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If you and your partner have recently become the proud owners of your very first home, that’s a big congrats from us! It is no mean feat to find the deposit, not to mention getting mortgage approval and if you are looking for some building maintenance advice, you have come to the right place.
Here are a few property maintenance hacks to help you protect your new investment.
- Regular inspections – A house is a big structure and that means inspecting every square foot to check for defects/issues. The roof is one component that needs to be inspected every 6 months; your local roofing contractor can do this. He will give you a detailed report on every aspect of the roof and should there be any issues, they can be dealt with promptly.
- Pre-source tradespeople – Google can take you to a top-rated plumber in Sydney and you can store their emergency number in your smartphone. Do the same for an emergency electrician and find a local landscape gardener for yard maintenance. Source the number for a 24/7 locksmith, which we hope you’ll never need.
- Jump on repairs – The longer you leave a building repair, the more it will cost; it makes complete sense to call in a professional as soon as you discover an issue. Minor issues can be noted and when you have a few, ask a local handyman to pop around. Click here for interior design inspiration.
- Use quality materials – When carrying out repairs, you should only use quality materials, which ensures the repair is permanent. Check out the latest composites that are maintenance-free, strong and very light. Your home is likely to be the biggest single investment you will ever make, so it is important to carry out regular inspections and prompt repairs.
- Get into DIY – You can save money by carrying out home repairs; invest in a set of decent tools and watch a few YouTube ‘how to’ videos to get some practical know-how. The cost of labour has nearly doubled in the past few years and some tradies have high call-out charges. Buy tools as and when you are in need and eventually, you’ll have a full complement of carpentry tools and be able to tackle a few home improvement projects when you feel you are ready.
- Be proactive – Have the drains power washed every year and apply a protective coat to the roof, which will prolong the life; any timber surfaces should be coated with a protective varnish, or similar product. Look for ways to protect your investment and this will pay long-term dividends.
Of course, there are many local companies you can turn to for home maintenance and by pre-sourcing the numbers, you will be ready for anything. Don’t forget the annual spring clean, which keeps the home decluttered and this is an opportunity to inspect.
