Once you've stepped inside the front door, it is all too easy to forget about the outside of your home. If you don't pay attention to the structure of the house, money and time spent revamping the interior will be wasted, as cracks appear in paintwork, roofs leak on to newly papered walls and damp rises to ruin the bespoke kitchen. Summer is the best season to tackle structural work because paint and sealing treatments will have a chance to dry and, with finer weather, dangerous jobs such as retiling roofs are safer.

Maintaining the structure of your home helps to keep or even improve the value of your house. With the introduction of Home Information Packs (known as sellers' packs) in England and Wales from 2007, the onus will be on the house owner to flag up just what state their property is in. Surveyors predict that, with the facts at the buyer's fingertips, you will sell your home more easily if it is obviously in good condition and has been well maintained throughout the time you have owned it. Consistent maintenance is the key, helping to spread the expense and to prevent small problems becoming larger, more worrying ones.

PROTECTING THE EXERIOR OF YOUR HOUSE
To help prevent serious structural problems check regularly for signs of subsidence and damp. Telltale signs include zigzag cracks in the walls. Call a surveyor to inspect any cracks, and then monitor them to check they don't become larger.

Make sure that the brickwork and mortar (pointing) is in good condition. Without decent mortar, the bricks are prone to weathering and will deteriorate; exposed walls are more vulnerable. If the mortar is crumbling you will need to repoint that part of the wall. For a professional finish or if you live in a listed building, employ a builder.

Other things to look out for include making sure that any soil is 15 cm below the damp-proof course – which is around 15 cm above ground level – to prevent the risk of rising damp. Rot can develop in woodwork where paint is disintegrating, so make sure the paintwork is intact. If the wood feels spongy and soft, you may have wet rot and the wood will need to be replaced.

Blocked gutters and constant dripping from gutters on to the walls of your house can cause damp problems. Clear out gutters regularly and ensure that the joints between sections of gutter aren't leaking: if they are, use a specialist sealer. Make sure the gutter is fixed securely to the eaves with brackets.

DO YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
As a homeowner, you have the right to make some alterations to your property, but it is up to you to check whether planning permission is needed. To apply for planning permission, write to the planning department of your local council explaining the changes you want to make. It will then let you know if planning permission is necessary. If so, you'll need to fill in forms and pay a fee. Should your application be turned down, you can usually modify your plans and reapply within a set time free of charge.

Each local authority also has a Building Control Service, which is responsible for making sure that homes are structurally sound. You'll need to obtain approval and comply with building regulations when you erect or extend a building, carry out structural alterations, alter water or waste facilities, or change the use of a building, such as transforming a garage into a self-contained flat.

Confusingly, work that is exempt from building regulations may still need planning permission, and work that does not need planning permission may still be subject to building regulations. Therefore, it is wise to take nothing for granted. Interpretations of the regulations vary from area to area and, if you don't find out about them in advance, you may be forced to undo unauthorised work and restore the building to the way it was before you started.

Planning and building controls on listed buildings are very strict, and conservation areas are also protected. Many alterations, such as painting the exterior or installing a satellite dish, must be approved by the council. For more information, contact your local council or the organisations listed.

PLANNING AND RESTORATION ADVICE
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, (020) 7944 4400; www.planning.odpm.gov.uk. Provides information on planning procedures in England and Wales.

Scottish Executive, 08457 741741; www.scotland.gov.uk/planning. Offers advice on planning procedures in Scotland.

The Planning Service, (028) 9041 6700; www.planninggni.gov.uk. Provides advice on planning procedures in Northern Ireland.

English Heritage, 0870 333 1181; www.english-heritage.org.uk. Identifies buildings of special national and local significance, offers advice and gives grants for repair work.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), (020) 7377 1644; www.spab.org.uk. Advises homeowners on the correct way to restore and repair old buildings.

PAINTING THE EXTERIOR
Don't paint the outside of your house in winter as the walls will be damp. The perfect weather for painting is warm, dry and slightly cloudy. Before you start, clean and repair gutters and downpipes.

