Maintaining Your Home in Tip Top Condition
One of the benefits of moving into a new home is the exhilarating feeling of making a fresh start. Spotless furnishings, shiny appliances, and luxurious floor coverings all seem to promise timeless ambience. But even the best quality homes need to be maintained.
Here are some tips for ensuring you get the most out of your home in the years ahead.
Get to Know Your Finishes and Coverings
Your home will undoubtedly contain a range of different finishes and coverings. Identifying the particular maintenance needs of these early on will ensure you can keep them looking great.
- Tiled areas are naturally more durable and resistant to stains, but they still need maintenance. Spot clean as you go and don’t let stains linger as they will become harder to remove.
- As with tiles, spot clean carpets immediately after spillages, using a carpet stain remover. Vacuum regularly to keep the area healthy. For long-term maintenance, you can steam clean in larger areas.
- Timber floors can be kept clean by sweeping and mopping. Avoid scratching your floors by affixing no-scratch pads to furniture legs. Depending on your flooring finish, you may need to recoat the floor boards at some stage.
- Outdoor areas are exposed to the elements and can look tired over time. Timber decks may need re-oiling while tiled areas can benefit from a deep clean to restore them to their original shade. Be mindful of potted plants that leak or damage outdoor flooring areas.
- Keep appliances in working order through regular servicing as well as repairs on a needs basis. Filters and seals sometimes need replacing and can be easily sourced. Use appropriate cleaning products and avoid scratching stainless steel to keep it looking great.
Consider Your Environment
Your external environment will impact on your home and influence your home maintenance needs. If your home is exposed to damp, keep an eye out for mould and mildew. Mould is not only unsightly; it is also a health hazard. If you live near a road, you may find you collect a lot of dust. Keeping on top of it will protect your interior furnishings as well as your family’s health.
Cleaning and Maintenance
From time to time, your home will need more than just a tidy up. Here are some key areas to focus on.
- Clean out grime and dust from the window sill and door runners, and clean the film off the glass
- Clean blinds to keep mould and damp from spreading
- Clean and replace air-conditioning filters
- Test smoke detectors
- Replace lights that have blown and maintain electrical fittings
- Maintain the yard by mowing, weeding and watering
- Make repairs to broken screens, doors or cupboards as you go, replacing handles and tightening loose hinges
- Keep an eye on established trees for interference with power lines, or potential hazards during storms
- If you live in a bushfire or flood affected area, keep up to date with maintenance procedures and preventative measures
Maintaining Your Home – Room by Room
Once you have the big stuff sorted, consider the wear and tear on each room. If certain family members are traipsing dirt in, add some more floor mats. Keep an eye on stain-prone areas like kitchens or kids’ areas, and clean any spills straight away. Be mindful of areas used by pets and any damage they may be causing.
Maintaining your home may seem like a lot of work, but when integrated into the daily routine and embraced by all family members, it becomes both manageable and enjoyable, ensuring you years of safe comfortable living complete with an ever fresh ambience.
Talk to McDonald Jones Homes
At McDonald Jones Homes, our promise is an innovative new family home that’s built to last. With 30 years in the business, we know how to build homes to suit local conditions and your lifestyle.
If you would like to learn more about building your first home or adding a property to your investment portfolio, call McDonald Jones Homes on 1300 555 382.
