Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

🏠 Exterior 0 / 6

Clean gutters and downpipesBlocked gutters cause water damage and are a fire risk in summer. Check roof tiles / metal for damageCracked or missing tiles allow water ingress — catch it early. Inspect exterior paint for peeling or crackingPeeling paint exposes timber to moisture — repaint before it gets worse. Check fence posts for movement or rotLeaning posts are a safety hazard and signal timber rot or concrete failure. Clear drainage channels around foundationPoor drainage causes foundation movement and moisture in sub-floor. Inspect deck/pergola for loose boards or postsCheck for soft spots, loose fixings and rot — a WHS liability if guests are injured.

🔑 Interior — General 0 / 5

Test all door and window locksFaulty locks affect home security — replace worn cylinders immediately. Oil all door hinges and sliding door tracksA drop of 3-in-1 oil prevents costly hinge replacement and keeps doors aligned. Check all caulking around baths and showersFailed silicone lets water into the wall cavity — causes mould and structural damage. Test smoke alarms and replace batteriesLegally required in NSW — test monthly, replace batteries annually. Check walls and ceilings for cracks or dampHairline cracks are normal. Growing cracks or water stains need investigation.

🍳 Kitchen & Laundry 0 / 4

Check under sink for any moisture or dripsSlow drips under sinks rot cabinet bases and breed mould. Check the P-trap and supply lines. Clean rangehood filter and check fan functionGrease-clogged filters are a fire hazard. Dishwasher-safe filters should be cleaned quarterly. Inspect washing machine hoses for deteriorationRubber hoses crack over time — a burst hose can flood a home within minutes. Replace every 5 years. Check dishwasher seal and drain functionDoor seals perish over time — a worn seal causes leaks at the base of the machine.

🚿 Bathroom 0 / 4

Regrout or reseal tiles showing deteriorationCrumbling grout lets water behind tiles — moisture in wall cavities causes mould and structural damage. Check exhaust fan functionA functioning exhaust fan prevents mould growth. Clean the cover every 6 months. Inspect toilet seal and cistern componentsA running toilet wastes up to 200L/day. Add food dye to cistern — if it reaches the bowl, the seal is failing. Replace any cracked or missing tile groutUse epoxy grout for wet areas — it's waterproof and resistant to mould.

🛡️ Safety 0 / 4

Test all safety switches (RCD test button)Press the test button on each RCD at the switchboard — power to that circuit should cut immediately. Check fire extinguisher if presentCheck the pressure gauge is in the green zone. Most extinguishers need professional service every 5 years. Ensure all escape routes unobstructedEvery bedroom should have a clear path to an exit. Check window latches open from the inside. Check gas appliance connections and hosesFlexible gas hoses have a 5-year life. Apply soapy water to connections — bubbles indicate a gas leak.

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist