UK households with a driveway are being urged to avoid a simple mistake that could cost thousands, as a home maintenance expert warns against rushing outdoor renovation jobs in wet or freezing conditions.
With rain, frost and shorter daylight hours making exterior work more challenging, John Khan, home maintenance expert at commercial scaffolding company One 9 Scaffolding, has revealed one patio mistake that homeowners should avoid this autumn.
Patio and Driveway Work
Khan advises against starting a new driveway or patio when the weather is really wet or the ground is starting to freeze. These jobs involve a fair bit of digging and groundwork, and if the conditions aren't right, it can make things much harder for the people doing the work.
He recommends ensuring the contractor has looked at the ground and knows what the weather is doing before starting. "You don't want to be halfway through a new driveway when the rain arrives and everything comes to a standstill," he said.
If the conditions aren't suitable, it might be worth waiting a little longer. "I know everyone wants to get these jobs finished, especially before Christmas, but rushing outdoor work isn't always worth it," Khan added.
Other Jobs to Think Twice About
Khan lists four more jobs to think twice about. Major roof replacements are one, as autumn and winter aren't necessarily the best time to rush into them. Once rain and wind start picking up, working on a roof becomes a lot more difficult, and shorter days can make jobs take longer than expected.
Exterior rendering and repointing are also risky in colder weather. "The problem is that you can have a job looking great when it's first finished, but if the weather isn't right while the materials are setting, that's when you can run into trouble," Khan explained. Rain, frost and really cold temperatures can all make things more difficult.
Exterior house painting can also be a headache in autumn. "Just because it's dry when you start doesn't mean it's going to stay that way," Khan said. He advises checking the instructions on the paint being used and ensuring enough time for the job to be done properly.
Starting a major extension as autumn turns into winter can bring extra headaches, from digging foundations to getting walls and roof up. "If the ground is soaked or the temperatures drop, things might not move as quickly as you'd hoped," Khan said. He advises speaking to a builder about the timescale and getting scaffolding and access arrangements sorted early.
What Renovations Are Worth Doing During Winter?
Winter doesn't mean all home improvements have to be put on hold. Indoor jobs like decorating, updating a bathroom or planning a kitchen can be a great way to keep busy while the weather's doing its worst outside.
For exterior work, the colder months can be used to get everything lined up, from choosing contractors to arranging scaffolding, so homeowners are ready to go when spring arrives. "The biggest thing is not to rush a job just because you want it finished before Christmas," Khan said. "Take your time, plan ahead and make sure the conditions are right."
