🧰 Homeowner Maintenance & Preventive Tips 🏡
Taking care of your home is a year-round commitment! While your builder covers many defects under warranty, there are plenty of things that fall under homeowner maintenance. Staying on top of these not only keeps your home looking great, but also prevents bigger issues down the track.
🔧 What Is Considered Homeowner Maintenance?
These items are generally the responsibility of the homeowner and are not covered under your builder’s warranty:
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🧽 Cleaning gutters regularly to prevent overflow and internal water damage
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🕳️ Clearing weep holes and vents of mulch, dirt, and garden debris
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🚿 Re-caulking bathrooms and wet areas if silicone starts to peel
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🚪 Maintaining seals on windows and doors to keep them weatherproof
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🌱 Regular lawn and garden care, including mowing, watering, and trimming
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🐜 Pest prevention, including termite inspections beyond initial protection
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🎨 Touching up paint scuffs and chips from furniture or day-to-day wear
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🧱 Maintaining paths & driveways, removing moss or stains
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🔋 Checking and replacing smoke alarm batteries (recommended yearly)
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❄️ Cleaning air conditioning filters and servicing systems
🖌️ Repainting external timberwork and structures to protect from the elements and to prevent deterioration
🛡️ Preventive Maintenance Tips
Want to stay ahead of the game? These simple preventive habits help avoid costly repairs later:
🧼 1. Inspect Seals & Silicone Quarterly
Check all window edges, door frames, showers, and wet areas. Reapply where cracking, mould, or peeling is seen.
🌧️ 2. Gutter & Downpipe Checks (Seasonally)
Clear debris before storm season hits. Overflow from clogged gutters can damage eaves and even cause internal leaks.
🌊 3. Watch Water Drainage Around the Home
Ensure your yard still slopes away from the house. Poor grading or blocked drains can lead to slab and foundation issues.
🐜 4. Maintain Pest Prevention
Keep mulch below weep holes and garden beds away from the slab. Schedule termite inspections annually.
🖌️ 5. Maintain External Paintwork & Timber
Timber fencing, decks, and feature walls need annual recoating or oiling to stay protected from UV and rain.
🔍 Look for signs of fading, peeling or dry wood — it’s time for a fresh coat!
🛠️ 6. Service Major Appliances
Hot water systems, range hoods, and air cons need yearly servicing. Clean AC filters every 3 months to ensure airflow and energy efficiency.
🚿 7. Keep Wet Areas Dry & Ventilated
Clean shower screens and grout lines regularly. Run fans after showers and keep doors open when possible to prevent mould and mildew.
🔔 8. Test Safety Systems
Check smoke alarms monthly. Hit the test button and change batteries yearly. Also test your safety switches (RCDs) at the switchboard.
🪑 9. Be Gentle With Fittings
Avoid slamming drawers, dragging furniture, or putting heavy pressure on cabinetry and hinges — this prolongs their life and appearance.
✅ In Summary
🔁 Proactive care now = fewer headaches later!
Here’s your quick maintenance checklist:
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📅 Monthly: Test smoke alarms, check silicone
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🌧️ Seasonally: Clean gutters, inspect exterior paint & timber
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🛠️ Annually: Recoat decks & exposed wood, service AC & hot water, termite check
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🌿 Ongoing: Lawn care, pest awareness, keep drainage clear
A little time and attention now will help keep your home strong, safe, and stunning for years to come 🏠💪