Northland Home Maintenance Calendar

A Northland Home Maintenance Calendar: What to Check Each Season

There is no maintenance-free house

Building Performance is clear that all buildings need ongoing maintenance. What is required depends on the material or system, geographic location and the building's position and exposure. Required maintenance can also affect product warranties and a homeowner's ability to seek redress if an issue later develops. [1]

Use this calendar alongside the instructions for your roofing, cladding, paint or coatings, waterproofing, deck, joinery and appliances. If your property is near the coast, sheltered from rainfall, heavily treed or subject to poor drainage, it may need more frequent attention than a general checklist suggests.

Summer: look closely at the exterior

Use drier weather to inspect the outside of the house. Look for cracked or lifting coatings, damaged sealants, blocked weep holes, corrosion, loose flashings, damaged deck boards and places where garden soil or plants are sitting against cladding. Check that drainage outlets on enclosed decks or balconies are clear.

Wash exterior surfaces in the way the manufacturer recommends. Building Performance specifically cautions against water blasting cladding, as it can damage surfaces and force water through gaps and joints. [1] Clean roof and gutter areas only where it is safe to do so, otherwise arrange competent help.

Autumn: prepare for wetter weather

Before extended wet periods, clear gutters and spouting, check downpipes discharge where intended and trim branches that can damage roofing or block drainage. Inspect roof cladding, chimneys and flashings from a safe position. Building Performance recommends checking roofs annually and cleaning gutters and spouting regularly. [1]

Walk the site after rain. Note where water pools, where paths become slippery, whether surface water is directed toward the house, and whether retaining or boundary areas show movement. A small drainage issue is easier to assess before it has saturated surrounding ground.

Winter: manage moisture and watch for warning signs

Northland's wetter months can expose condensation, leaks and ventilation problems. Use kitchen and bathroom extractors, keep vents clear, heat and ventilate the home as appropriate, and check under sinks, around hot-water systems and in less-used rooms for moisture, mould, musty smells or staining.

Building Performance advises investigating mould, water stains and musty smells rather than simply covering them up, particularly where there may be a weathertightness issue. [1] If you see signs of a leak, take photos, make the area safe and get advice promptly rather than waiting for the next season.

Spring: reset the grounds and document what needs attention

Check paths, driveways, fences, gates, retaining, exterior steps and handrails after winter. Look for cracking, movement, trip hazards, pooling water or vegetation that is blocking drainage or touching cladding. Refresh your maintenance plan with jobs that need professional quotes or a better weather window.

This is also a good time to review exterior coatings and timber protection, check insect screens and door seals, and ensure that the house remains clear of debris that can trap moisture. The goal is not to complete every task at once. It is to understand the next sensible step.

A year-round maintenance file

• Save product manuals, warranty terms and maintenance instructions.
• Keep invoices and before-and-after photos for significant repairs or servicing.
• Record the date, area checked, issue noticed and action taken.
• Keep water, gas and power shut-off information where household members can find it.
• Review any manufacturer requirements before cleaning or recoating a system.
• Arrange licensed or suitably qualified help for work that is beyond routine maintenance or carries safety, legal or compliance risks.

Building Performance sources

1. Protecting your investment, Building Performance
2. Before building work starts, Building Performance