ROOF LEAKS Start at the top. Use a pair of binoculars to inspect winter damage. If the roof is tiled, look for missing or damaged tiles. Winter frost can sometimes cause the bottom of tiles to fracture and slip into the gutter. If it is a slate roof, check for signs of nail erosion, which takes place at a faster rate in winter, causing tiles to slip.

Time involved: it can take around one hour to replace a few broken tiles, more if the roof needs more attention.

Cost: around 2 per roof tile;

scaffolding from 1,000 a day.

GUTTERING In early spring, inspect the guttering. Pipes often get blocked or disconnected during the winter. Most commonly, leaves clog up the down pipes. If moss grows on the roof, this can drop off in clumps and cause blockages.

Use a watering can to see if any are blocked. Water overflowing down the outside of a house can damage the facade and exterior timberwork.

Time involved: half a day.

Cost: around 300 to clear all guttering, depending on the cause of the blockages (for an average three-bed semi).

Make sure any professional you hire has full insurance or you will be liable for any accidents.

BUGS, BATS AND BEES

Keep an eye open for unwelcome visitors. There are some nasty infestations at this time of year. Take a careful peek into the attic and look behind wooden furniture. If you see anything unusual . . . wasps buzzing in the eaves or bugs attacking the timber . . . act swiftly. Call an extermination company or contact your local council. Bats, however, are protected, so seek guidance from your council.

Time involved: wasps' nests can be sprayed with insecticide by specialists and removed a few days later

Cost: from around 80

DAMP As the weather improves, look out for signs of damp, particularly in brickwork as opposed to cavity walls. Patches of damp are always more noticeable after wet winter weather.

If there is a problem, there are various options. One is to use chemical treatments, another is to insert dampproof courses on the outside.

Time involved: one day

Cost: around 120 per linear metre

WINDOWS

Flaking paint leads to rotten window frames. Any necessary painting work should be carried out in dry months.

External timberwork and doorframes should also be checked for decay.

Time involved: to paint window frames, up to three hours a day over three days per frame.

Cost: around 300

RADIATORS

Bleed every radiator in the house so that they have more water and less air and are therefore more energy efficient. In a similar vein, also look for leaking taps in bathrooms and kitchens . . . not only is this an environmental issue, it can prove very costly if you are on a water metre.

Time involved: two hours

Cost: around 60

GARDENS AND PATHS

Sheds are always overlooked.

But if you don't look after them, both the shed and its contents will start to rot. If the surface shows signs of decay, repaint it or apply a protective chemical. When the ground gets damp, a pale green slime . . . algae . . . can appear on paths and patios.

Mixed with rain, it is extremely slippery. Wash down paths with an environmentally friendly chemical treatment.

Refill cavities between paving stones with dry sand to prevent it recurring.

Time involved: a day to paint the shed and a day on the algae

Cost: around 200 for the shed and from 400 for the algae

EXTERIOR PAINTWORK

Go outside and assess the condition of the exterior paintwork . . . see how well it has coped during the winter months. Now is the time to look at it . . . the work needs to be carried out in the summer months, and the best painters can be booked up months in advance. Remember to pick a colour that's in keeping with the style of other houses in your neighbourhood.

Time involved: three days

Cost: around 1,500

If you're looking to hire a tradesperson to undertake any of the work involved remember to get at least three quotes. You can cost a job and find tradesmen in your area at www. tradesmenireland. com.