A Smarter Way to Stay on Top of Home Maintenance

As an estate agent, I’ve seen firsthand how well-maintained homes retain their value and attract buyers. A home maintenance calendar isn’t just a chore list; it’s a secret weapon – protecting your investment whilst ensuring peace of mind.

From an estate agent’s perspective, a well-maintained property is easier to sell, retains higher value, and avoids costly repairs that could scare off buyers. By planning ahead and tackling tasks gradually, you protect your biggest investment – your home.

Here’s how to set one up and keep your home in tip-top shape all year-round:

Start with a Practical Calendar

Choose a calendar format that suits your household:

• Digital Options: Use Google Calendar or apps with reminders to keep you on track.

• Physical Planners: Display a wall planner/chalk board, somewhere visible in your home, for easy reference.
  

  Having a visible schedule creates accountability and ensures tasks don’t fall through the cracks. It also gives you an opportunity to involve the whole household. Give some of the tasks to your kids, according to their abilities. Supervise and teach, these are valuable life lessons for them.
  
  Here is a simple weekly planner to get you started – you can adjust according to your house, circumstances, priorities and available time.
  
  Suggested Weekly Home Maintenance Schedule
  
  Monday – Start the Clean-Up

  
  ✅ Rake away leaves and remove debris around buildings.
  ✅Check for pests
  ✅ Clean the fridge and remove any expired products or inedible leftovers (if any).

  
  Tuesday – Floors, Carpets, Furniture (repeat on Friday).

  
  ✅ Vacuum carpets thoroughly.
  ✅ Deep clean - Dust, sweep and wash floors and other surfaces, as needed.
  

  Wednesday – General Home Check

  
  ✅ Check for faulty light bulbs and replace them.
  ✅ Check security equipment and lights are in good working condition.

  
  Thursday – Kitchen & Bathroom

  
  ✅ Clear out any possible residue from the kitchen extractor fan and sink drains.
  ✅Clean the washing machine filter and check the salt levels of the dishwasher.
  ✅ Check taps for leaks and repair any minor issues.

  
  Friday – Floors & Mould Prevention

  
  ✅ (repeat from Tuesday).
  ✅ Inspect the home for mould or damp and address it immediately.

  
  Saturday – Garden & Maintenance

  
  ✅ Get stuck into the garden, remove weeds, trim edges, mow the lawn, backwash the pool.
  ✅ Check door locks and hinges are all in good working order.

  
  Sunday – Rest & Review

  
  ✅ Take a break! Use this day to review any tasks that need extra attention or plan for upcoming home improvements.
  
  I will leave the scheduling of the suggested annual maintenance, below, to your own personalised planning
  
  
  Annual Maintenance
  

  South Africa’s seasons impact your home differently, so tailor tasks to the time of year and the province you live in:
  
  Check the whole house, especially any wooden areas, for rot, insect damage, and loose railings or steps, which would need securing. Treat any problems you uncover
  
  Walls & Ceilings

• Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks, damp patches, or signs of movement.

• Fill small cracks to prevent further damage and make monitoring easier.

• Watch for water stains—paint bubbling on walls or sagging ceilings may indicate a moisture issue that needs attention.

  
  Doors & Windows

• Replace broken or cracked glass panes and apply fresh putty where needed.

• Inspect paintwork for peeling or deterioration and check wooden frames for signs of rot.

• Ensure all seals around doors and windows are intact to prevent drafts and improve insulation. Proper sealing can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling costs.
  Check that door frames are secure—any bending or movement within six months could indicate structural issues.
  

  Roofs

• Inspect tiled roofs for damaged, loose, or missing tiles and repair them promptly to prevent leaks and water damage.

• On flat roofs, look for blistering or bubbling that may need attention.

• Keep the roof clear of debris and trim any overhanging branches that touch or scrape the surface.
  

  Gutters & Drainage

• Keep gutters and downpipes free of leaves and debris to prevent clogging. Before and after the rainy season.

• Inspect for leaks or blockages at joints and repair as needed.

• Ensure gutters are securely fastened and properly sloped to direct water away from the house foundation.
  

  Chimneys and Fire Hydrants

• Look for loose or damaged bricks and mortar, and repair as needed.

• If you use a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney professionally swept once a year to remove creosote buildup and other flammable residues.

• For gas fireplaces and appliances, solar installations and fire hydrants- have a licensed technician inspect and service them regularly to ensure safe operation.

  
  Paint & Protective Coatings

• Paint does more than enhance aesthetics—it protects against rust, rot, and weather damage.

• Treat and repaint areas where paint has bubbled, peeled, showing rust or cracked to maintain a strong protective barrier.
  

  Patios & Decks

• Wooden decks should be sealed properly—you will notice when it starts absorbing water and in need of a sanding and re-seal.
  

  Garages

• Examine walls for cracks, dampness, or signs of structural movement.
  

  Driveways & Pathways

• Check for cracks or uneven surfaces that could be hazardous and repair them where needed.

• Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling near the house foundation.
  
  By sticking to such a schedule, you ensure your home is ready for any season and remains a valuable asset.
  
  If you’d like more tips on maintaining or improving your property’s value, reach out – I’m here to help!