Transforming the street appeal and value of your home with small changes.

Keep your home in peak condition throughout the winter using our property maintenance checklist. None of these tasks takes up much time or money but can help you avoid costly repairs later on.

• Check all seals around windows and doors, and for drafts. Blocking draughts is a cheap and effective way to keep your home warm during winter. Check all doors and windows and install draught excluders or use draught “snakes”. You can make your own by stuffing rugby socks or tights with newspaper or cushion filling. Or alternatively, a new seal around the window/door may make all the difference.
• Clear debris from gutters and make sure water is directed away from your home's foundation. Clean out your gutters to remove, leaves and other gunk that ends up there and make sure they’re not sagging or trapping water. If they look like they’re in need of repair – get it done better now than never!
• Clean out your chimney. Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year to check for cracks, holes or faults and to remove soot,  birds nests (from the warmer months) and other blockages. Book yours in for a check-up with a chimney sweep!
• Clean and service your heat pump. You should clean or replace your heat pump’s filter every month. Keeping the filter clean or replacing old filters can lower your energy consumption.
• Repair exterior steps and handrails. Outdoor stairs can get slippery in the winter with the rain/hail or snow that can occur. Stair railings are critical to keeping you or your visitors safe on the stairs.
• Remove any moss or mould. Moss and mould can become slippery or freeze over winter. By getting it water-blasted off your driveways or paths could be the difference between walking safely to your front door or a fall.
• Check all exposed pipes to prevent freezing. By insulating your pipes in exposed areas of the home, shed or garage can prevent frozen or broken pipes. Even if you have insulated the pipes the year before it’s a good idea to check that the insulation is still in good condition and that the pipes are completely covered.
• Check and clear exterior dryer vents. Exterior dryer vents can be a MAJOR fire hazard if it’s clogged with lint and does not allow air to blow through.
• Trim back any overhanging branches. Winter is the perfect time to trim back your trees especially for any branches that may be subject to heavy snow loads or winds. Fallen trees/branches can not only be dangerous for yourself but they can also cause damage to your property, or infrastructure.

Fix’d can take any of these tasks off your to-do list. That way, you have more time to enjoy the lovely spring weather. One call really does take care of everything on your to-do list. Make sure to stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs. Call us on 03 390-3323.