What to check each season to prevent expensive repairs. Most emergency call-outs start as small problems that were ignored.
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AUTUMN — Clean gutters and downpipes
Remove leaves and debris before winter storms. Blocked gutters cause water overflow that damages fascias, soffits, and can lead to rising damp in walls.
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AUTUMN — Inspect roof condition
Look for cracked or missing tiles, lifted metal sheets, and deteriorated flashing around vents and chimneys. Fix small issues before winter rain makes them big ones.
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AUTUMN — Test stormwater drains
Run a hose into your stormwater pits and check water flows away from the house. Blocked stormwater during winter causes flooding and foundation damage.
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AUTUMN — Service heating systems
Have your gas heater or ducted heating serviced before you need it. A blocked flue or faulty heat exchanger is a carbon monoxide risk.
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WINTER — Watch for damp and mould
Check bathrooms, laundries, and rooms with poor airflow. Persistent dampness can indicate a waterproofing failure or ventilation issue that needs professional attention.
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WINTER — Test safety switches
Press the test button on your switchboard RCD. It should trip immediately and reset when pressed again. If it doesn't, call a licensed electrician — this is a life-safety issue.
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SPRING — Service air conditioning
Clean filters, check refrigerant, and test the system BEFORE the first hot day. A pre-summer service costs $150-250. An emergency repair in January costs $300-600+.
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SPRING — Check exterior paint and timber
Winter weather exposes flaking paint, rotting timber, and corroded fixings. Touch up or repair before summer UV makes it worse.
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SUMMER — Check for pest activity
Warmer weather activates termites, ants, and spiders. If you haven't had a termite inspection in 12 months, book one. Termite damage costs $7,000-$10,000+ on average to repair.
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SUMMER — Monitor plumbing and water use
Increased water use stresses plumbing. Fix dripping taps and running toilets promptly — a dripping tap wastes 15,000+ litres per year.