For the masonry: first wash the walls from the bottom up using sugar soap diluted in warm water and treat any signs of mould with a fungicide. Remove flaky paint using a wire brush and fill cracks and holes with a filler. If the walls haven't been painted for a while, or have been rendered recently, seal them with a stabilising solution. Choose a specialist masonry paint and apply using a brush or roller.

For the woodwork: first rub down the painted surfaces using wet/dry paper and fill cracks with a flexible wood filler. Scrape out loose putty from window frames and reseal with fresh putty. If paintwork is badly cracked, remove it with a scraper and rub down with sandpaper. Cut out rotten wood, replace with new wood and treat with a preservative. Finally, paint woodwork with an exterior gloss.

A simple lick of paint can improve the outside of your house, but make sure you choose the correct preparation and paint products.

• Exterior emulsion paint – For masonry and wood. It comes in matt and satin finishes, and is water-based and porous, which allows the walls to breathe.

• Masonry paint – For masonry, render, pebbledash, concrete and brick. It is available in either a smooth finish, which resists dirt, or a textured finish, which hides imperfections and often contains a fungicide.

• Exterior gloss paint – For wood and metal. This paint gives a tough and durable finish in either satin or gloss. It may require a primer.

• Metal paint – For all exterior metal. It protects metal from the elements and comes in gloss or satin finishes. Remove any rust before painting.

• Fungicide – A wash used before painting that removes mould and algae. Leave it overnight, so that it can take effect before painting.

• Stabilising solution – For walls. Seals and stabilises weathered and chalky surfaces, to create a good surface for new paint.

CARRY OUT REGULAR CHECKS TO KEEP PROBLEMS AT BAY
If you keep an eye on your home's exterior, you'll catch any problems before they escalate.
• Check that airbricks are free of leaves and debris.
• Replace any broken bricks.
• Monitor the flashing – metal or mortar strips that seal joins on roofs, walls and chimneys. These can be damaged by rain and wind, so check that each one is secure and fits the join snuggly.
• Clear rainwater gullies of blockages and check gratings are clear. Replace any missing gratings.
• Inspect roofs regularly to check for tiles that have been damaged by heat, frost and wind. Any work on sloping roofs will need to be done by a roofing contractor.
• Ensure your chimney is not cracked or leaning and that the pointing (mortar) between the bricks is not damaged or the flashing missing. A builder can fix any masonry problems.
• Check the wood and paintwork of the eaves (the woodwork under the roofs to which gutters are fixed), as they are prone to rot.
• Pay attention to the state of your external walls, windows and doors.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR FRONT DOOR
It is important that your front door looks right as well as being secure. If you live in a period house and are concerned about restoring or renovating an original door, speak to a specialist body, such as The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). Alternatively, the Conservation Register has a database of restorers and specialist conservators located throughout the UK.

On a period house, the front door should be replaced like with like, unless you are replacing an unsuitable version with one that is more sympathetic to the age of the property. If you need to buy a new door, ask for advice on style and suitability from companies such as The London Door Company, which specialises in the design and manufacture of period-style doors for mainly Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian houses, or Stuart Inter-iors, which covers all aspects of period design from the medieval period to the end of the 18th century and can offer advice as part of the design, manufacture and installation process.

If you would prefer to source an old door for your house, look at salvage yards for reclaimed doors. Some companies will restore doors for you, others will sell ones that need work; it's up to you how much DIY you're prepared to undertake. Victorian and Edwardian doors are the easiest to find and often have the original glass. Try InSitu Manchester for a wide range of Victorian, Edwardian and 1930s doors and other styles, such as church doors, or In Doors, which will install restored original doors that are in keeping with the age of your home. Seek out glazing specialists who can advise on suitable glass for the door. Stained Glass Construction, for example, will recommend styles and has a bespoke stained-glass service.

Your door should open and close easily without sticking. If not, you may need to remove the door, plane the edges and repaint them. Check regularly that the lock and handles work properly and lubricate stiff hinges using WD-40.

