Fixline Property Maintenance 03 5 min read Guide
Home maintenance checklist: what to fix and when
A seasonal home maintenance checklist for Tweed Coast homeowners. What to inspect, what to fix now, and how to bundle repairs into one visit.
Short answer: A seasonal checklist keeps small problems small. Walk the property twice a year, fix what you find early, and you avoid the expensive surprises that come from letting things slide.
The twice-a-year walk-around
Before winter, check gutters, downpipes, external seals and any exposed timber. After winter, inspect the roof line, deck boards and subfloor vents. Most of what goes wrong in a house starts with water getting in where it should not, and a 20-minute walk-around catches it before it spreads.
Autumn checklist (before winter)
- Clear gutters and downpipes of leaf build-up.
- Check silicone seals around showers, baths and kitchen sinks.
- Inspect deck boards for splits, lifting or soft spots.
- Test smoke alarms and replace batteries.
- Check external timber (fascia, window frames, pergola posts) for rot or paint failure.
Spring checklist (after winter)
- Inspect the roof line from ground level for displaced tiles or ridge capping.
- Check subfloor vents are clear and not blocked by garden beds.
- Test tapware for drips and washers that need replacing.
- Tighten loose handrails, gate latches and door hardware.
- Look for ant trails, termite mud tubes or signs of pest activity.
What to fix now vs. what can wait
Prioritise anything that lets water in, creates a trip hazard, or affects safety. Leaking taps, loose handrails, cracked silicone around wet areas and damaged deck boards go on the "fix now" list. Cosmetic paint touch-ups, sticky doors and squeaky hinges are real but can wait for the next scheduled visit.
Fix now
Water entry points (failed silicone, cracked flashing, blocked downpipes), trip hazards
(lifted deck boards, loose tiles), and safety items (faulty smoke alarms, loose handrails).
Can wait
Cosmetic paint touch-ups, sticky doors, squeaky hinges, minor grout discolouration.
Real work, but not urgent. Bundle them into the next scheduled maintenance visit.
Bundling jobs saves you money
Send us the full list. We quote everything together, bring the right materials, and work through it in a single visit. One call-out instead of five means less travel time, fewer minimum charges, and a home that is sorted in a day instead of a month.
Common questions
How often should I get a home maintenance inspection?
A full walk-around twice a year covers most homes. Check gutters, seals, decks and external timbers before winter and again in spring. Catching a loose board or a cracked seal early saves a bigger repair later.
Can I combine several small repairs into one visit?
Yes, and you should. Sending a full list lets the handyman quote the lot, bring the right materials and work through everything in a single call-out. One visit is cheaper than five.
What home repairs should I never do myself?
Electrical work, gas fitting, licensed plumbing and any structural modification must be done by a licensed tradesperson in NSW. Beyond licensing, anything involving heights, asbestos-era materials or load-bearing walls is best left to someone qualified and insured.