Every year we are reminded when summer approaches to prepare our homes for storm season. We take the time to clean our gutters, tidy our yards and make sure things can be stored away easily if needed. By preparing we can limit the damage to our home should bad storms come and save money on replacements. Not to mention the increased insurance costs!
Our New Year Home Checklist focuses on looking at ways you can potentially save money around your home through practical care and maintenance along with checking your financials and services.
Practical areas to attend to:
- Clean the filter on the air conditioner to ensure it’s running efficiently.
- Check outside hoses and fittings for leaks and install a timer to avoid accidentally leaving the hose running.
- Fix any dripping taps inside and check the fittings for your washing machine, dish washer and fridge to ensure you haven’t missed any small leaks.
If you need assistance, especially with plumbing issues, don’t forget to book in with your local service provided as soon as possible. Water leaks left unattended can quickly cause issues with your walls and floor. Whether it’s refilling tanks, an increased water bill or home repairs, water issues can become a major expense!
Now is also a good time to diarise to change the batteries in your smoke alarms on April 1st and clean your solar panels in the cooler months. Solar panels are more effective when cleaning regularly. You can also book in pest control and carpet cleaning while your diary is handy.
Financial areas to attend to:
- Check with your bank that your current mortgage rate is the best option for your present season of life.
- Contact your electricity provider to ensure you are on the best plan possible for supply and usage.
- Review your insurance policy and make sure both home and contents are adequately covered. Remember most companies offer multipolicy discounts so checking your car insurance as well could save even more.
With our busy lives it can be easy to neglect regular home maintenance and reviewing our outgoing expenses. Taking the time at the beginning of the year to complete a New Year Home Check can save you money in the long run. You might like to add additional items to customise the New Year Home Checklist according to your home needs. For example, schedule in your pool maintenance or window washing. A reschedule, especially one that incorporates family or friends, eases the burden and brings people together through work together.
Employing the services of local tradespeople with expertise in your area of need can also save you time and money. Ask your friends, family or colleagues for referrals and don’t be afraid to ask to check their license information. You want to be sure you are using a qualified professional to complete work of your home.
Caring for our homes and perform regular maintenance tasks is important. Our homes are a lifelong investment and just like cars benefit from a “good tune up” to ensure everything is functioning at an optimum level.
Our homes are places we can rest and enjoy time with family friends. By taking care of the practical and financial needs of our homes we avoid unnecessary expenses and stress, and free up our time and energy to enjoy what matters most!