Owning your own home is most people’s long-term goal and once you finally get the keys to the property, maintenance suddenly becomes your responsibility. Materials degrade over time and your brand-new house is in a continuous state of decline, and with that in mind, here are a few home maintenance tips to keep your home in good shape.
- Know your limits – A classic example is a blocked drain; if you have never tackled such a problem, we recommend calling your local plumber in Quakers Hill who has the know-how and equipment to pinpoint and remove the blockage. Before tackling any maintenance job, make sure that you, a) have the tools and materials and b) have the knowledge to complete the job. Tradesmen do not appreciate having to fix other people’s mistakes, so think twice before taking on a repair if you have no experience.
- Pre-source essential services – Plumbers and electricians are necessary when we have issues; make a list of trades that you might need and source local providers, storing numbers in your smartphone and when you are in need of a service, you can give them a call.
- YouTube videos – There are thousands of how to videos on YouTube that you can watch to assist you in a maintenance job. Some people have actually built a complete house with zero construction experience, using tutorial videos to guide them; from footings to fixing roof tiles and everything in between, you can find on YouTube.
- Essential tools & equipment – Most Aussie homeowners gradually acquire a decent set of tools over time and when buying tools, always choose a known brand that will stand the test of time. Today’s generation of power tools are cordless and battery powered; screwdrivers, drills and saws that are designed for the task at hand, while hand tools should be kept in a safe place. Click here for tips on painting the interior of a condo.
- Prompt repairs – A stitch in time saves nine, or so the saying goes and this is relevant to building maintenance. Whatever the issue, it will become worse over time and the sooner you carry out repairs, the cheaper the cost.
- Regular inspections – We advise you to do a walkarounds on a weekly basis, which will reveal any minor issues; make a note and carry out repairs as soon as is practically possible. This is especially important for the roof; call your local roofing contractor and have them carry out a thorough roof inspection. Inspect brickwork and timber for signs of damage or decay and don’t forget timber preservatives to protect exterior wood.
If you are a busy person with very little free time, you can ask a local handyman to inspect your home every couple of months and while he’s there, he can fix any issues he finds. Building maintenance is not something you can afford to overlook and we hope the information in this short article helps you get to grips with issues around the home.
