Building owners urged by Highland Council to take simple steps now so as not to get caught out by the fierce storms of winter
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'DON'T let winter bring any unwelcome building surprises,' Highland Council has urged property and home owners.
It made the plea to mark National Maintenance Week, which launched today (Friday), and reminds anyone who owns or looks after a building – whatever its age, type or purpose – of the simple steps that can be taken to prepare for winter.
The week encourages people to take 10 minutes to check the condition of their property, with the aim of reducing the need for more significant and costly repairs later down the line.
And Highland Council has urged property owners to adopt this 'stitch in time saves nine' approach before rougher weather arrives. With that in mind, building owners can download the free Inverness Townscape Heritage Project's Maintenance Booklet which is relevant for traditional buildings across Highland, at www.academystreet.org.
Cllr Ben Thompson, chairman of the council’s housing and property committee, said: “I am sure people will find the advice and tips in this free guide very helpful. At this time of year, it is good practice to check on the condition of properties ahead of winter.
"If owners and tenants are vigilant and know the signs to look for, potential problems can be addressed before they cause too much damage and become too costly.”
The maintenance booklet focusses on traditional buildings, helping owners understand their buildings and how regular inspection and maintenance can help reduce property costs and avoid expensive repairs.
It also provides useful information to help you spot potential issues early, and where to find help and advice when needed. Guidance includes how to approach the repair of properties built using traditional materials, when the materials and techniques used today are often very different.
From roofs, chimneys and attics, to guttering, walls, windows and gardens, the booklet hopes to help preserve traditional and historic buildings. By taking the time to ensure our buildings are looked after today, we can help preserve them for many years to come.
