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THE SUMMER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST (Old Homes vs New Builds)
Ah, summer in New Zealand. The sun’s out, the BBQ’s on… and your to-do list’s longer than your hose.
If you’ve got an older home, you already know the drill: sand, scrub, repaint, repeat. If you’ve built new, your “maintenance weekend” probably looks a lot more like “lunch by the lake.”
Let’s break it down 👇
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Old home |
New home |
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Repaint the deck because the sun peeled off half of last year’s effort. |
Sweep the deck and reapply oil every few years. Done. |
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Waterblast the exterior and discover three kinds of mould. |
Quick rinse for aesthetics. No cracks, no leaks, no worries. |
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Re-seal the driveway before it crumbles again. |
Hose it off - modern concrete mix handles the rest. |
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Scrape and repaint window frames that have seen better decades. |
Wipe the joinery (it’s aluminium, not timber, so no flaking paint). |
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Get the plumber back (again) for that “mystery” drip. |
Check your water filter - maybe. That’s about it. |
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Call the sparky to check the wiring that predates colour TV. |
Replace a lightbulb - LED, of course. |
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Clear the gutters of leaves, sludge, and possibly wildlife. |
Quick check after a storm or if your trees are growing too close. |
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Patch the roof - again. |
Roof’s under warranty. You’re good. |
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Argue with tradies about when they can fit you in. |
Set reminders for annual inspections you’ll barely need. |
Why new builds make summers simpler
1. Less maintenance, more life
Modern materials mean less rot, rust, and repainting. You’re not patching up decades of “she’ll be right” - you’re starting fresh.
2. Built for modern Kiwi conditions
From UV-resistant cladding to double glazing and smart ventilation, today’s homes are made for our climate - not imported ideas from the 1950s.
3. Efficiency that saves you more than time
New builds are warmer, drier, and easier to run. Lower power bills, fewer repairs, and less time spent at Bunnings trying to find the right size washer.
4. Future-proof by design
From LED lighting to energy-efficient appliances, your home’s already kitted out for the next decade. You can add smart home features or solar later - not start from scratch.
5. Long-term value (and a better summer)
Whether you’re living in it or renting it out, a low-maintenance, high-quality home is easier to enjoy and easier to sell down the track.
The only summer checklist your new build really needs
☀️ Check the gutters (once).
☀️ Clean the heat pump filter.
☀️ Water the garden.
☀️ Fire up the BBQ.
Everything else? Sorted.
FAQs: Home Maintenance and New Builds
Do new builds still need maintenance?
A little, yeah - but it’s more about care than repair. Think cleaning, not fixing. Regular upkeep helps your home stay in top condition and keeps warranties valid.
What’s covered under a new build warranty?
Classic Builders homes come with a 10-year structural guarantee, plus shorter-term warranties on materials and fittings. That means major issues are covered - you’re not alone with a leaking roof or faulty plumbing.
How often should I service my heat pump or ventilation system?
Once a year’s usually enough. It’s more about efficiency than breakdowns - and takes less time than clearing one gutter on an old place.
Can new builds still have issues?
Of course - any home can. But the big difference is support. If something crops up, you’ve got a warranty and a builder who’ll fix it, not a mystery tradie from Facebook Marketplace.