Darwin Blog

With the weather cooling down and drying off, it's the perfect time of year to tick some of those property maintenance tasks off the to-do list that undoubtedly piled up while the rains were here. If you haven't stocked up on enough inspiration already, here's what we're tackling around our homes this dry season.

Garden & Outdoor Maintenance: 

Make the most of the fresh air and sunshine by giving your garden some good old-fashioned TLC. 

• Trim and prune garden beds and hedges.
• Clear and remove palm fronds and undergrowth.
• Fill up your bird bath on a regular basis to support wildlife in your area. 
• Power wash paved areas, fencing, or other outdoor areas impacted by mildew or dirt.
• Check for root growth; large trees & bushes can grow extensive root systems which may interfere with underground pipes - no one wants a blocked drain!
• Protect your plants by ensuring your garden has enough shade. 
• Check reticulation is in working order & replace any sprinklers or hoses.
• Re-mulch & fertilize garden beds.
• Clean out gutters and downpipes.
• Clean your fly screens to avoid dirt and dust build-up. 
• Prioritise pool maintenance.

Renos & Repairs: 

The wet season can be tricky to arrange work in; the weather impacts everything from the availability of supplies to the time it takes for the paint to dry. It's no wonder we recommend saving the big jobs for the more predictable weather of this time of year.

• Paint your home's interior and/or exterior. 
• Re-stain/varnish your deck. 
• Attend to cracked bricks or loose weatherboards on the outside of the house.
• Repair any damaged or old fly screens.
• Check that all locks & door handles are in good working order. 
• Repair any damage to fencing or gates to keep your property secure.

Indoor Home Maintenance:  

Checking the health and safety of your appliances, cleaning rooms or spaces that weren’t a priority during the wet season, and making important repairs should be your key focus areas this dry.

• Maintain & test your fire alarms, removing any dust and cobwebs.
• Repair paint chips, or peeling paint on walls & door frames.
• Get professional air conditioner cleaning & maintenance to remove any remnants of mould, bacteria, and dust.
• Look for signs of mould everywhere in your home - clean these areas thoroughly, or work with mould remediation professionals.
• Clean and check your white goods for leaks or faults. 
• Make a plan for pest control.
• Clean ceiling fans, blinds and curtains regularly during these dustier months ahead.
• Clean solar panels, as they will work more effectively if cleared of dust and debris.
• Check and install surge protection. This helps protect your valuable electrical appliances (like your fridge, TV, and computer) from lightning strikes, power surges and voltage spikes; although we see an increase in calls related to damaged electrical appliances over the wet season, power surges can happen no matter what the weather is doing.
• Re-check and add to your home cyclone kit so you & your family are prepared once cyclone season returns.

There are, of course, some things that are best left to a professional. Contact our Property Management team for our preferred list of tradespeople & suppliers to ensure top quality workmanship at your home or investment property.

To find out more about buying, selling, or the rental process for your property in Darwin, contact Raine & Horne Darwin on 08 8941 8941.