Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for New Zealand Properties

Every season brings its unique challenges and opportunities for maintaining a clean and well-maintained home. From heavy rains in winter to dry, windy days in summer, New Zealand’s weather can take a toll on your property if you don’t stay on top of regular upkeep. If you’re not keeping up with basic maintenance, your home can suffer long-term damage.

So, let’s break down exactly what you can do each season to keep your home in top shape.

What You Should Do Each Season to Look After Your Property?

By performing a few simple checks every few months, you can prevent minor issues from escalating into big, expensive problems.

Here’s a season-by-season guide to help you stay on top of things.

1. Summer (December to February)

Summer is an ideal time to spend outdoors and give your home some TLC.

• Start with your gutters. After spring, leaves and dust may have built up. If you don’t clear them, water can overflow and damage your walls or roof.
  
  
• Walk around your house. Take a look at the paint, decks, and fences. Do you see peeling paint or cracks? These can get worse with time.
  
  
• Check your taps and pipes. Turn on your outdoor taps. If water leaks or drips excessively, address the issue.
  
  
• Service your fans or air conditioner. Dusty vents make your cooling system work harder and increase its operating costs. A quick clean can make a big difference.

2. Autumn (March to May)

Autumn is the time to prepare for the colder, wetter months ahead.

• Clear out your gutters again. Autumn leaves fall fast and can block drains. It can lead to leaks or flooding.
  
  
• Check around your windows and doors. Feel for cold air coming in. If you do, you might need new seals to keep the warmth in.
  
  
• Inspect your roof. Look for broken tiles or loose shingles. Rainwater can seep in during winter if these aren't fixed.
  
  
• Test your heating. Whether you use a heat pump, fireplace, or gas heater, give it a test run to ensure it works properly before winter arrives.

3. Winter (June to August)

Winter is about staying warm, safe, and dry indoors.

• Look for signs of dampness. Check walls and ceilings for dark spots or a musty smell. These might be signs of mould, which is harmful to your health.
  
  
• Clean heaters and filters. If your heat pump or fireplace is dirty, it won’t work correctly. Clean them now so you’re not stuck in the cold.
  
  
• Check your alarms. Press the test buttons on your smoke and gas detectors. Replace batteries if needed. They can save lives.
  
  
• Protect your pipes. On freezing nights, water pipes outside can freeze and burst. Wrap them in insulation to keep them safe.
  

4. Spring (September to November)

Spring is the ideal time to clean up and prepare for summer.

• Wash the outside of your house. Rain and wind can leave behind dirt and grime. A quick wash can make your place look brand new.
  
  
• Look at your paths and driveways. If they’re cracked or uneven, they might need repairs to prevent accidents.
  
  
• Check your fences and gates. Make sure nothing is loose or broken. Fixing minor issues now means less work later.
  
  
• Get your cooling systems ready. Test your fans or air-con before it gets too hot. Clean out any dust and ensure everything is working correctly.

5.Year-Round Jobs You Shouldn’t Forget

Apart from the specific seasons, there are a few nitty-gritty aspects that you need to take care of all year round.

• Keep an eye out for leaks. Under the sink, behind the toilet, or near the water heater, leaks often start small and go unnoticed.
  
  
• Stay ahead of the mould. Keep bathrooms, laundry, and kitchens dry. If you see mould, clean it with vinegar or a mould cleaner right away.
  
  
• Check your safety alarms. Test your smoke and gas alarms every few months. It only takes a second.
  

Need a Hand with Home Maintenance?

Keeping up with seasonal property care can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. At Oncore NZ, we help homeowners just like you stay ahead of issues with expert advice and hands-on support. 

Contact us today to simplify, stress-free property maintenance that's done right.