Keeping Your Home in Great Shape Over the Holiday Period

The Festive Season Is Here


  • Home Maintenance Importance: Regular upkeep protects your investment and ensures a safe, comfortable living environment.

  • Outdoor Maintenance: Clear gutters, inspect the roof, maintain outdoor spaces, and prepare gardens for summer.

  • Indoor Maintenance: Fix draughty windows, deep clean, test smoke alarms, and inspect plumbing for leaks.

  • Seasonal Checks: Service cooling systems and clean fireplaces/chimneys during the off-season.

  • Renovation Planning: Walk through your home, set a budget, and consult experts to plan upgrades.

  • Early Planning Benefits: Avoid delays by finalising designs and securing renovation bookings now.

  • Enjoy Your Home: Take action now to create a stress-free, festive-ready home this summer.


The holiday season is almost here—a time for relaxation, festive gatherings, and traditional Kiwi summer adventures. However, it's also the perfect opportunity to give your home a little TLC. Regular home maintenance is vital for keeping your property in top condition and ensuring your family enjoys a safe, comfortable, and stress-free environment over the holiday period. Cowan Building has some practical ideas to help you maintain your home, tackle overdue projects, and plan for future renovations in the New Zealand summer.

 

Finally, the sun has arrived! As the weather warms, many of us will be dreaming up home improvement ideas and fantasising about upgrading our beloved homes. Whether it's increasing the size of your home or perhaps updating your outdoor living space, now is the perfect time to consider your home's future prospects.

 

Why Home Maintenance Matters

Home maintenance isn't just about aesthetics but protecting your most significant investment. A well-maintained home:

  • Prevents costly repairs by addressing small issues early.

  • Increases your property's value.

  • Creates a safe and comfortable living environment.

  • Extends the lifespan of your home's features, from roofing to plumbing.

 

Home Maintenance Checklist – What Should I Attend To This Holiday Season?

The holiday season is the best time of year to tackle all those tasks that may have been overlooked during the year. Having a good checklist and plan can help you stay on top of things and give you the satisfaction of completing those tasks that always seemed to be put off during the year's busyness.

 

What About My Outdoor Spaces?

  • Check gutters and downpipes: Clear debris from spring growth to ensure they're ready for summer rains.

  • Inspect the roof: Look for missing tiles, rust, or leaks that need fixing.

  • Deck and patio upkeep: Sweep, clean, and check for signs of wear or damage. Reseal and oil timber decks if necessary.

  • Garden preparation: Trim hedges, remove weeds, and plant summer-friendly flowers or veggies. If your outdoor space needs an upgrade, consider creating a landscaping plan.

 

What About My Indoor Spaces?

  • Inspect doors and windows: Fix any draughts, broken seals, or hinges. Summer is ideal for repainting or resealing windows.

  • Deep clean carpets and upholstery: The warm weather allows them to dry quickly.

  • Test safety devices: Check smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.

  • Inspect plumbing: Look out for dripping taps, leaks, or outdated fittings that might require attention.

 

Seasonal Checks For My Home

  • Cooling systems: Test air conditioning or fans to ensure they function well for hot summer days.

  • Fireplaces and chimneys: If you've been using a fireplace over winter, now's the time to clean it and close it up for the season. Having your chimney swept during the summer can ensure you are prepared for the cold season, and it is typically much easier to organise this with your local chimney sweep expert during the quiet season.

 

Planning For My Dream Renovations

The holiday period is an excellent time to examine your home more closely and consider improvements. Whether it's a kitchen overhaul, a bathroom refresh, or adding extra living space, the best renovations start with a clear plan.

 

Steps to Plan Your Renovation:

  1. Walk through your home: Take note of areas that could be improved or repaired.

  2. Set a budget: Determine how much you can invest in renovations.

  3. Prioritise: Focus on projects that will add the most value or improve functionality.

  4. Consult experts: Book an appointment with a trusted building company to discuss your ideas.

 

Planning for your renovation early is crucial. Renovation bookings fill up fast over the summer—now is the time to secure your spot for 2025 projects. This early planning not only ensures you get your preferred booking slots but also helps you avoid delays and start your renovation on time.

 

Why Start Should I Start Considering My Renovation Now?

Many homeowners delay renovations until the new year, but this can mean missing out on prime booking slots. Starting the process now gives you time to:

  • Gather quotes.

  • Finalise designs.

  • Order materials in advance.

  • Schedule work during quieter periods.

 

Your Home, Your Summer Haven

A little effort now can ensure your home remains your sanctuary during the holiday period. Whether it's routine maintenance or planning that long-overdue renovation, taking action today will leave you free to enjoy the festive season without worry, knowing that your home is in top condition.

 

Contact our team for expert advice and assistance with your home improvement projects. We're here to help Kiwi homeowners achieve their dream homes, one project at a time.

 

Start ticking off that to-do list and make this summer the season your home gets the attention it deserves!