10 Annual Home Maintenance Tasks Most Homeowners Forget
There’s something satisfying about a to-do list—especially one with ten tidy little checkboxes. But this isn’t your average productivity hack. It’s your annual reminder of the essential maintenance jobs that keep your home safe, efficient, and in good condition.
We’re not here to shame you (promise), but if you own a home, these ten tasks are worth adding to your calendar. How many have you ticked off this year?
1. Clean the Gutters
Rainwater has to go somewhere. If your gutters are blocked, water will find an alternative route—likely overflows, roof leaks, or worse. A quick clean-out can save a big bill later.
2. Clear the Dryer Vent
Yes, the lint is soft and fluffy, but it’s also restricting airflow and overworking your dryer. That means higher power bills—and potential fire risk.
3. Check (or Buy) a Fire Extinguisher
Most people don’t own one. But they should. If you do, check the expiry date annually to make sure it’s still up to the task. It’s a five-second check that could one day save your home.
4. Get the Chimney Cleaned
Even if you barely used the fireplace, birds and debris love a chimney in summer. A clean chimney means a safer, more efficient fire when winter rolls back around.
5. Test Your Smoke Alarms
This one’s vital—and should be done twice a year. A good rule of thumb is to check alarms when Daylight Saving starts and ends. The Fire Service backs this advice. Enough said.
6. Inspect Water Pipes
A sneaky leak behind a wall can cause serious damage before you even notice it. Look for signs of mould or damp, and check behind appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine.
7. Clean Outdoor Paths and Steps
Moss and grime make paths slippery and dangerous. A quick spray-on cleaner or blast from the water blaster will keep things safe—and satisfyingly clean.
8. Check Your Insulation
Insulation can degrade over time. It’s also a favourite nesting spot for rodents. Have a peek in the roof cavity to make sure it’s all intact (and unoccupied).
9. Declutter the Garage
You might not love this one, but selling unused gear on TradeMe could make a dent in your mortgage. That treadmill-turned-clothes-rack? Time to let it go.
10. Replace Worn-Out Multiplugs and Electric Blankets
If your extension cord looks like it came from a 1980s office, it’s time to retire it. Look for discolouration, exposed wires, or dodgy switches. And electric blankets over five years old should be tested or replaced.
One Month, Ten Jobs
You might not knock this out in a weekend—but set yourself a goal to tick them off over the next month. Your house will thank you. And yes, you’ll earn full bragging rights (just be prepared to lose a few friends when you start quizzing them about their gutters).
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