Interior Home Maintenance

Your complete home maintenance checklist

There are many advantages to having built a brand-new home. Not only can you design an abode suited to your specific lifestyle, but you’ll also have peace of mind with a new home structural guarantee and service warranty. Maintenance costs also tend to be lower than an older, established property.   

In saying that, it’s important to remember that regular maintenance is a must to keep your home looking and functioning at its best. Fail to perform the proper checks and repairs, and you can quickly run into costly water damage in winter, fire hazards in summer, and several headaches in-between.  

Below, our expert Home Care team step you through the top home maintenance tasks to complete each season.  

 

Autumn

Windows & doors

As temperatures dip and rainfall increases, check that your windows and doors are ready to protect you from the elements. To save money on heating costs and avoid costly repairs, ensure doors are adequately sealed and adjusted and inspect and clear your window track weep holes.

Gardening & drainage

Ensure trees, shrubs, and plants surrounding your home are adequately pruned and not over watered. Also, checking that surface drainage is clear and operational will further provide your home with the best chance of performing well throughout the upcoming seasonal change.

Clear your gutters

As leaves fall, your gutters may fill, and water can begin to pool. Avoid the prospect of water damage to your roof and walls by regularly clearing your gutters, especially before the high rainfalls of winter. Post-clean, you can use a garden hose to quickly and safely check that your gutters are draining correctly.  

Inspect your reverse cycle aircon

Don’t be left out in the cold! Ensure the heat function of your reverse cycle air conditioner is working correctly well before the temperatures begin to plummet. It also pays to have a professional inspect your unit annually and perform a quick service.

Examine your roof and exteriors

Having your roof inspected by a professional at least once per year will help prevent water invasion before it happens. While the roof is dry, have the experts check for loose or damaged tiles and clear away any form of debris build-up.

Winter

Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans

This will help push the warm air trapped around your ceiling back down to your living spaces, helping to keep your home toasty throughout winter.

Service your garage door

As the air gets colder, you might notice the creak of your garage door. We recommend having your garage door serviced at a minimum every two years to ensure it is operating correctly. 

Spring

Service your air conditioner

Ensure your unit is in good working order before the sweltering summer temperatures. Plus, with less demand in spring, you’ll likely not have to pay as much for the service. 

Clear your air vents

Is your dryer taking longer to dry your washing? Perhaps it’s emitting a strong odour as it goes through its cycle? Spring means more dust and pollen in the air that can clog your home ventilation systems, causing a serious fire hazard and diminishing the effectiveness of your machines. To clean your ducts, use a vacuum cleaner or a specialised cleaning kit from your local home centre. 

Clean your fly screens

The sun is shining again, so open a window and let in some fresh air but be sure you aren’t also welcoming insects inside. To prevent unwanted guests, inspect your fly screens and replace any signs of damage. Now is also a good time to give them a thorough clean – you’ll be surprised at the difference a good scrub can make to the aesthetics of your home.  

Repair and repaint exterior timbers

Repainting not only protects against damage from the elements but also adds to the street appeal of your home. 

Summer

Exterior Cleaning

With more dust in the air, you’ll notice that the exterior of your home may get more dirtier than normal. A good clean will remove abrasive grime and any mould or mildew before it does any damage. Wiping down windows and doors with a gentle household cleaner will also ensure your façade sparkles. 

Remove mould and mildew from bathrooms

Mould thrives in wet, humid conditions, so it pays to give your wet areas a thorough inspection during the summer months. If you do discover any small problem areas, vinegar can be used to kill and remove the growth. Finally, don’t forget to strip and replace infected sealant and open windows to ensure adequate airflow.

Test your smoke detectors

You should be replacing the batteries on your smoke detectors at least annually and testing them quarterly – a particularly important task coming into fire season. 

Don’t forget your monthly must-do maintenance list

  • Carpet & grout cleaning – A build-up of dirt on your carpets isn’t just unsightly it can also cause your carpets to wear quicker than usual. Make vacuuming a regular occurrence – at least once per week!   
  • Inspect & clean wastes and traps – To avoid expensive plumbing bills, make sure you check drains in your wet areas for any build-up of hair, debris, or leaks. Home improvement centres also sell household drain cleaners to help break down any substance stuck in your pipes.  

 

Our industry-leading aftercare program, Boutique Assist, offers a superior 12-month warranty service so your new home has enough time to settle and experience all four seasons.

Our designated Home Care team can also answer any questions you may have. 

 

 

More from Interior Home Maintenance

Explore All
Interior Home Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions – Internal Home Care

Read more
Interior Home Maintenance

Cleaning checklist to keep your home looking its best

Read more
Triangle
Interior Home Maintenance

Step by step guide to cleaning your rangehood

Read more