Spring home maintenance checklist for Australian homes

Spring is a good time to get on top of jobs around the house. The weather is mild enough to work outside, and storm, bushfire and cooling season are just around the corner in much of Australia. A few hours of checks now can help you spot small problems before they turn into bigger repairs.

This checklist covers what you can usually do yourself, and when it makes sense to book a tradie. Every home is different, so adjust it to suit your property, your area and your local conditions.

Roof, gutters and downpipes

Heavy rain and strong winds often arrive in late spring and summer. The NSW Government's storm preparation guide notes that the risk of strong winds and heavy rain increases between October and March. It suggests checking your roof for leaks and loose tiles, metal sheets, eaves and screws, and clearing gutters, downpipes and drains regularly so they don't block.

From the ground, look for:

• cracked, slipped or missing roof tiles
• loose or lifting metal sheets and flashing
• rust spots or sagging sections of gutter
• water stains on ceilings or around window frames inside

Working on a roof is risky. If you're not comfortable on a ladder, or the roof is steep or high, leave it to a professional. Gutter cleaning services can clear leaves and debris, and roofers can fix loose tiles, flashing and leaks.

If you live near bushland, clear gutters are also part of getting ready for fire season. Our guide to bushfire season home preparation covers that in more detail.

Trees, yard and outdoor areas

Overhanging branches can damage roofs and fill gutters, and loose items can become a hazard in strong winds. The NSW storm guide recommends trimming trees and overhanging branches, cleaning up debris and green waste, and securing loose items such as garden furniture and toys. It also suggests removing anything that collects water and attracts mosquitoes.

Spring jobs for outside:

• trim branches away from the roof, gutters and power lines (power line work is a job for an authorised professional, not DIY)
• clear leaves and debris from paths, drains and around the house
• check fences, gates and decks for loose boards, rot or rusty fixings
• tip out water from pot plant bases, buckets and old tyres
• check your rainwater tank, leaf guards and first-flush diverter if you have them

For a list of small repairs, a handyman can often knock several jobs over in one visit. If you're in a major city, you can start with handymen in Sydney or handymen in Newcastle.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are easy to forget, but they matter all year. Fire and Rescue NSW recommends:

• every month: test each alarm by pressing the test button
• every six months: clean alarms with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust
• once a year: replace the battery if your alarm has a replaceable one
• every 10 years: replace the smoke alarm itself

Check the date on the back or side of each alarm. If it's close to or past 10 years, it's time for a new one. Hard-wired (240 volt) smoke alarms should be replaced by a licensed electrician. Rules on smoke alarms differ between states and territories, and for rental properties, so check with your state fire service or regulator for what applies to you.

Safety switches and electrical checks

A safety switch (also called an RCD) cuts power quickly if it detects a problem on a circuit. Energy Safe Victoria suggests testing your safety switch every three months. Let everyone in the house know first, press the test button so the switch trips, check that power is off on that circuit, then reset it. If lights or appliances don't lose power when you press test, the switch may have failed and you should call a licensed electrician.

Energy Safe Victoria also lists warning signs that wiring may be faulty, including flickering lights, broken or old power points and switches, sparks from switchboards, switches or power points, and old switchboards without a safety switch. If you notice any of these, don't try to fix them yourself. Electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician. Our guide on switchboard upgrades and what affects the cost explains more.

Termites and pests

Spring is a good reminder to think about termites. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission advises homeowners to check their termite management system regularly and have a licensed pest controller inspect and report on the property every year, or more often in high-risk areas. Your home's termite management notice, often found in the electrical meter box, should show how often inspections are recommended.

The Victorian Building Authority suggests looking for:

• weak timber that breaks easily, especially skirting boards
• mud-like tubes on footings, brickwork or around pipes
• cracks or holes in timber or plaster with fine dust

It also recommends fixing plumbing, drainage and roof leaks promptly, keeping garden beds and mulch away from walls, and not stacking materials against the house. If you suspect termites, don't spray them or pull out the timber. Book a licensed pest control business to inspect.

Cooling and indoor comfort

Before the first hot spell, clean your air conditioner filters and do a test run. Our guide to air conditioner checks before summer covers what you can do yourself and when to book a licensed technician.

Inside the house, it's also worth checking:

• window and door seals for gaps or damage
• ceiling fans for wobbling or noise
• taps, toilets and under sinks for small leaks
• your hot water system for leaks or rust around the base

Getting quotes for spring jobs

Prices vary with the job, your location, access and materials, so there's no one figure that fits every home. Get two or three written quotes where you can, and check what each one includes. Before you hire, check the business's ABN and, where the work needs one, their licence with your state regulator. Our guide on how to check a tradie's licence in every state and territory can help.

Find handymen in your area

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.