New home maintenance checklist | essential property care

Posted on 22 Feb 2021

New home maintenance checklist illustrated by a tidy, well organised living space with clean flooring, minimal furniture, and a freshly set-up home interior

Moving to a new home is an exciting process.

It’s much like reaching a new milestone in your life and marking the beginning of a new chapter. Homeownership offers several financial perks, but it also entails a set of responsibilities. It’s your job to protect it and ensure it’s safe, secure, and well-maintained.

To help you get started, Pauls Cleaning Company (Melbourne) compiled a list of chores you need to tackle once you move into your new home.

It starts with the moving process

Protect your belongings during the move

Your property is not only the walls and the floors, but it’s also the possessions you bring from your old home. The moving process is extremely important because this is when most damage occurs.

Proper packing techniques

You need to make sure all your items are properly packed in bubble wrap and proper boxes, that they are not over-packed, and that each item has enough space and is properly secured.

Choosing the right removalist company

The choice of a moving company is crucial. You need to find a licensed and reputable company that will treat your home with respect. Fortunately, there are many removalist services with impeccable reputations, and you can find a tonne of listings online with actual client reviews to help you make your decision.

Meet your neighbours and get to know them better

One of the first things you need to do right after moving in is to introduce yourself to new neighbours.

Why building neighbour relationships matters

Enhanced home security benefits:

The more people watching over your home, the harder it is for intruders to enter your property unnoticed
It’s a great safety measure that can come in handy when you’re not at home and worry about someone breaking in
If you’re on a holiday or staying somewhere for longer, you can give your neighbours a call and ask them to check on your home, and you can return the favour next time

Up Your Security Game by Installing a Security System

There’s no doubt that getting a dog and setting up fake cameras can be effective ways to deter potential burglars. However, if you really want to step up your security game, set up a home security system.

Choosing the right security solution

Whether it’s a do it yourself project or a professionally installed security system, adding another layer of protection will help keep your home safe and secure.

Key considerations when selecting a system:

Check the crime statistics for your area
Assess whether DIY or professional installation suits your needs
Determine the level of protection required for your property
Consider systems that integrate with smart home technology

Keep your home protected by getting home insurance

Now that you’ve got a new home, it’s important to make sure it’s well-protected. Getting your home insured is a big decision, and there are several options. That’s exactly why it’s so easy to get confused. Because every home is unique, take some time to figure out which type of home insurance works best for your needs. Make sure you always do the necessary research, as there are ongoing property updates you need to stay on top of.

Your home is one of your biggest assets, and we must protect it. No one knows what tomorrow brings, but if something goes wrong, it’s comforting to know that they protect your assets.

Make use of home automation

Want to take your regular home security system a step further? The best way to do it would be to make use of home automation.

Remote access and control

With this upgrade, you can easily access your home’s safety devices, whether you’re at work or on holiday. With a few clicks, you can control the lights, TV, smoke alarms, door locks, etc.

Scheduling and automation features

You can also schedule these devices to turn off. It’s a great way to boost your home’s security.

Real time response capabilities

While you’re gone, you can react in real time and prevent any mishaps.

Introduce voice controlled devices.

Being able to use your voice to control various home devices is another advantage of installing smart technology in your new home. Virtual assistants, such as Alexa or Siri, are already being used in many homes around the world. Voice-controlled devices like these are the perfect examples of how home security and home automation are blending.

With the help of your voice, you can easily check the weather forecast, find a recipe, or stay on top of your daily schedule. This opens up several opportunities for new homeowners and can be of major help daily.

Deep clean your new home from top to bottom

Before all the decorating comes, property care.

Start high, tackling the dust from the lighting fixtures and shelving.
Move on to the kitchen and pay special attention to cleaning the fridge if dirty for over a month.
Tackle the bathroom and the rest of the house, making sure that all the surfaces are clean.
Complete your deep clean by tackling the floors. If you have timber flooring installed, make sure to check with your manufacturer to find the best cleaning product for the material.
Then, you can start accessorising your home, whether by adding a dose of tranquillity with Oriental decor or creating a unique aesthetic with eclectic decor pieces. Effective accessories will add character to your new home, making it warm, inviting, and welcoming.
Put outdoor areas to order, such as your front yard, backyard, pool tiles, and window cleaning.

