With 2016 here, we believe it's an appropriate time to look to the year ahead and how all of us can take steps to make our homes even better. From keeping your roof in good condition to accounting for every potential pitfall that can come with a DIY project, here are our essential tips for a little home improvement (not the show).

Check your roof

First up, you should check your roof for any possible signs of damage or even general dirt and grit that could be worth cleaning up. There can be a number of signs of damage, from discolouration to cracks in the tiles or rust in the metal (depending your roof type). Be sure to read up on more signs here. Sometimes discolouration can be benign (it may a natural discolouration in the product), but it's always worth having an expert check out if you do come across any - particularly if there are several sites of discoluration. If notable cracks or rusting appear to be occurring, then you should certainly seek a professional assessment.

Clean up your gutters and downpipes

While you should check and clean out your gutters and downpipes at least every six months, the start of a new year is a good time to look for any debris in both areas. Gutters that become blocked with leaves, dirt and other airborne debris become less efficient and can cause water to back up during heavy rainfall. If water gets backed up, it can sometimes overlap the gutters and manage to seep into your roof or walling.

Similarly, if your downpipes are clogged with random debris, the water can back up again and have a similar effect. So be sure to clean your gutters and downpipes, as well as look for any signs of damage that need to addressed.

Refine your outdoor space

Have you been considering changes to your outdoor entertainment space? Now's a great time to take those changes and start making them a reality. Don't forget to account for creating a good amount of space, ensuring the space is comfortable during summer and winter, that you have good lighting set up, and that you've accounted for privacy.

Have any DIY projects in mind?

If you're looking to pursue any do-it-yourself projects this year, a game plan is an important part of the process. Visualise what you want to achieve first, then map out specifics such as budget, necessary tools/materials, and how long you think it will take you to complete. As with any project that you're personally undertaking, you need to be aware of potential pitfalls and missteps that have caught others out in the past, as well. You can read about some of these here.

* Image source: Bart Speelman / Flickr via Creative Commons 2.0