Melbourne’s weather changes fast, and homes in the south-east see hot dry summers, wet winters and plenty of wind. A little maintenance each season prevents small problems from becoming expensive ones. This checklist covers the jobs worth doing in each season and notes which are suited to a handyman.

Autumn

Autumn is the time to prepare for winter rain.

• Clean gutters and downpipe outlets. Leaves from eucalypts and deciduous street trees fill gutters quickly in autumn. Blocked gutters overflow into eaves and walls. We clean gutters on single-storey homes.
• Check door and window seals. Draughts waste heating. Replace worn door seals and weather strips before the cold arrives.
• Look at fences. Autumn winds find weak palings and leaning posts. Replace loose palings before they come down in a storm.
• Oil the deck. If you did not oil your deck in spring, a coat in early autumn before the rain helps protect the timber.

Winter

Winter is the season for indoor jobs.

• Watch for condensation and mould. Check bathrooms, laundries and window frames. Mould on silicone usually means it is time to replace it.
• Check doors that swell. Timber doors often stick in winter as humidity rises. A door that sticks every winter may need planing and sealing.
• Catch up on the indoor list. Shelves, picture hanging, TV mounting, flat-pack and plaster patching are all good winter jobs.
• Check gutters after storms. A heavy storm can drop a lot of debris into gutters, even after an autumn clean.

Spring

Spring is the time to get outside areas ready.

• Clean and oil decks. Clean off winter grime, check for loose or rotting boards and popped screws, then oil.
• Pressure wash paths and driveways. Moss and slime build up over winter and make paths slippery.
• Repair flyscreens. Fix torn mesh and broken screens before flies and mosquitoes arrive.
• Check gates and latches. Pool gates in particular must self-close and self-latch. Report any faults to a pool safety specialist if needed.

Summer

Summer heat and dry conditions bring their own checks.

• Check timber for drying and cracking. Decks, pergolas and fences can split and loosen in the heat.
• Clear gutters again in fire-prone areas. Homes near bushland, such as in Lysterfield, should keep gutters clear of dry leaves.
• Check outdoor furniture and play equipment. Tighten bolts and replace damaged parts.
• Plan for the year ahead. Make a list of the bigger jobs for autumn and winter.

All year

• Test door locks and window locks.
• Look for loose handrails and grab rails.
• Check silicone and grout in wet areas.
• Fix small plaster damage before it spreads.

How we can help

We can work through a seasonal list in one visit. See property maintenance, gutter cleaning and deck and pergola repairs, or get a free quote.