Essential Spring Maintenance Tips for Perth Homeowners and Landlords

As Perth’s climate transitions from cool, wet winters to scorching, dry summers, spring is the ideal time to revitalise your property. Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, a little spring maintenance can go a long way in protecting your investment, increasing property value, and ensuring a comfortable living environment.

Why Spring Maintenance is Essential for Perth Properties

Perth’s unique coastal climate, with its wet winters and hot summers, can be hard on properties. Spring is the perfect time to address any weather-related damage, prevent future issues, and ensure everything is in top shape before the summer heat hits. By conducting thorough maintenance now, you’ll protect your property from potential problems, save money in the long run, and keep your tenants happy.

Perth’s coastal climate, characterised by wet winters and hot summers, can take a toll on your property. By conducting some simple Spring maintenance, you can:

• Enhance property value: A well-maintained property attracts higher rental prices and sells faster.
• Ensure tenant satisfaction: Happy tenants lead to fewer vacancies and higher rental income.
• Prevent future problems: Proactive maintenance saves money in the long run.
• Address winter damage: Repair any weather-related issues.

According to BOM, Perth experienced a staggering 170mm of rain during July, 23mm above the average since 1993

Key Spring Maintenance Tasks for Perth Properties

Here are the most important spring maintenance tasks to add to your checklist, whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord:

1. Clean and Service Air Conditioners

Perth’s hot summers mean air conditioning units will soon be working overtime. Even if your Air Conditioner isn’t faulty, regularly servicing will help with:

• Longevity: Your system will work for a longer period of time and you can avoid breakdowns when you need it the most.
• Energy Efficiency: Regular servicing helps your system run more efficiently, which can help lower your energy bills.

2. Check Windows and Doors for Draughts

Windows and doors are key points of entry for heat in the summer. Spring is the perfect time to inspect for gaps or cracks in the sealant around your frames that could lead to draughts and higher cooling costs during the hot season. 

In addition to checking for drafts, it’s also important to ensure your blinds are in good condition. Well-maintained blinds can effectively block direct sunlight from entering through windows, reducing the heat inside your home.

These two, quick and easy inspections, can help:

• Boost Energy Efficiency: Well-sealed windows and doors can help by keeping cool air in and hot air out, lowering your power bills, and making your living space more pleasant during Perth’s hot summers.
• Protect From Direct Sunlight: Properly functioning blinds can prevent excess heat from building up indoors, reducing the need for air conditioning, keeping your home more comfortable, and protecting vulnerable surfaces.

3. Garden and Landscaping

Spring is the perfect time to give your garden some love. The winter rain may have encouraged weeds and overgrowth, leaving your property looking a little untidy. Now’s the perfect opportunity to tidy things up, so take the opportunity to trim back plants, mow the lawn, remove those stubborn weeds, and place a nice thick layer of mulch over the soil. These simple tasks can help

• Increase Curb Appeal: A well-maintained garden enhances the overall appearance of the property, which is especially important for rental properties.
• Lower Watering Costs: Mulching in Spring will help the solid retain moisture, regulate temperature, reduce more weeds from popping up, and create the perfect environment for your plants and trees to thrive during the unforgiving Summer months.

4. Inspect Plumbing and Water Systems

Checking your plumbing and reticulation is another crucial spring task. By inspecting all pipes, taps, toilets, and sprinklers to ensure they aren’t leaking, you can save money and prevent water damage. This is particularly important after the rainy winter we experienced in Perth, as moisture can lead to water damage or mould.

• Prevent Water Damage: Early detection of leaks or damaged pipes can prevent costly water damage repairs in the future.
• Check Your Drains: Blocked drains can lead to health risks, pest infestations, bad odours, and water damage. Testing how quickly or slowly the water takes to drain is a simple task that can save you expensive plumbing work in the future. 
• Test Irrigation Systems: For properties with gardens and lawns, it’s important to ensure all irrigation systems are working properly to keep plants healthy throughout the hotter months and prevent water wastage.

WaterCorp suggest an increase of 25% in your water bills can indicate a hidden leak 

5. General Deep Cleaning

Everyone has heard of “Spring Cleaning”, and with the weather warming up and the days getting longer, it marks the perfect time to do a deep clean of your property. 

Whether you’re living in your home or managing a rental, a thorough clean can refresh your space. 

• Decluttering: Clear out unused items, especially in garages or storage areas. A clutter-free home feels more spacious and inviting. Both the City of Kwinana and the City of Rockingham offer bulk waste verge collection, so make good use of them.
• Carpets, Rugs, and Couch Cleaning: Steam clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove dust and allergens, giving your indoor spaces a fresh feel. 
• Kitchen Essentials: Now is the time to clean out your pantry. Check the use-by dates of those boxes that always make their way to the back and ensure everything is sealed correctly and dry, helping prevent rodents and pantry moths from invading.

The Benefits of a Well-Maintained Perth Property

Spring Maintenance For Perth Homeowners And Landlords

Regular spring maintenance isn’t just about keeping up appearances, it’s about protecting your property, saving on repairs, and ensuring a comfortable living environment for yourself or your tenants.

• Protect Your Investment: Prevent costly repairs and maintain property value by addressing small issues before they become a major headache.
• Improve energy efficiency: Reduce bills by minimising draughts, maintaining air conditioning systems, and ensuring no taps are leaking.
• Tenant Satisfaction: For landlords, a well-maintained property is more likely to attract high-quality tenants who stay longer and take better care of the property.

As REIWA mentions, spring is the ideal time to give your home that extra “wow factor” with a few simple maintenance tasks, and the results can be both visually appealing and financially rewarding.

Get Your Spring Property Appraisal with Encore Property Group

Spring isn’t just a time for maintenance, it’s also a great time to reassess your property’s market value. Whether you’re considering selling or renting out your property, a well-maintained home can significantly impact its value. 

At Encore Property Group, we offer free property appraisals to help you discover the potential of your property.

Contact us today to schedule your appraisal and get your property ready for the warmer months!