Top 10 Home Maintenance Tips
Thursday 23rd February 2012 - 5:20pm
With the start of a new year, there is no better time to check everything around your house is in good working order.
Many of the common problems you face around the home can be prevented by conducting routine inspection and maintenance.
A little minor repair work now will save you a whole lot of trouble and expense later on when small problems get out of hand!
Check out our top 10 maintenance tips to help keep your home in tip-top shape.
1. Clean air-conditioning filters and fan blades
Your air-conditioning and ventilation fans will run much more efficiently if cleaned every summer. Consult your manual for cleaning instructions, but for many systems filter and blade cleaning is as simple as a quick scrub in hot, soapy water.
2. Change fire alarm batteries
This should be done twice a year. Replace the batteries and press the test button to ensure that your alarm is working and able to alert your family should the need arise.
3. Clean gutters and downpipes
Check that your gutters are crack-free and safely secured. Remove loose branches or leaves as these will clog your gutters come winter and in summer are a fire hazard, particularly for those living in areas prone to bushfires.
4. Replace leaking taps and bathroom fixtures
Corroded, dripping taps waste a surprising amount of water. They can be easily replaced or patched after a quick trip to your hardware store.
5. Remove firewood stored near the home and tidy fallen branches
Firewood should be stored 18 inches off the ground, at least 2 feet from your house. As well as being fuel to fire in summer, firewood, fallen branches and debris invite termites alarmingly close to your home and removal will limit the risk of infestation.
6. Examine roof tiles
Check for missing or damaged roof tiles. These should be replaced before the winter comes to avoid annoying leaks.
7. Seal wooden decking, secure unstable steps and railings, and replace deteriorating wood
Sealing your decks annually helps prevent deterioration and rotting, and also makes them easier to keep clean. Securing any unstable areas avoids unnecessary accidents occurring.
8. Patch cracks in walls, driveways and pathways
Minor cracks in walls call easily be patched with mortar, sanded back and repainted. Cracked pavements should be filled with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.
9. Check safety switches
Safety switches and circuit breakers are common in most homes. Test buttons on safety switches should be triggered every 3 months to trip the system. If there are any problems with the circuits you will be protected.
10. Inspect the roof space
Look for water leakage, rot, fungus, loose or damaged insulation and repair or treat as necessary. Search for signs of vermin infestation and if required place bait and traps or hire an exterminator.
Tired of trying to maintain your old run down home? Why not build a brand new Commodore Home!
Older homes face more maintenance issues that can require costly repairs and aren’t covered under a warranty.
A new home not only has the latest design and modern luxuries but all Commodore Homes come with a lifetime structural guarantee and require less mainteance because everything is brand new!
New homes are also more energy efficient with the use of energy saving features and better insulation which will likely save you money in the long run for heating and cooling.
So what are you waiting for!?