New Home Maintenance Checklist: Essential Tips To Keep Your House In Great Shape

There’s something special about walking through your freshly completed home — the fresh paint, the clean lines, and the promise of new memories. But keeping that new home feeling for years to come means taking a proactive approach to upkeep. That’s where a well-structured new home maintenance checklist comes in handy.

At CRJ Designer Homes, we believe a quality home deserves quality care. As experienced Bundaberg home builders, we’ve seen firsthand the difference that a little maintenance can make — not just in keeping your home looking good, but also in protecting your investment.

Here’s a practical checklist to help you stay on top of home maintenance, along with extra tips if you live in a coastal area.

Your Seasonal New Home Maintenance Checklist

Monthly Tasks

• Clean aluminium window and door frames.
  
  
• Inspect gutters for debris and clear out leaves and twigs, especially after storms.
  
  
• Check under sinks and around taps for signs of leaks.
  
  
• Inspect for signs of insect or termite activity, particularly around weep holes.
  
  
• Walk around your home’s exterior and ensure water drains away from the slab or footings.

Quarterly Tasks

• Clean windows and glass, inside and out.
  
  
• Lubricate sliding door and window tracks.
  
  
• Check the roof and valleys (visually or with a drone, or have a professional inspect) for signs of wear or damage.
  
  
• Inspect your septic or waste treatment systems, if applicable.

Bi-Annual Tasks

• Wash external paintwork and garage doors with mild detergent and a soft brush.
  
  
• Inspect your termite management system zones for any mud trails or breaches.

Annual Tasks

• Book a professional termite inspection.
  
  
• Check smoke alarms – clean them and replace batteries if required.
  
  
• Have your roof, flashings and downpipes inspected by a licensed tradesperson.
  
  
• Clean out and inspect stormwater pits and overflow points.

Every 3–5 Years

• Repaint external timber and touch up fading surfaces.
  
  
• Assess weather seals, grout, and silicone around wet areas.
  
  
• Review your home’s facade for any signs of wear and book a painter before damage sets in.

Living Near the Coast? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your new home is located close to the ocean — like many of our clients in the Bundaberg and coastal Queensland region — your maintenance needs a few extra layers of care. Coastal environments can accelerate wear on metal fixtures, painted surfaces, and exposed materials due to salt spray, high humidity and wind.

Coastal-Specific Maintenance Tips:

• Wash external surfaces more frequently: Salt can build up on painted facades, aluminium windows, roof sheets and garage doors. Hose down with fresh water and a soft brush every month in marine-exposed locations (especially areas not washed by rain).
  
  
• Clean aluminium and stainless steel finishes: Wipe down door hardware, balustrades and window frames using mild detergent and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners to protect against corrosion and pitting.
  
  
• Inspect roof and guttering regularly: Salt and sea air can break down protective coatings faster. Clean gutters and check for rust or early signs of deterioration at least every 3 months.
  
  
• Protect against pests: Coastal homes are more susceptible to drywood termites. Make sure your termite management system is maintained, and keep weep holes, vents and inspection zones clear from mulch, plants or debris.
  
  
• Maintain painted surfaces: UV exposure is higher near the coast. Lighter exterior colours reflect sunlight and last longer than dark tones. Repaint external areas approximately every 3–5 years, or sooner if fading and chalking appears.
  
  
• Ventilate to control condensation: With high humidity comes more moisture — open windows regularly, especially in wet areas, and use exhaust fans to prevent mould growth and peeling paint.
  
  
• Check metal fixings and fencing: Salt can corrode exposed screws, bolts, and brackets. If fencing or fixings show signs of rust, replace them with marine-grade stainless steel or apply an anti-corrosion treatment.
  
  

Why Preventive Maintenance Matters

Many common issues in new homes — like mould, damp, cracks or rot — come down to deferred or improper maintenance. The good news? Preventative action is almost always cheaper and easier than reactive repairs.

A well-maintained home:

• Holds its value
  
  
• Reduces repair costs over time
  
  
• Provides a safer and more comfortable living environment
  
  
• Extends the life of key materials and fixtures

Keep a Record (It’s Worth It)

We recommend creating a maintenance log where you can track completed tasks, record inspections, and set reminders. This is particularly helpful for warranty tracking or if you plan to sell your home later — buyers love seeing a home that’s been well cared for.

CRJ Tip: Make It Routine, Not a Chore

Break your checklist into bite-sized tasks across the year. Rather than waiting for a “free weekend,” take care of a few items each month. Keeping your home in great shape doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

A Home That Grows With You

At CRJ Designer Homes, we design and build homes that are made to last. But no matter how well-built your home is, regular maintenance is key to preserving its quality and comfort. This new home maintenance checklist is a helpful guide to get started – and if you're ever unsure about a task, it’s always best to seek professional advice.

If you’re building or thinking of building, we’re here to help. As your local Bundaberg home builders, we take pride in supporting our clients long after handover.