If you wish to add or alter a porch, the design should be in scale with the size of your home, reflect its character and be built using the same materials, so do your research. Some companies, such as Old Time Timber, offer a bespoke service, creating wooden porches that are tailored to fit in with the architectural style of your home.

BUILDING AND DECORATING SOURCEBOOK
British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association, (01332) 225100; www.bwpda.co.uk. Trade body representing qualified firms; search facility for members.

Conservation Register, (020) 7721 8246; www.conservationregister.com. To find a restorer or specialist conservationist in your area.

Federation of Master Builders, (020) 7242 7583; www.fmb.org.uk. The building industry's largest trade organisation; downloadable contracts; search facility.

Glass and Glazing Federation, 0870 042 4255; www.ggf.org.uk. Advice on choosing glass and windows; search facility for glaziers and suppliers.

The Institution of Structural Engineers, (020) 7235 4535; www.istructe.org.uk. Represents structural engineers; search facility.

Painting and Decorating Association, (024) 7635 3776; www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk.
Professional organisation that represents painters and decorators; search facility.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 0870 333 1600; www.rics.org. To find a surveyor; impartial advice on property issues.

Scottish Building, (01324) 555550; www.scottish-building.co.uk. Federation representing the Scottish building industry; search facility for member builders.

REPLACING AND RESTORING WINDOWS
To change windows, you will need approval from the Building Control Service of your local council. You also will need planning permission or listed building consent if you live in a conservation area, or if the windows face a highway or project beyond the foremost wall of the house. Double glazing reduces draughts and helps to cut out noise, but think twice about replacing old, architecturally interesting windows with inferior modern versions, as these can devalue the property. It is best to replace such windows with exact replicas – an experienced joiner should be able to make these or sympathetic designs with double glazing.

Replacement windows vary from PVCu versions to ones with timber frames, many of which are treated with a protective coating. Specialist companies, including The Classic Window Company and The Sash Window Workshop, offer a repair or replacement service for traditional sash windows, adding modern elements such as laminate glass to help reduce noise.

Old metal windows need expert care, restoration or replacement: try The Cotswold Casement Company or Clement Windows. One of Clement's popular designs is a cast roof light, which was specially created for listed buildings and those in conservations areas. PVCu windows suit modern homes. The benefits of these frames are that they do not stick or rattle, or need painting and maintenance.

DIRECTORY
PAINT
Anta, (01862) 832477; www.anta.co.uk. Limewash made to order.

B&Q, 0845 222 1000; www.diy.com. Huge paint selection, including own range.

Dulux, (01753) 550555; www.dulux.com. Vast variety of colours, including exterior Weathershield range.

Farrow & Ball, (01202) 876141; www.farrow-ball.com. Exterior paints include National Trust paint colours.

Francesca's Lime Wash, (020) 7228 7694; www.francescaspaint.com. Limewash paint for exteriors.

Hammerite, (01661) 830000; www.hammerite.com. Exterior metal paints.

Hewson-Stubbs, 0870 240 3979; www.hewsonstubbs.co.uk. Paint ranges include masonry paint in 22 colours.

International, (01480) 484284; www.international-paints.co.uk. Paints for all surfaces, including metal and brick.

Johnstone's, (01924) 354000; www.johnstones-paints.co.uk. Exterior paints, including metal paints.

Ray Munn, (020) 7736 9876; www.raymunn.com. Specialist paint supplier.

Sandtex, 0870 240 1127; www.sandtex.co.uk. Specialists in exterior and masonry paints and products.

DOORS
Cotswood, (020) 8368 1664; www.cotswood-doors.co.uk. Exterior doors, plus doors made to order.

Deacon & Sandys, (01580) 243331; www.deaconandsandys.co.uk. Oak planked and panelled doors based on 17th- and 18th-century designs.

Goddard & Gibbs, (020) 8536 0300; www.goddard.co.uk. Designs and installs art glass, from traditional stained and leaded glass to contemporary styles.

