As any landlord knows keeping ones property in good condition is of the utmost importance. It is great to get cheap landlord insurance but the premiums will soon go up if a series of claims are made.

There are always lots of little jobs that need doing and often outside jobs get ignored in favour of little niggles pinpointed by tenants on the inside. It is really important to maintain the outside of the building not just to protect the integrity of the property but to ensure the place retains as much kerb appeal as possible.

When getting round to the outside jobs it is necessary to ensure that the work is carried out correctly and to a good standard, if this can’t be achieved using one’s own skills then it is time to call in a professional. Don’t jeopardise the rental capabilities of the home by doing a poor job, saving pennies in this way can cost you pounds.

A job where this can easily apply is painting a door. A simple enough job it would seem and one that will greatly benefit the appearance of any home, a fresh lick of paint really can work wonders. It is however, important to carry out the job correctly.

First of all iron out any problems the door may have before starting the job. A door that requires painting can often indicate a door that has not been maintained correctly. For instance if the door is tight and difficult to open or close then a couple of coats of paint can make a real difference. A tight door can become a door that is almost impossible to operate without using brute strength and before you realise where the problem is, you have cracked or broken a pane of glass trying to open it. If a door is tight examine it well, it could be the door has swollen slightly and needs planing. It could well be the door mechanism at fault, the screws in the strike box could have become loose and obstruct the door slightly.

Once the door is prepared for painting it is a good idea to take the door of its hinges and carry out the job in a well ventilated space under cover. Use protective clothing where required for a painting job, eye protection, overalls and light gloves should all be worn. If using a spray gun to paint the door then a face mask must be used.

The painting of the door itself really is simple, take your time to cover any glass in the door or any other parts that don’t require paint and apply the paint carefully, making sure the you get an even coverage. The paint tin will give details on how long a time is required between coats.