The 'Get It Done Now' Checklist
Every homeowner knows that it is important to stay on top of things that need to be done before each season, and we provide an essential checklist of what should be done now - before spring 'officially' arrives.
18/08/2021
Home maintenance never stops when you own your property. The changing of seasons brings about new or repeated tasks that need to be done in and around the house. Taking care of tasks beforehand, especially when it comes to spring and summer, means that you will have more time on your hands for enjoyment.
Let's take a look at some essential tasks indoors and outdoors that need to be done as soon as possible.
1. Have all the tools ready
Before you can begin any jobs that need to be done now or in the future, you need to make sure that your tools and supplies are good to go. That means going through what tools you have and making sure they are in good order. Check that garden tools are clean and sharp or take the necessary steps to sharpen them. Make sure the lawnmower is clean and fill up with fresh petrol.
You should also make a list of what tools you have on hand to check if anything needs to be replaced or repaired. Sending a lawnmower in for a service before spring means it will be ready for work when the grass comes out of hibernation.
2. Inspect your property
Maintaining your property is an ongoing process, one that needs to be done regularly throughout the year, but even more important before the start of the rainy season. While climate changes have brought about unusual weather conditions, spring usually brings the rainy season.
Anything that could leak should be inspected and repaired, whether it is loose or broken roof tiles, loose waterproofing on a flat roof or rusted fittings on an IBR roof. Never underestimate what damage the weather can wreak. If there are any signs of damage or areas that you suspect may soon lead to damage, act now to remedy the problem.
Landlords and investment property owners need to take the time to inspect their properties for damage and necessary repairs.
Talking about rain in general and considering that we have been experienced harsher than normal downpours around the country, some that have even resulted in flooding, it's not just leaks you need to be checking for but also areas that may flood. For example, does your swimming pool or pond allow water flow away from the property? Are there areas in the garden where water pools close to the building? Does water runoff down a driveway cause flooding anywhere? Steps can be taken now to remedy the situation before it becomes a costly exercise.
3. Do cosmetic repairs and fix ups
Not quite as important as essential maintenance, doing any cosmetic repairs now is a good time to stay on top of keeping up the appearance of a property. It is far better to do this when the weather is still cool, and the rainy season hasn't started. Things like fixing up and painting the exterior of the house, removing rust and mould from steel and wood fittings, sanding and re-sealing of wooden window frames and doors, and so on. There is normally a never-ending list of things that need to be done and it is always better to get them done and out of the way as soon as possible.
Before the warm weather hits, take the time to get your swimming pool in tip-top shape for the year ahead. It may be that the sand filter needs to be emptied, cleaned and refilled, or perhaps there are pool pipes that must be replaced, or you may even need to replace the pool cleaner. Spend a morning on the pool and work out what needs to be done ahead of time.
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4. Pretty touches here and there
The last item you can concentrate on before the arrival of spring is preparing the lawn and garden. A lush green lawn requires preparation and now is the ideal time to get out there to scarify the lawn and remove dead thatch, aerate the soil and add nutrients to flower beds. Even if you are not a gardener and don't like to spend a lot of time working in the garden, taking a weekend now to do what needs to be done in advance will ensure you have a nice-looking garden through spring and summer.
Dust off and clean garden furniture and check if any maintenance needs to be done wooden furniture should be treated every year with an exterior sealer or oil to protect against the elements. Check steel or wrought iron furniture for signs of rust and treat accordingly and make inspect cushions. If your cushions don't have removable covers. Fill up the bathtub with warm soapy water and leave them to soak overnight before rinsing and placing out in the sun to dry.