InDoors, (01732) 887445; www.indoorsltd.co.uk. Reclaimed Georgian, Victorian and other doors; also manufactures period-style doors.

InSitu Manchester, (0161) 839 5525; www.insitumanchester.com. Reclaimed Victorian, Edwardian and other styles.

JB Kind, (01283) 510210; www.jbkind.com. Wide selection of replacement doors.

Jeld-Wen, 0870 126 0000; www.jeld-wen.co.uk. Soft and hardwood exterior doors, plus garage doors.

The London Door Company, (020) 7801 0877; www.londondoor.co.uk. Makes period-style and contemporary doors.

Neil Phillips Stained Glass, (020) 7229 2113; www.neilphillips.co.uk. Antique stained-glass windows specialist.

Old Time Timber, (01787) 277390; www.oldtimetimber.com. Wide variety of hand-made timber doors.

Peco of Hampton, (020) 8979 8310; www.peco-of-hampton.co.uk. Reclaimed period doors.

Period House Group, 0845 602 3402; www.phg-uk.com. Period-style doors and door fixtures.

Renaissance, (020) 7251 8844; www.renaissancelondon.com. Large selection of reclaimed doors.

Sabrina, (01743) 357977; www.oakdoors.co.uk. Hand-crafted oak exterior doors.

Sambrook and Temperton, (01904) 400722; www.fanlights.co.uk. Manufactures and installs fanlights, also stained-glass conservation.

Stained Glass Construction, (020) 8874 8822; www.stainedglassguild.co.uk. Bespoke doors and stained-glass panels.

Stuart Interiors, (01460) 240349; www.stuart-interiors.com. Architectural joinery, including doors.

Todd Doors, (020) 8845 2493; www.todd-doors.co.uk. Wide selection of softwood and hardwood doors.

Turnburrys, (0191) 281 1770; www.turnburrys.co.uk. Hand-made doors with choice of glazing options.

WINDOWS
Andersen Windows (01283) 511122; www.andersenwindows.com. Many shapes and sizes of weatherproofed, timber-framed, low-maintenance windows.

Anglian Home Improvements, 0800 500 600; www.anglianhome.co.uk. PVCu double-glazed windows, doors and conservatories.

The Classic Window Company, (020) 8275 0770; www.classicwindow.co.uk. Replaces and renovates sash windows.

Clement Windows Group, (01428) 643393; www.clementwg.co.uk. Quality steel and PVCu windows and doors, plus cast roof lights.

The Cotswold Casement Company, (01608) 650568; www.cotswold-casements.co.uk. Manufactures and restores steel frame casement windows, sash windows, French doors and wooden feature windows.

Crittall Windows, (01376) 324106; www.crittall-windows.co.uk. Manufactures high-performance steel windows.

Loewen Windows, (01908) 310798; www.loewen.com. High-quality windows with treated wooden frames.

Marvin Architectural, (020) 8569 8222; www.marvin-architectural.com. Replacement doors and windows.

Mumford & Wood, (01621) 818155; www.mumfordwood.com. Traditional sash windows, French windows and wooden feature windows.

The Original Box Sash Window Company, 0800 783 4053; www.boxsash.com. Makes and installs double-glazed hardwood box sash windows.

Oxford Sash Window Company, (01865) 513113; www.sashwindow.co.uk. Renovates and replaces sash and traditional timber windows.

The Rooflight Company, (01993) 830613; www.metalwindow.co.uk. Metal roof lights in a wide range of designs.

The Sash Window Workshop, 0800 597 2598; www.sashwindow.com. Repairs and replaces sash and casement windows and doors.

The Tudor Leaded Light Company, (01923) 236932; www.tudorleadedlight.com. Restores and replaces original leaded lights by commission.

Velux, 0870 166 7676; www.velux.co.uk. Timber-framed roof windows and specialist blinds.

Ventrolla, 0800 378278; www.ventrolla.co.uk. Renovates sash and period windows.

FEATURE JENNY HASTIE
JUNE 2005