Creating comfortable home is one of the life’s greatest satisfaction -- all your hardwork is rewarded in those precious moments of relaxation. Here’s the secret to easy home maintenance: it’s all about prevention. Keep on top of a few routine jobs, and you’ll have more time (and money) to enjoy your home. To that end, here are the essential dos and don’ts for smart home maintenance:
TAKE IT FROM THE TOP
“The roof is often the last thing the people think about in terms of maintenance, but it’s most important part of the home,” says Sydney roofer Paul Briffa.
Do:
- Have your roof checked by a professional every seven years. If the ceiling leaks in heavy rain or you see broken roof tiles, seek help immediately.
- Check gutters every six months if you live an area where there are lots of trees. Simply walk around the house when it’s raining and see if anything leaks. A leaf guard for the gutters is a good investment.
Don’t:
- attempt roof repairs yourself, especially if you have an old roof. Old tiles can be brittle and loose and you could break 20 tiles while checking one.
GET ON DECK
Do:
- Use screws rather than nails to secure planks - it makes them easier to sand and repair when required.
- Oil or stain every year to protect the timber and maintain the finish.
- Sand every three or four years.
COLOUR YOUR WORLD
How often do you repaint depends on the condition of the walls and your whims as a decorator.
Do:
- Use a premium- quality paint-- it will last longer and be easier to clean.
- Use different formulations for different areas of the house. A low-sheen paint suits living areas and bedrooms. A satin finish is ideal for rooms subjected to water and grease, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Satin-finish paints have a higher gloss level than low sheen; the higher the gloss level, the more ‘scrubbable’ the paint.
- Use tinted undercoat if the topcoat is a relatively dark shade.
- Choose low-VOC paint. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals emitted as gases from products such as paint, building materials, furniture and cleaning supplies, and can cause adverse health effects.
Don’t:
- Forget to prepare the surface for painting. Repair as necessary and lightly sand, then clean and dry completely before painting.
- Paint if the ambient temperature is below 10 degrees celsius or above 35 degrees celsius, or when humidity is high.
PROTECT THE FLOORS
- Timber
Debris and abrasives such a s dirt are the number-one enemy of timber floors. Another factor that can harm a timber floor is direct sunlight.
Floors that have been finished with wax or oil will need to be repolished between two and six times a year.
- Tiles
Tiles are an extremely low maintenance flooring option. Today’s ceramic tiles are fired at 1200 degrees celsius, which means colours will not fade over time and chipping and cracking is rare.
The secret to keeping a tiled floor as looking good as the day it was laid is not over-cleaning it. Instead of mopping with detergent, simply sweep regularly to keep dust and dirt at bay then wipe over with warm water and a soft cloth.
- Carpet
The length of the carpet depend on where it’s laid, the makeup of the household -- whether there are children or pets. a premium quality, extra heavy-duty wool carpet can easily last 15 years if looked after well, but lower-grade carpet can look shabby in just a few years.
TAKE A SEAT
- Fabric
Always have fabric upholstery and slipcovers treated with a reputable protector product. Loose covers made from wool or wool-synthetic blends that can be washed and replaced when needed are a good investment too.
- Leather
The best thing you can do for your sofa is to keep it dust-free. Dust once a week with a slightly damp cloth and dry with a clean towel.
SAVE ENERGY
It pays to reassess energy consumption as part of your household maintenance review. The biggest domestic energy user is the hot-water system. Other energy guzzlers are heaters, air conditioners, fridges and freezers.
WIRE WISELY
Old wiring can get overloaded, which can lead to problems and a risk of electrical fires. Wiring that is 50 to 60 years old will be substandard. Ask to see your electrician’s license. Don’t attempt electrical work yourself.