Home maintenance is part and parcel of real estate ownership and there are smart and not so smart strategies for building maintenance. You could do absolutely nothing and wait until an issue crops up, or you could be proactive and carry out remedial work before problems arise; both strategies have their pros and cons.
If you prefer to keep on top of things, here are a few annual tasks to note.
- Roof inspection – The only way you’re going to find out about the state of the roof is to have it inspected by a local roofing contractor; there is no other way unless you are brave enough to get the ladders out and venture up there! The outcome is a detailed written report on every aspect of the roof and if the roofer thinks work is necessary, he can do it on the spot. Cleaning out the guttering is an essential chore that should be done every few months if you have overhanging trees.
- Drain survey – The best way to avoid blocked drains in Castle Hill is to arrange an annual drain inspection and the technician will jet flush the system, preventing blockages. The technician sends down a rugged go-anywhere buggy equipped with hi-res cameras so he can see the inner pipes and finding a blockage is easy. If you don’t have the drains flushed, you run the risk of a blockage and if that occurs, do not tackle it yourself, as this usually makes it worse.
- Staining exterior wood – The harsh Australian climate can destroy timber, so buy a decent varnish and apply 2 coats. Your decking will certainly appreciate a bit of TLC, as would everything made from timber. Don’t leave garden furniture in the sun, as this will definitely do some damage. Click here for upcycling old furniture tips.
- Interior inspection – Start with the ceilings, looking for signs of damp; make a list of small jobs until you have enough to keep a handyman busy for a morning. Squeaky doors, leaking faucets, scuffed floors and walls; all these minor fixes can be handled in a single visit and you’ll have peace of mind, knowing the house is in good shape.
- Spring clean – Living space collects dust, dirt and grime; it’s a fact and like it or not, the annual spring clean has got to happen. The spring months are the best time to carry out a spring clean (obvious huh?), but summer works too! Remove as much furniture as you can and put some old bedsheets out to protect the floor. We recommend working room by room, starting at the top and working down. A good feather duster should remove all dust from ceilings, around light fittings and in the corners; open the windows when dusting to create an airflow, wipe down all surfaces (including tops of doors). There are cleaning contractors with special offers on spring cleaning; invite someone to give you a quote and you can take the family out for the day while a team of cleaning professionals attack your home. Hygiene is important and if you clean your living space every year, it will always be fresh.
Home maintenance works with some planning and forethought; things you can’t handle can be left to a tradesman; either way, it makes total sense to take good care of your investment.
