, it’s easy to feel out of your depth.
But don’t worry.
At Nicholson’s, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers across Retford and Bassetlaw not just find the right home — but learn how to look after it, too.
This is your essential home maintenance survival guide — built for real life, tight budgets, and long to-do lists. Let’s make sure your dream home doesn’t become a nightmare.
🔧 1. Know Where to Find the “Oh No!” Essentials
Before you hang a picture, find your:
- 🚰 Stopcock (turns off water in a leak)
- ⚡ Fuse box
- 🔥 Boiler and thermostat
- 🧯 Fire alarms and CO2 detector (and test them!)
You don’t want to be googling “how to stop a leak” with your kitchen flooding at 11pm.
🧱 2. Damp: Spot It Early, Stop It Fast
If there’s one thing that causes long-term damage, it’s damp.
Left unchecked, it can ruin walls, floors, and furniture — and leave you with a repair bill that hurts.
👀 Signs to look for:
- Mould patches or mildew
- Condensation on windows
- Flaky paint or soft skirting boards
- That tell-tale musty smell
🪟 Open windows regularly, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. And don’t shove furniture right up against the walls — let it breathe.
🧰 3. Fix the Little Things Before They Grow Teeth
Loose handles. Leaky taps. Creaky doors.
They’re small until they’re not — and they usually break right when you can’t afford them to.
Start a “snag list” on your phone and knock off one job a week.
Your future self will thank you.
🌧️ 4. Don’t Ignore the Outside
Even if you’re not planning to channel your inner Alan Titchmarsh, basic exterior maintenance matters.
✔️ Clear your gutters twice a year
✔️ Keep an eye on roof tiles and pointing
✔️ Check fences, gates, and driveways for signs of wear
✔️ Cut back plants growing too close to walls
It’s not glamorous — but it saves you serious money in the long run.
💷 5. Start Your “Rainy Day” Fund Now
Because boilers break. So do washing machines.
And yes, that weird dripping noise probably is something important.
Setting aside even £25–£50 a month means you’ll be able to deal with emergencies without panic (or calling your parents).
🔁 6. Book the Boring Stuff Before It’s Urgent
Things like:
- Boiler servicing
- Gutter cleaning
- Pest checks (especially if you’re semi-rural)
- Chimney sweeping (if you’ve got a fireplace or log burner)
Put reminders in your phone now. You'll thank yourself next winter.
🏡 This Is What Being a Homeowner Looks Like
It’s not just about Pinterest boards and matching mugs.
It’s checking the loft insulation. Bleeding radiators. Keeping an eye on the weird patch near the back door.
But here’s the truth: it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Because with every small job you tick off, you’re not just maintaining a house — you’re taking care of your home.
And if you ever need trusted trades, advice, or just someone to tell you you’re doing fine — we’re here.
📞 Call us on 01777 808777
📍 Visit our Retford office
🔗 nicholsonsestateagents.co.uk
