Small jobs to sort before winter

Winter on the north coast can be wild. The jobs that are easy to ignore in September become urgent in a January storm. A bit of preparation now is cheaper and less stressful than an emergency later.

Gutters and drains

• Clear leaves and moss from gutters and downpipes so rain can run away from the walls.
• Check for cracked or sagging gutter sections and loose brackets.
• Make sure outside drains are not blocked.

Working at height is risky. If your gutters are above a single storey, it is worth getting someone with the right equipment.

Draughts and heat loss

• Fit or replace draught excluders on external doors.
• Check window seals and reseal any gaps.
• Bleed radiators so they heat evenly, and note any that stay cold.
• Lag exposed pipes in lofts, garages and outbuildings.

Outside taps and pipes

• Turn off and drain outside taps if they have an isolating valve, or fit a tap cover.
• Know where your stopcock is, and check it turns. If a pipe bursts, you will want to find it quickly.

Storm-proofing

• Check fences, gates and sheds for loose panels or posts.
• Secure or store garden furniture, trampolines and bins.
• Look at roof tiles you can see from the ground. Report anything slipped or missing to a roofer rather than going up yourself.

Outside lights and paths

Dark evenings come early in winter. Check outside lights work, especially by the front door, steps and the bins, and think about a motion-sensor light if you come home in the dark. Clear moss from paths and steps, which turn slippery when wet. A quick job now can prevent a fall later.

Heating

Get your boiler serviced before the cold sets in, by someone registered for gas work if you have a gas boiler. Oil boilers are common in rural Northern Ireland, and they need servicing by a qualified oil technician too.

Inside the house

• Check that bathroom and kitchen extractor fans work. Winter is when condensation and mould build up.
• Look for damp patches on walls and ceilings, and find the cause before it spreads.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries.
• Make sure the loft hatch closes properly and has insulation on top.

If you look after someone else's home

If you check in on an older relative or a neighbour, it is worth running through this list at their house too. Small things like a loose step, a dark outside light or a cold radiator matter more in winter. You can post a job on their behalf and arrange access directly with the person you choose.

Plan it now

Tradespeople get busier as the weather turns, so autumn is a good time to get these jobs booked. Post them together where you can, so one person can sort several in one visit.

Get it done before the weather turns

Many of these are quick jobs for a handyman or a gardener. Post them free in the WeeJobs app, add photos, and local tradespeople who cover your area can let you know they are interested. Browse handymen, gardeners or plumbers near you.