For most homeowners, the kitchen acts as the heart of the house playing host to the everyday activities of all the family, from cooking and washing to homework and socialising with friends.

Therefore, we'd all agree that having the room out of action due to repairs or renovations for even a short amount of time can prove to be a serious inconvenience that should be avoided if possible.

And, according to TV presenter and interior designer Julia Kendell, one of the best ways to avoid expensive and time-consuming problems in the kitchen is to fix up any repairs and tackle those odd jobs as soon as they occur.

"It's so very important to make sure that the jobs are done properly and as soon as you spot them," she says.

"It's those sorts of things that can end up costing you a lot of money if you just leave them and leave them. And it looks unsightly as well, quite apart from [that]."

Although most problems such as broken appliances, leaky kitchen sink taps and cracked tiles are easy to spot, it's often a good idea to give your room a quick once over to check for any pesky jobs that need doing.

"I should also say that if you've got things like cracks in the walls you should check what sort of problem it is first before you go sorting it out," Julia adds.

"Often cracks can be caused by something like a leaking gutter, which is so very easy to mend."

In general these sorts of tasks can be carried out by householders themselves - which is a quick and inexpensive solution - but never attempt home improvements if you're not sure, as a botched job can prove to be more expensive in the long run.

If you're in doubt, don't be afraid to ask for some help or call in a professional tradesman, but do so sooner rather than later if you want to avoid more serious problems in the kitchen.