Tasks to add to your annual spring-cleaning list

Maintaining a property is an ongoing responsibility that all homeowners need to undertake to protect the resale value of their home.

While certain upkeep tasks need to be performed daily or weekly, others can be incorporated into the annual spring-cleaning checklist.

“As tedious as some of these household maintenance items might be, neglecting them will inevitably result in costly repairs and the overall devaluing of your property,” said Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

To protect the investment value of the home, RE/MAX of Southern Africa advises homeowners of the features that ought to be maintained annually at a minimum:

Protect your floors

To protect the state of the floors, large appliances, such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers, should be removed from where they normally stand so the build-up of dirt underneath it can be cleaned.

It is also recommended to have any carpets professionally cleaned each year, especially for those with pets.
To prevent dents from developing in the carpets, move heavy items of furniture, such as beds and free-standing wardrobes, to a different spot in the room from time to time.

Gutters and roof tiles

Out of sight might be out of mind, but dirt and debris can easily accumulate in your gutters and can cause blockages and cracks, so be sure to clear these out annually.

To avoid a build-up of mould, which could cause leaks and other damages, clean the roof tiles with a high-pressure hose roughly every two to three years.

Cupboards

To protect against stains and other damages, unpack the bedroom, laundry and kitchen cupboards at least once a year to give the surfaces a much-needed wipe down. Spills happen all the time and can leave cupboard surfaces stained and mouldy.

Clearing out the shelves regularly can also prevent any unpleasant odours from developing.

Goslett suggested homeowners should prioritise and budget for their annual spring cleaning.

“It can be very easy to keep delaying these maintenance tasks until something eventually breaks or needs replacing,” he said Goslett.

“But prevention is always better than cure and will end up saving homeowners a lot of money in the long run.

“Making monthly contributions towards a home maintenance fund will also help homeowners stay on top of these chores. That way, homeowners will always have money set aside to afford any maintenance costs as and when they arise.”