The Annual Home Maintenance Checklist Every Perth Homeowner Should Follow

Most property problems don't appear without warning. They develop gradually, usually from small issues that were noticed but not acted on. A slightly blocked gutter. A tap that drips occasionally. A door that's been sticking for months. A crack in the pointing around the roof tiles that lets water in slowly until the ceiling stains.

The homes that cost the least to maintain over time are the ones where small issues get caught and fixed before they become expensive ones. A systematic approach to home maintenance once a year, with a few seasonal checks in between, is the most effective way to stay ahead of the problems rather than constantly responding to them.

This checklist is designed for Perth conditions specifically. The climate here is relatively kind to buildings in some ways and hard on them in others. Hot dry summers dry out timber and seals. The occasional wet winter pushes water into every gap it can find. Getting on top of things before each season changes is time well spent.

Roof and gutters

The roof and gutters are the first line of defence for everything below them. Problems here tend to be invisible until they've already caused damage, which makes checking them regularly genuinely important rather than just good practice.

Gutters. Clear gutters of leaves, debris and any nesting material at least once a year, ideally before the first winter rains. Blocked gutters overflow and direct water back toward the fascia and into the roof cavity. In Perth's bushfire-prone areas, leaf-filled gutters are also a fire risk. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA publishes guidance on property preparation in bushfire-prone areas, which includes gutter maintenance.

Downpipes. Check that downpipes are clear and draining properly. A downpipe that's blocked or disconnected at the base concentrates water at the foundation, which causes problems over time.

Roof tiles or sheeting. Visually check from the ground or from a safe vantage point for cracked or displaced tiles, damaged flashing around penetrations and any areas that look like they've shifted. After any significant storm, it's worth a check specifically for damage. A roofing professional should be engaged for any repairs like working on a pitched roof without appropriate safety equipment is a serious injury risk.

Roof space. If your home has accessible roof space, checking it after the first heavy rain of winter will quickly identify any active leaks you weren't aware of. Look for water staining on the underside of the roof structure, damp insulation or daylight visible through gaps.

External walls and paintwork

Perth's summer sun is hard on exterior paintwork, particularly on north and west-facing walls that receive the most direct sun exposure. Checking exterior paint annually means catching problems before water gets behind the surface.

Look for peeling, bubbling or cracking paint, particularly around windows and doors where movement in the frame can break the paint seal. Bare timber exposed to weather deteriorates quickly, so repainting before the bare timber is significantly exposed is considerably cheaper than repainting after the timber itself has been damaged.

Check the caulking and seals around windows and doors. These dry out and crack over time, particularly after a hot summer. Replacing dried or cracked caulking is inexpensive and prevents water from tracking into the wall cavity.

Plumbing checks

A few basic plumbing checks once a year catch problems before they become expensive.

Check under every sink and cabinet. Look for moisture, staining or soft cabinetry at the base of the cabinet that might indicate a slow drip you haven't noticed. Small leaks under sinks are common and easy to miss because the cabinet door is usually closed.

Test every tap and fixture. Run every tap, flush every toilet, run the shower in every bathroom. Check for drips from tapware, slow drainage that might indicate a partial blockage, or toilets that continue running after flushing.

Check the hot water system. Look for corrosion around connections, moisture at the base of the tank and check whether the pressure relief valve is dripping constantly. A constantly dripping relief valve is not normal and should be looked at by a licensed plumber.

Do a meter check for leaks. Turn off all taps and appliances, note the reading on your water meter and check it again after thirty minutes. If it has moved, water is going somewhere it shouldn't be. The Water Corporation of WA has a step-by-step guide to checking your meter for leaks.

All plumbing repairs must be carried out by a licensed plumber registered with Building and Energy under the Plumbers Licensing Act 1995 (WA).

Gas appliances and connections

If your home has gas appliances, a visual check of connections and appliance performance once a year is worthwhile.

Look for any smell of gas near appliances or the meter. Check that pilot lights are burning correctly and that gas flames are blue rather than orange or yellow, which can indicate incomplete combustion. Have gas appliances serviced by a licensed gas fitter according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

If you have an unflued gas space heater, the Department of Health WA recommends regular servicing and ensuring adequate ventilation when the heater is in use.

For gas emergencies, Atco Gas Australia operates a 24-hour emergency line on 13 13 52.

