Tackle these home maintenance tasks now

Home maintenance can feel like a necessary evil. It can be most costly and time consuming, and thus easy to postpone, but the longer you put it off the more resources it eventually requires to rectify. 

Much like your tax return or a visit to the in-laws, ignoring the issue isn't going to make it go away!

Maintenance is part and parcel of owning a property and something that needs to happen on an ongoing basis. "Your property is a significant asset and maintenance is simply part of caring for that asset," says Wilmot Mapogeni, Leapfrog Franchisee for the Sunshine Coast. 

His suggestion is to approach maintenance as par for the course and commit to doing small things regularly to avoid bigger problems further down the line. "The end of a year and the start of a new one is a great time to get your house in order, literally speaking, and is sure to leave you with a sense of order and calm," Magopeni believes. 

The extent of the maintenance will differ from property to property but Magopeni identifies what he believes to be the most essential. 

Roof essentials 

Every now and then it pays to look - at the roof! - to check things are in good working order up there. Roof care and maintenance is an essential part of overall property maintenance, which includes regularly checking for signs of leaks or damages, missing tiles on tile roofs, and blistering or bubbles on flat roofs. "Roof maintenance and replacement can be very costly so you want to keep your hand on it as far as possible in a 'prevention is better than cure' approach," Magopeni shares. 

Temperature control 

In summer in South Africa you don't want to do without fans and air conditioning. Make sure the latter is clean and in good working order. This is important for both the effective functioning of the unit and will ensure the most efficient use of electricity. Check the owner's manual to see how often it needs to be serviced by a professional. 

Water wise 

Water consumption tends to go up notably in summer, but because South Africa is a water scarce country we need to all commit to still saving water wherever possible. "Invest in a cover for your swimming pool to limit water evaporation in the heat. You may also want to look into a water tank to conserve rainwater for use in the garden in the months with low rainfall," Magopeni recommends. 

Counterintuitively, we also use water to ensure our general water usage happens more efficiently. Make sure to run water in baths and showers that don't get used regularly and to flush toilets in under-utilized areas to prevent grime building up, for example. Minor maintenance should also include things like cleaning the inside of shower heads to remove residue buildup, which in turn better regulates the water pressure. 

Spick n span 

Spring cleaning may not typically fall under "home maintenance" tasks but a clean, neat and organised home is generally also easier to maintain and care for. 

An annual deep clean is also a great way to become aware of the things that need attention in terms of repairs or replacement. Clutter often hides the problems, plus sorting out and tidying your home is a great way to cultivate a new appreciation for the asset you work hard to afford and enjoy. 

A stitch (or screw) in time 

And then there are the small things; the missing screw on a door handle, the silicone seal around the bath, the broken floor tile in the kitchen, the list goes on! "Take care of these seemingly small things as soon as you notice them as it helps to stay in the habit of minor maintenance, which can help to ensure things don't get out of control," Magopeni says. 

A house-proud property owner takes care of their property, knowing that in the long run it saves time, money and effort, and helps the property to grow in value.