Take Care of Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Although you’re probably more excited about decorating the interiors of your new home, its exterior can use some TLC, too.

Why your home’s exterior matters

It’s the first thing everyone will see when they come to visit, so make sure it’s clean & tidy. Landscaping is the best way to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Essential outdoor maintenance tasks

Just make sure you’re risk-free from injuries. Have bushes and trees trimmed, mow the lawn, and get rid of any leaves and debris for a neat, clean look.

No Time to maintain the garden?

Plant low-maintenance plants to create an effortless garden, and your home’s exterior will look equally impressive as its interior. If you want to further stimulate their growth inside, make sure you get a good LED grow light after doing some research.

Securing your home and making sure it’s safe, tidy, and protected may seem like a chore to new homeowners. But if you take things step by step and cross off the checklist tips above, you will create a safe living environment for you and your family to thrive in.

What maintenance is required for a house?

House maintenance includes both routine and seasonal tasks to keep your property in good condition. Regular maintenance involves cleaning gutters, checking smoke alarms, servicing heating and cooling systems, inspecting the roof for damage, maintaining plumbing fixtures, and testing electrical systems. You’ll also need to maintain outdoor areas including lawn care, garden upkeep, and driveway maintenance. Interior tasks include repainting walls, checking for pest issues, cleaning or replacing air filters, and inspecting windows and doors for drafts or damage. Preventative maintenance helps avoid costly repairs, maintains your property’s value, and ensures a safe, comfortable living environment. Creating a maintenance schedule helps you stay on top of these tasks throughout the year.

What are the 7 elements of maintenance?

The 7 elements of maintenance provide a comprehensive framework for property care. These include: Preventive maintenance – regular inspections and servicing to prevent problems before they occur; Corrective maintenance – fixing issues as they arise; Predictive maintenance – monitoring systems to anticipate future failures; Routine maintenance – everyday tasks like cleaning and minor repairs; Emergency maintenance – urgent repairs that require immediate attention; Planned maintenance – scheduled major works like repainting or roof replacement; and Condition-based maintenance – repairs triggered by the actual condition of components rather than time intervals. Understanding these elements helps homeowners develop a balanced maintenance strategy that keeps their property in optimal condition whilst managing costs effectively.

How to maintain a new house?

Maintaining a new house starts with understanding your property’s systems and creating a maintenance schedule. Begin by reading all appliance manuals and warranty information, and keep records of installation dates. Set up a calendar for regular tasks: monthly checks of smoke alarms and filters, quarterly gutter cleaning, and annual servicing of heating and cooling systems. Inspect your roof, walls, and foundation regularly for any early signs of issues. Keep up with landscaping to protect your home’s exterior and curb appeal. Address minor problems immediately before they become major repairs. Establish relationships with reliable tradespeople for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. Even though everything is new, preventative maintenance from day one protects your investment and helps you stay ahead of potential problems. Don’t forget to maintain outdoor areas, clean regularly, and document any warranty claims or repairs.

What maintenance do you need to do on a house?

Essential house maintenance covers several key areas. For safety, regularly test smoke alarms, check electrical outlets and switches, and inspect gas appliances. Structural maintenance includes checking the roof for leaks or damage, inspecting walls and ceilings for cracks, and examining foundations for settling issues. Plumbing tasks involve checking for leaks, maintaining hot water systems, and keeping drains clear. HVAC maintenance includes servicing air conditioners and heaters, replacing filters, and ensuring proper ventilation. Exterior upkeep requires cleaning gutters, maintaining paintwork, checking weatherproofing, and caring for driveways and paths. Interior maintenance involves pest control, window and door maintenance, and general cleaning. Seasonal tasks adapt to weather conditions – preparing heating systems before winter and checking cooling systems before summer. Regular maintenance prevents expensive emergency repairs and keeps your home safe and comfortable year-round.