Houses on the north coast work hard. Salt, humidity, heavy rain and fast growth all take a toll. A short list each season keeps most problems small.
Before the wet (spring)
- Clear gutters and downpipes. See how often to clean gutters.
- Check the roof for loose or cracked tiles and rusty screws.
- Trim branches that overhang the roof or wires.
- Clean out drains and grates in the yard.
- Test and reset irrigation. See reticulation checks.
Summer
- Keep up the mowing and hedge trimming. Growth is fastest now.
- Check for mould inside cupboards, bathrooms and under the house, and ventilate.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items before storms.
- Check smoke alarms and replace batteries.
After the wet (autumn)
- Clear gutters again, especially under trees.
- Pressure clean decks, paths and fences while mould is fresh.
- Inspect timber for damp, soft spots and rot.
- Re-caulk bathrooms and wet areas where the seal has failed.
Winter
- Painting, patching and sealing, while it's drier.
- Prune shrubs and fruit trees at the right time for each.
- Fix sticking doors and windows, which swell and shrink with the seasons.
- Mulch garden beds.
Any time
- Check coastal fixings, hinges and letterboxes for rust. See salt air and coastal homes.
- Test smoke alarms and safety switches. If one fails, call a licensed electrician.
- Keep a note of what you've done and when.
The job list is easy to hand over. Send it in one email and we'll quote the visit. See how quotes work and the wet season checklist.
Where to start
If it looks like a lot, do gutters and drainage first. Most of the expensive problems begin with water in the wrong place.