Some tips on how to prevent problems as the new building dries out

SHRINKAGE

Bricks, timbers, plaster and other materials used in the building of your property have all absorbed a great deal of water during construction. You may not be aware of this, and it will not do you any harm. But once you move in and heat the flat it will dry out, as it dries out the wood and plaster in particular will shrink, causing small cracks, these are not structurally harmful and they can be permanently cured in the process of redecorating.

Because these cracks cannot be prevented altogether or concealed at reasonable cost the builder is not normally legally bound to put them right unless they are abnormally large. We hope the following advice will prove useful and prevent small cracks from becoming major cracks and major worries.

1. Try to keep a reasonably even temperature. If you have central heating, use it sparingly at first allowing the building to gradually warm up.

2. Ensure the property is ventilated. Leave windows and internal doors open a few inches, including doors to built in cupboards, whenever you can.

EFFLORESCENCE

Another sign of drying out may be the appearance of white deposits on internal and external walls. Salts coming out of the wall materials cause this effect. It will eventually disappear on external walls and can be cleaned from internal walls by wiping or brushing with a dry brush.

CONDENSATION

Steam or water vapour turns into water on cold surfaces. It is the next biggest problem in new property. It can damage clothes and bedding, floor coverings, decorations and the house itself. It will cause mould to grow on walls and ceilings. Often condensation is mistaken for incoming dampness. The most common places for condensation to be found are north-facing walls, in cupboards and under work surfaces - in fact anywhere where there is little or no air movement.

The way you use your home affects the amount of condensation produced. The following tips may prove useful:

1. Keep kitchen and bathroom doors shut, particularly when cooking, washing or bathing to prevent water vapour spreading through your property. Leave cupboard doors open until the house has dried out, especially in unheated rooms.

2. Don't allow kettles and pans to boil away longer than necessary.

3. In winter open windows a little when they are misted up. Some ventilation is essential.

4. You will get less condensation if you keep your home warm most of the time. Try to leave some background heat on through the day in cold weather.

5. If you use bottled gas or paraffin heaters you will need to allow extra ventilation. Flue-less heaters of this sort produce more than a pint of water for every pint of fuel they burn!

6. Drying clothes indoors, particularly on radiators, can increase condensation unless you open windows to allow the air to circulate. Tumble driers should be vented outside, if this is not possible you must again allow more ventilation.

7. If you have an extractor fan use it when the windows get steamed up.

8. Don't overfill cupboards and wardrobes. Leave some space for air to circulate particularly try to leave a space at the back of shelves.

9. New homes have more loft insulation than in the past. The roof is colder and water vapour may condense in the loft space. Examine the loft space regularly for signs of condensation. Make sure that gaps are left around the eaves for ventilation.

10. If you have mould growth the chances are that it is a result of condensation. You can get rid of mould by washing down affected surfaces with a bleach-type solution and you can buy special paints, which may help to prevent it. But the only permanent cure is to reduce the amount of condensation.