Electrical checks

Electrical checks in the sense of testing circuits and inspecting wiring must be done by a licensed electrician registered with EnergySafety WA. There are a few things homeowners can check themselves, though.

Test your smoke alarms. Under the Building Regulations 2012 (WA), smoke alarms are required in all residential properties. Test each alarm using the test button monthly and replace batteries annually or when the low-battery alert activates. Hard-wired alarms with battery backup should also be tested regularly. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA has clear guidance on smoke alarm requirements for WA homeowners.

Test your safety switches (RCDs). Most Perth homes have residual current devices installed in the switchboard. These should be tested by pressing the test button on the device every six months. If a safety switch doesn't trip when tested or won't reset, call a licensed electrician.

Check power points and light switches. Look for any that are discoloured, feel warm, have visible scorch marks or make sounds when in use. Any of these are reasons to call a licensed electrician.

Doors, windows and locks

Doors and windows that don't operate correctly are both a security issue and, in Perth's climate, a weatherproofing issue.

Check that every external door closes and latches properly and that locks operate smoothly. Doors that have dropped or swollen are often a sign of movement in the frame, which is worth investigating. A handyman can assess and repair most door adjustment issues.

Check window locks and latches. Replace any that are broken or seized. Check the seals around windows for gaps or deterioration, particularly after a hot summer.

Fly screens that are torn or have gaps should be replaced before summer. Perth's insect activity in warmer months makes intact fly screens a genuine quality of life issue.

Wet areas: bathrooms, laundry and kitchen

Wet areas deserve specific attention because water damage that starts here tends to spread and become expensive.

Check grout lines in the shower and around the bath for cracks or gaps, particularly at corners and at the junction of wall and floor tiles. Grout that is cracked or missing allows water behind the tiles and, eventually, behind the waterproofing membrane.

Check silicone seals around the shower screen, bath and sink. Silicone that is cracking, lifting or going mouldy should be removed and replaced. This is a job a handyman or tiler can handle.

Check under the kitchen sink and laundry trough for any sign of moisture or leaks from the waste connections.

Outdoor areas: decking, fencing and paths

Perth's outdoor living culture means most homes have decking, a patio or an outdoor entertaining area that needs periodic attention.

Timber decking. Check for boards that have cracked, cupped or become loose. Look at the fixing points to make sure screws and bolts are still secure. Timber that is grey and dry needs oiling or sealing to prevent it from deteriorating further. A sand and oil every couple of years keeps timber decking in good condition significantly longer.

Fencing. Check fence posts for rot at ground level, which is the most common failure point. Check palings for cracking or warping. A fence that is leaning or has posts that rock in the ground needs attention before it falls, which is considerably more disruptive and expensive than repairing it while it's still standing.

Paths and driveways. Look for cracking, particularly near garden beds where root growth might be causing movement. Check drainage around paths to make sure water isn't pooling against the house.

When to do what: a simple seasonal approach for Perth

Autumn (March to May). Clear gutters before winter rains. Check roof for summer damage. Service gas heaters before they're needed. Check window and door seals before the wet season.

Winter (June to August). Check roof space after the first heavy rain. Monitor for leaks or moisture inside. Check that drainage around the property is working correctly.

Spring (September to November). Repaint exterior surfaces where needed before summer heat. Check and repair fly screens. Service the air conditioning before summer. Check decking and outdoor furniture.

Summer (December to February). Clear gutters and any combustible material from around the property in bushfire-prone areas. Check irrigation systems before the hot months. Check that taps and outdoor fixtures are working correctly.

When to call a professional

Some of the checks on this list are straightforward homeowner tasks. Others require a licensed professional by law.

Call a licensed electrician for anything involving wiring, power points, light fittings, safety switches or the switchboard. Call a licensed plumber for any plumbing repairs beyond the most minor fixture maintenance. Call a licensed gas fitter for anything involving gas appliances or connections. Call a registered building practitioner for any structural repairs or alterations.

For the general maintenance and repair work, a reliable handyman who can work through a list efficiently saves a significant amount of time and ensures things are actually done to a proper standard.

The Building and Energy division of DMIRS has clear guidance on what requires a licensed professional in WA. If you're not sure, it's always worth checking before doing the work rather than after.

This & That provides property maintenance, handyman services and repair work across Perth for homeowners and landlords. Visit thisandthat.com.au to find out more, request a quote here or call 0487 606 491 to talk through what your property needs.