7 Ways to Avoid Expensive Home Repairs This Summer

Summer’s meant to be all about sunshine, garden parties and relaxing, not worrying about a surprise repair bill!

But while we’re making the most of the warmer weather, our homes could be quietly building up costly problems without us even realising.

Here at NetVoucherCodes, we’ve discovered 7 of the most expensive home nightmares that tend to creep up in summer.

The good news is, most of these issues are completely avoidable with a bit of planning and regular upkeep. A little time spent now could save you thousands later on!

Why summer is the best time to get your house in order

Dry days and longer evenings make it much easier to spot problems and get them sorted without paying fortunes. Roofers, engineers and tradespeople tend to be less in demand during the summer, meaning quicker jobs and cheaper callouts if you do need help.

Plus, if you tackle small jobs now, you’re less likely to get caught out in autumn when the rain returns and repair costs shoot up!

7 Checks that could Save you Money

1. Clear your gutters and outside drains

The UK is no stranger to summer storms, and blocked drains are one of the main causes of flooding and damp! It only takes a few leaves or mossy clumps to cause a big problem.

Ignoring blocked drains could lead to water damage repairs costing over £5,000. But if you clear them now, it’ll only take a couple of hours with a hose or drain rod – or you can hire a local handyman to do it for under £100.

2. Check your roof

Hot weather makes tiles expand and move. When this happens, a sudden summer storm could then knock them out of place. One missing tile today can become a full-blown leak by autumn.

A full roof replacement can cost up to £12,000 if problems go unnoticed. To avoid that, do a quick visual check from ground level or book a roof inspection while summer prices are still low.

3. Run your boiler for 10 minutes

We understand that not many people think about their boiler in summer (we included!). But months of doing nothing can lead to valves sticking or airlocks forming. Give it a test run and you might just avoid a chilly surprise in October.

A full boiler replacement could set you back over £2,000 if it breaks down unexpectedly. Avoid the hassle by booking a summer service now for around £60 – £90. It’s usually cheaper than waiting until autumn when they’re in demand. 

4. Check under your decking

Barbecue season and the sunshine mean your decking might be seeing more action than normal. But all that usage could be distracting you from any rotting wood or weak joists, especially if it’s been damp.

Replacing damaged decking can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000. Save yourself the expense by checking the structure underneath for signs of rot and sealing the wood with a protective oil while the weather’s dry.

5. Tackle patio weeds

Weeds growing between patio slabs might not seem urgent, but their roots can cause cracking and shifting, and an uneven surface could be the result, which could set you back a lot in repair fees.

If left too long, patio weed damage could end up costing you up to £2,500 in repairs. Sort it early with some weedkiller, a pressure wash, and by re-pointing the gaps between your slabs.

6. Trim ivy before it takes hold

It might look lovely, but ivy traps moisture and burrows into your brickwork. Once it reaches your roof, it can start causing real damage!

While it might look harmless, if it’s left to spread, it could lead to £2,000 – £8,000 in repairs. Keep it under control with a quick trim using garden shears. It takes just 15 minutes a month and can make all the difference (and save your money in the long run!).

7. Check the driveway for new cracks

Prolonged dry weather can cause the ground to shrink, especially if you live on clay soil. This leads to cracks and uneven surfaces, which can be costly to fix.

If the ground beneath your driveway starts to shift, repairs for subsidence could cost over £10,000. You can help prevent this by simply watering the soil during heat waves to keep it from drying out and cracking.

Quick Fixes That Stop Expensive Home Repairs

Most of the problems we see during summer always start small. However, they grow quietly while we’re too focused on BBQs and holidays, then turn into a massive bill when it’s least expected!

The best thing you can do is take a walk around your home this weekend. Scan the roof, check your drains, feel your decking, and walk your garden. An hour now could save you a lot of hassle and money later on.

Handy Tools and Ways to Save

You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your home in shape this summer. A few of these helpful tips and some affordable tools can go a long way – and potentially save you thousands in future repair bills!

Here are some budget-friendly essentials worth investing in:

• Decking oil, sealant and weedkiller: You’ll find these in most big DIY stores like B&Q and Wickes. Keep an eye on multibuy deals and don’t forget to check our latest discount codes before you buy – we often have savings on outdoor and garden maintenance gear.
• Gutter cleaning kits: Basic kits start at around £20 online and are perfect for clearing leaves and debris yourself, saving you a callout fee.
• DIY pest deterrents and garden tools: From wasp traps to mouse deterrents and affordable hand tools, there are loads available on Amazon or in your local hardware store. You can often find what you need for under £50.

Boiler servicing and roof inspection: Many local tradespeople offer summer discounts when demand is low. If you’re booking online, make sure you browse our Home & Garden category for any codes that could knock money off your booking.