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You’ve just put down a lot of money to own your very own piece of heaven, your own home! Now, how skilled are you at protecting that asset? Even a brand-new building can quickly deteriorate if you don’t look after it. You need to prevent unnecessary expenses with good maintenance.

So, what are the best maintenance guidelines to turn into healthy habits? Who should you keep on speed dial to help when DIY plans don’t work? From a blocked drain plumber Melbourne homeowners can call when in a pinch, to dealing with your garden to improve your property value, we’ve got you covered.

Trees are Beautiful but can be Dangerous

Your maintenance starts in the garden. Even if you’re not an avid gardener, you need to give your outdoor spaces a once over now and then.

Any trees in the garden may grow closer to structures like a shed or the house itself. Branches scratching against a roof or a wall exert pressure and the friction can damage the surface of the structure. An additional risk is giving some pests like termites easy access to your home by them running from the tree to the building. Cut back trees and shrubbery regularly, so there’s ample clear space right around the building at all height levels.

Create a Schedule for Preventive Plumbing Maintenance

What should your checklist be for maintaining the plumbing infrastructure?

• Look for signs of trouble on a continual basis, but also give the premises a thorough once over, especially before winter.
• Look for change in water pressure which could be a sign of a leak.
• If water drains slower than usual, there may be something blocking a pipe.
• A drop or rise in water temperature signals a water heater problem.

For most plumbing challenges you may have to call in the professionals.

Any HVAC System Needs Regular Attention

About twice a year you’ll need to have your HVAC system checked. This is to ensure it runs properly, which would save you unnecessary utility costs of a poor performing unit.

Another aspect you or the experts need to check for is a build-up of dust and debris. This will need clearing out, so your HVAC doesn’t lead to your family’s allergies getting worse. To prevent even worse health problems, you also need to ensure there’s no fungi growing inside the ducts.

Apart from the check and clean you may need to budget for new filters too.

Electrical Tips

Your electrical infrastructure is another system you can’t neglect. You can’t monitor all the wires in the wall, but you can use your senses to check your electrical panel from time to time. It can help you notice a problem before it escalates:

• Make sure it’s not warm to the touch.
• Check for water or rust marks in any part of the panel.
• Breathe in and determine if you notice an odour of burning insulation.

Don’t try and fix this yourself though. Call an electrician for urgent assistance.

Your Roof is a Priority

Never neglect the condition of your roof. Any damage in this area could have dire consequences and create a snowball effect of more problems. For example, blocked gutters lead to water damming in the roof cavity or near the drains. This can lead to damage of your foundation or moisture seeping into your home and causing mould.

Set reminders on your calendar to clean gutters, especially before and after the rainy season. Also check the general condition of the roof, such as looking for cracked roof tiles.

From Time to Time, Do Necessary Improvements

The goal of maintenance is to identify possible problems, so you can attend to them quickly, avoid safety risks and prevent expenses. You can pursue these goals through some upgrading as well, so budget for at least some improvements each year.

Installing new bathroom fittings is a smart option because newer units will limit water consumption. In the long run you’ll benefit from a higher property value because if you ever sell the house, potential buyers will easily notice and be impressed by these modern features.

You can also opt for some smart home features that help you manage energy consumption. Once again this will be a selling point of your asset and in the meantime you’ll benefit from lower utility costs. Maintenance can even be easier if you can monitor certain aspects of your home via your mobile devices.

Check Your Detectors

A last tip for efficiency and safety. At least once a year, check your smoke alarm, your security system and carbon monoxide detectors.

Feel Like a Pro Yet?

Don’t let the task list overwhelm you. Rather feel empowered by knowing you’re looking after your investment as well as any long-time property owner can.

Just remember that it’s best to start as soon as possible. You don’t want to lower your property’s value or make more effort and expenses for yourself than is necessary.

Have a question? Ask below!