Self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic has left many homeowners with a lot of time on their hands. During this difficult period, it is important to keep yourself occupied. If you are experiencing cabin fever, autumn maintenance is a good way to get outside, do something productive and of benefit. Most properties have plenty of internal and external clean up and repairs jobs to do.
Roofs, Gutters, Drains & External Surfaces
Before winter rolls around you will want to ensure that your gutters are clean. The first thing to do is clear out any autumn leaves, dirt or debris. Next, use a hose to flush out down pipes and drains to ensure that storm water runs freely from gutters. While you are cleaning gutters, carry out a visual inspection of your roof to check for damage.
Before you move onto other maintenance needs, inspect external walls for damage. If walls are dirty or grimy, consider power washing using a suitable pressure machine. Scrub down other surfaces such as paving with a hard brush, soap and water. You can use a bleach solution if you prefer, but harsh cleaning chemicals are not necessary to achieve optimal results and it’s better for the environment too.
Check your Air Filtration
It is still important to ensure that your air-conditioning and ventilation systems are kept clean and well maintained. Check to see if filters need to be replaced and consider having your air-conditioner serviced if you haven’t already done so in the past year. Rooms that need special consideration when it comes to efficient airflow include living areas, kitchen, bathrooms and laundry.
Although maintaining and cleaning AC units and related equipment will not prevent the transmission of COVID-19 if someone has the infection, overall air quality is still important. The disease affects respiration so the purer your air quality the better, should a member of the household develop symptoms. Whatever the circumstances there are cost savings associated with well-maintained air conditioning and ventilation systems.
Internal Maintenance
With many businesses closed or operating with reduced services, you don’t want to end up with any maintenance needs during the winter months, so now is the ideal time to act. A surge of customers could result in long waiting times and no one is sure how COVID-19 may escalate over the coming months. Check for leaks; issues with water heaters, toilets and baths. For significant plumbing or electrical problems, consider bringing in a licensed plumber or licensed electrician now rather than later.
Painting, both inside and out, is a time-consuming job. If ever there was a great time to revamp your décor, it’s now. A new look may even help you cope with the monotony of being stuck at home over the coming months.
Your Health & COVID-19
At Houspect, we are constantly assessing government guidance on COVID-19 and what that means for our customers. We understand that the situation is evolving rapidly which may mean changes in circumstances or safety practices for residents in Victoria and across the country.
Houspect conducts inspections with the necessary precautions regarding the virus. Our inspectors apply the following standard operating procedures:
- For internal property inspections, wear an appropriate face mask.
- Sanitise/wash your hands before and after inspections.
- Ensure the property owner/resident opens all doors at commencement of inspection to minimise surface contact within the property.
- Maintain social distancing of 1.5m minimum. Wear face masks. Avoid coughing, or cough into the crook of your elbow – face masks provides most protection.
- For external inspections, i.e. new construction or public assets, with little or no contact with other people, the potential risks are manageable.
If you have any questions about how building inspections are affected by the pandemic, reach out to Houspect Victoria’s offices today. We can provide updates and direct you to any relevant information you require.