Home maintenance in January

Black mould in corners and behind furniture is usually condensation, sometimes a leak or rising damp. Find the cause before treating the walls.

Press the test button on every alarm. Fit a carbon monoxide alarm near any boiler, fire or log burner.

Misting between the panes means the seal has gone. The glass unit can be replaced without changing the frame.

January is the time to get quotes for a new kitchen, bathroom or extension: trades book up for spring.

Do big cutting before the bird nesting season starts in March. Check first if a tree is protected or you're in a conservation area.

Use a registered waste carrier: if your rubbish is fly tipped, you can be fined.