Every home needs some TLC, regardless of the type of structure or materials used, buildings are subject to erosion and damage from the harsh Australian climate can cause problems. If you are new to homeownership, here are a few building maintenance mistakes to avoid at all costs.
- Complacency – If there are no issues, as the weeks turn to months, it is easy to think that your home is always going to remain in perfect condition. The majority of Australian homeowners don’t bother with property upkeep until an issue arises and by that time, the damage is done. It is never a good idea to assume that your home is impervious to the elements and you never know when you might need a plumber in Silverdale to sort out a leak.
- Accepting the first quote – Whether a local electrician or plumber, when you need a tradesman, ask several providers to give you a quote. Wherever you happen to live in Australia, you are never far away from domestic services and things are very competitive, which means you should compare a few quotes before choosing a contractor. Ask neighbors for recommendations and you might be lucky and get a glowing review for a local company.
- Slow repairs – Once an issue has been discovered, repairs should be carried out as soon as possible; one thing is certain, the longer an issue remains unaddressed, the more damage will be caused. A stitch in time saves nine, or so the saying goes and regular inspections are advised if you want to minimise the extent of repairs. Click here for a few stunning bathroom renovation ideas.
- Going DIY – Unless you are a competent DIY-er, we don’t recommend carrying out building repairs; it is better to leave remedial work to those who do it for a living. If you want to take a proactive approach to home maintenance, carry out regular inspections, as this will reveal minor problems that can be fixed on the spot. Things such as drain unblocking can easily be compounded if you don’t know what you are doing and it can be very embarrassing to have to call in a plumber to sort out your mess.
- Failing to inspect the finished repair – In the event you call in a tradesperson and when the work is completed, you don’t bother inspecting their work, this could lead to issues. Once the worker has left your home, it might be difficult to get him to return and fix whatever is wrong; prior to settling the bill, have a good look at the remedial work to ensure that all is well.
Property maintenance is part and parcel of home ownership and we hope you can manage to avoid the above mistakes when arranging for building maintenance. Br proactive, carry out regular inspections and this will ensure that maintenance cost are minimised.
