Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist

Not sure what home maintenance needs to be done and when? Take a look at our monthly home maintenance checklist.

03/03/2021

 

 

 

 

As a guest on Radio 702 the other day, we were talking about home maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly and how important it is as a homeowner that you stay on top of this if you want to spot potential problems before they happen, or before they get worse than they already are. If you are a new homeowner or are unsure of what home maintenance tasks you need to do regularly, here's a checklist that is done on a seasonal basis, so that you can have peace of mind that your home is protected.

 

 

NOTE FOR LANDLORDS

While this article is intended for homeowners it also applies to homeowners who lease out their properties to tenants on a regular basis. You may not be able to undertake regular inspections for yourself, but you should make sure that tenants are aware of seasonal maintenance that needs to be performed.

 

 

AUTUMN HOME MAINTENANCE

When the temperatures start to drop and leaves fall in the garden, this is the time to get outside before it gets too cold to take care of a few home maintenance tasks that need to be done. This includes hiring Millers tree care in Spring Hill to do the pruning and trimming back of overgrown shrubs and trees.

 

Here is our checklist for your home in autumn:

 

  1. Starting at the top with the most important part of any home is to check the roof. It doesn't matter if your roof is tiled, IBR, flat or angled, anything can go wrong with a roof - at any time. It cannot be stressed enough that you always need to keep an eye on the roof for potential problems.

  2. In winter rainfall areas, clean out downspouts and gutters to remove leaf debris that could potentially block these and result in expensive repairs you don't need. Also, check that downspouts are pointing away from the structure and water flow is not interrupted.

  3. For those properties that have a fireplace and chimney, periodic checking of this is vitally important. Check the flashing around the chimney and check indoors that the fireplace is clean and functioning properly. You might not need to use the fireplace at this moment but it won't be long before the winter chills set in and that's when you need a fireplace in good working order.

  4. Inspect window and door frames for gaps. Also inspect around the frames that the brickwork is still in good condition.

  5. Fix any gaps around doors, particularly at the bottom of doors. If gaps are substantial, think about installing a draught excluder or door sweep to the doors.

  6. If not already done, consider the installation of ceiling insulation, a geyser blanket and pipe insulation.

  7. Autumn is the best time to do any exterior home painting unless you are in a winter rainfall region in which case spring is the best time. If you use quality paint products for painting the exterior of your home, you should only need to paint every 7 to 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE

While most winter home maintenance is best tackled in the autumn months, before the outdoor temperature gets too chilly, anything that you didn't manage to do during autumn can be done now.

 

Here is our checklist for your home in winter:

 

  1. As previously mentioned in the autumn home maintenance checklist, giving your roof a quick inspection is a necessity that should be done as regularly as possible.

  2. With it being cold outdoors, winter is the ideal opportunity to complete any maintenance projects you have had on hold. This could include cleaning out indoor drains using a combination of white spirit vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. If you clean these regularly, you will prevent future blockages from becoming an issue.

  3. Winter is the best time to schedule repairs on air conditioning systems, whether these have to be done on-site or the units sent in for annual maintenance.

  4. Get out into the garden to take care of any annual winter tasks that need to be done. This includes pruning and trimming back of overgrown shrubs and trees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE

 

Here is our checklist for your home in spring:

 

  1. As previously mentioned in the autumn home maintenance checklist, giving your roof a quick inspection is a necessity that should be done as regularly as possible. Spring is when the first rainfalls are due, particularly for those in the summer rainfall areas, and putting off any roof repairs could result in expensive jobs that your insurance company might not cover due to insufficient maintenance being performed.

  2. If you didn't manage to schedule repairs on air conditioning systems during winter, make sure to schedule this now before it is too late.

  3. In summer rainfall areas, clean out downspouts and gutters to remove leaf debris that could potentially block these and result in expensive repairs you don't need. Additionally, check that downspouts are pointing away from the structure and water flow is not interrupted.

  4. Take care of any repair or maintenance to outdoor furniture as well as outdoor timber fixtures and fittings, such as decks and fencing. Clean hardscape areas such as concrete slabs and paving using a high-pressure sprayer.
  5. Inspect window and door frames for gaps and also inspect around the frames that the brickwork is still in good condition. Remove and re-apply damaged sealer around window panes and frames.

  6. In the garden take care of any annual spring tasks that need to be done. This includes applying fertilizer to beds and lawn.

  7. For properties with wooden windows and window frames, annual maintenance will include rubbing back and re-applying an exterior sealer. This also applies to exterior wooden doors and frames.

 

 

SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE

If you keep to the seasonal checklist above for autumn, winter and spring, you should have plenty of time to sit back and relax during summer. But before you do, take a final inspection of your home and make a list of items that might need a bit of quick maintenance to keep them running throughout the year, for example, clean your garage door and do a general tidy up in the garage and any garden sheds you have.

Home maintenance never stops and you should always take the time to go around your property, both indoors and out, to keep an eye out for potential problems. If anything needs to be fixed, do it before it gets forgotten.

 

 

 

 

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