NZ Home Maintenance Checklist

Regular property maintenance protects your home’s value and keeps it safe, healthy, and efficient. Use this guide to track key tasks and how often they should be done.

Exterior: Roof & Walls

Roof, Flues & Guttering

• Annually: Inspect roof, wash away dirt, moss, and salt.

• Annually: Sweep chimneys/flues to remove soot.

• Annually (or more often): Clear gutters and downpipes. Trim overhanging branches.

• As required: Repair loose fixings, lifted roofing, cracked mortar.

• Every 8–15 years: Repaint or recoat roof (depending on finish).

Solar Panels & Aerials

• Annually: Inspect aerials, dishes, and solar panels for loose fixings/corrosion. Wash solar panels.

• As required: Repair or replace faulty parts.

Wall Cladding

• Annually: Wash and inspect walls (critical in coastal/geothermal areas).

• As required: Repair corroded fixings, rotten boards, missing sealant. Ensure cladding clears ground level.

• Every 8–10 years: Repaint wall cladding.

Windows & Doors

• Annually: Wash and inspect frames and glass.

• As required: Repair cracked glass, flaking paint, damaged putty, or stiff hardware.

Decks & Balconies

Enclosed/Waterproof Decks

• Annually: Clear drains, inspect for leaks.

• As required: Repair ponding, membrane deterioration, or water ingress (get surveyor advice if leaks suspected).

Timber Decks & Stairs

• Annually: Clean deck, remove moss.

• As required: Fix loose balustrades, corroded fixings, rot, or splintering timber.

Foundations & Subfloor

• Annually: Ensure vents are clear, trim back plants near foundations.

• As required: Repair cracks in foundation walls, replace rotting piles/fixings.

• As required: If damp, install plastic ground cover and improve ventilation. Repair loose pipes or wiring.

Services & Utilities

• Plumbing/Drainage (as required): Fix leaks, drips, and blockages.

• Hot Water Cylinder:

  • Every 6–12 months: Test temperature/pressure valve.

  • Every 5 years: Replace anode rod (glass-lined types).

  • Replace cylinder every 10–15 years.

• Solar Heating Panels (annually): Wash panels, trim shading trees, service system. Repair leaks/broken glass.

• Gas Hot Water: Service every 2 years (or per manufacturer).

• HVAC:

  • Monthly (during use): Clean filters.

  • Every 1–2 years: Full service by specialist.

• Solid Fuel Burners: Annually clean chimney and flue.

• Septic/Wastewater Systems:

  • Every 6 months: Clean filters.

  • Service by specialist as required.

Interior Spaces

• Moisture & Ventilation (ongoing): Watch for mould, condensation, musty smells. Use extractor fans, repair sealant.

• Roof Space (annually): Check for leaks or displaced insulation.

• As required:

  • Treat borer/pests in timber.

  • Repair water stains, ceilings, and walls.

  • Repaint/redecorate where needed.

  • Inspect and repair flooring for damp or wear.

Tip: Keep a logbook of completed maintenance tasks and repairs. This helps with resale value and prevents costly surprises.

It is also important to obtain a copy of the council file for the property (not just the LIM report) so that you can confirm all cladding and material types. Once you obtain this, you will be able to research the material specifications which in most cases (for more modern properties) will contain maintenance and repair procedures.