A year-round home maintenance calendar for Australia
A season-by-season maintenance plan for Australian homes, covering gutters, heating, cooling, pests, smoke alarms, trees and hot water.
Key takeaways
- Small regular checks prevent most emergency call-outs.
- Group related jobs into one visit to save time and call-out costs.
- Keep records — they help with warranties, insurance and resale.
Spring
Get ready for storms and warm weather.
- Clean gutters and check downpipes
- Service air conditioning
- Book a termite inspection
- Check roof tiles and flashings after winter
- Start bushfire preparation in fire-prone areas
Summer
Keep cooling and outdoor systems running.
- Clean air-conditioner filters monthly during heavy use
- Check pool equipment and pool fencing
- Inspect decks and outdoor structures
- Tie down or store loose items before storms or cyclones
Autumn
Prepare for colder, wetter months.
- Clear gutters of falling leaves
- Service gas heaters with a licensed gasfitter
- Check hot-water system performance
- Prune trees while they are dormant, where appropriate
Winter
Deal with damp and cold.
- Watch for ceiling stains and roof leaks during rain
- Ventilate wet areas and treat surface mould
- Protect exposed pipes in frost-prone areas
- Test smoke alarms and safety switches
Every few months
Press the test button on each safety switch, test smoke alarms, check for dripping taps and running toilets, and read the water meter with every tap off to spot hidden leaks early.
Make it one job
Handypeople and property maintenance Fixers can often combine several small tasks into one visit. List everything in a single request with photos and they can quote the whole job.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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Seasonal reminders and new guides for Australian households.
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