Home maintenance isn’t just about kerb appeal – it plays a key role in keeping your living conditions safe and preserving one of your most valuable assets. Adopting a seasonal approach to property upkeep can potentially help reduce your home’s risk of damage caused by everything from storms and bushfires to burst pipes, aged decking and termites.
Beyond saving you from big out-of-pocket bills, staying on top of routine home repairs and maintenance can also affect how smoothly a home insurance claim is processed if your property is damaged.1
“Routine home maintenance is one of the most important things homeowners can do to protect both the value and safety of their property,” says Simon Croft, Housing Industry Association (HIA) Chief Executive – Industry & Policy.
“Often, the most expensive repairs are the result of small issues that have gone unnoticed or untreated over a long period of time.”
Why home maintenance matters
We get it. When you’re juggling work, family and the realities of modern life, finding a spare weekend for house chores can feel impossible. Yet, letting property upkeep slide can make it easy to overlook how quickly small maintenance issues, such as blocked roof gutters or a leaking flexi hose, can lead to potentially major issues – and a hefty repair bill.
That’s because most home insurance policies – while they typically cover sudden, unforeseen events – generally won’t cover a property’s wear and tear, and that might be news to some Australian homeowners.2
In fact, a 2023 review by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) into home insurance claims found that people were generally unaware that damage due to “wear and tear” was excluded in home insurance policies, nor did they know what the policy-holder’s obligation for a property’s upkeep actually involved.2
Many policy-holders also didn’t realise this meant an insurance claim might be denied if they didn’t maintain their home,2 or that delaying property repairs could impact a claim.3
What’s more, an unmaintained property has a higher risk of being damaged by extreme weather, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.1
“At Youi, we commonly see claims for damage that has been caused by maintenance problems such as overgrown trees, waterproofing and sealant failure, plus the deterioration and neglect of roofs and gutters,” says Mervyn Hartley, Youi’s Head of Product – Home and Small Business Insurance.
“Damage claims for escaping water, as a result of worn or poorly maintained plumbing or flexi hose failures, are also common.
“Because insurers look closely at the root cause of the damage and compare this with the policy coverage, failing to address some of these everyday maintenance problems can result in a claim being either partially or completely declined.”
Given that regular home maintenance plays such a pivotal role in home insurance coverage, understanding your specific obligations is paramount. Whether you have building and contents insurance, building insurance or contents only cover, you can check your policy documents to find out exactly what is and isn’t covered.
So, how can you stay on top of home maintenance and make your home more resilient to damage?
To help you get started, we’ve put together a practical checklist to guide you through what to look out for around your property and when. It’s designed to help you spot small issues early, while giving you a clearer picture of why this routine care is so important for ongoing home insurance cover and potential home insurance claim outcomes.
What is home maintenance?
What do we actually mean when we talk about “home maintenance”? Generally speaking, household maintenance covers the wide range of routine repairs and maintenance that keep a home in good condition, whether that’s plumbing repairs or roof maintenance and repairs.4
- Typical maintenance tasks may include the following:4
- Repairs to decks and balconies
- Smoke detector checks
- Pest control
- Window frame repairs
- Leak repairs
- Regular gutter cleaning
- Driveway and garden maintenance.4
Some property owners may choose to establish a timetable or schedule to remind themselves to carry out different checks on the overall condition of their home throughout the year.
“Homeowners should think of maintenance as preventative, rather than reactive. A quick inspection or minor repair today can prevent a major insurance claim or structural problem down the track,” says Croft.
The link between home maintenance and extreme weather
Unfortunately, Australia is no stranger to severe weather events. And when it comes to our homes’ resilience to potential damage from weather-related events, more challenges are likely to lie ahead.5
Researchers have warned that “climate whiplash”, in which some Australian communities are being tossed from one extreme weather event to another, is becoming more common.6
With that in mind, property maintenance becomes an important step in helping homeowners live in a home that’s more likely to withstand severe weather impacts7,8
“Some basic checks and repairs can make a meaningful difference to outcomes when wild weather such as storms or bushfires hit, and they don’t have to cost the earth,” says Geoff Evans, Co-founder of Disaster Relief Australia.
“Think of these as smart checks that can help keep your home sealed, reduce the potential for costly water damage and may stop the wind or flames from finding a way in.”
Home maintenance tasks you shouldn’t DIY
Before we get into some simple checks that property owners can carry out themselves, it’s important to note that some tasks, such as roofing, electrical and complex plumbing repairs, should be left in the hands of licensed and qualified professionals.4
Do-it-yourself mistakes and mishaps, for example, falling from ladders or misusing power tools, commonly lead to serious yet preventable injuries in Australia.9
As a general rule, if attempting DIY home maintenance, you should always take care to:9
- Use the correct tool for the task at hand
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
- Keep work areas dry, clean and clear of debris
- Never attempt repairs or maintenance beyond your level of skill or knowledge.9
Homeowners may also prefer to hire a qualified tradesperson to help them meet their obligations as policy holders to keep their property in good condition.10, 11
So, what home maintenance should be done annually, or more often? Below, we’ve gathered together some expert-backed home maintenance tips from the NSW State Emergency Service, the Building and Plumbing Commission, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the HIA.
Roof and gutter checks
What to look for: Blocked gutters and downpipes, overhanging branches, rust, cracked roof tiles, loose or damaged roofing materials.8 Some of these jobs may be best carried out by professionals.
When to check: Consider checking the roof and gutter cleaning twice a year, particularly after severe weather events and ahead of storm and bushfire season.
What to do:
- Clean leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes to avoid blockages and water damage.12
- Trim overhanging branches.8
- Replace broken or loose roof tiles or roofing materials.12
- Repair leaks.12
“Overflowing gutters can create issues around footings and foundations if stormwater is not directed away from the home,” says Croft.
Adds Evans: “You need to make sure your roof is maintained because wind-blown water will get under your roof and into your property. The primary cause of water entering homes during a storm is faulty or degraded roofing.”
Implications for home insurance: Policies may exclude cover for internal damage caused by rainwater leaking through an unmaintained roof if you could reasonably have been aware of the issue.10 And, even if the roof damage was not reasonably apparent before a storm event, you may be responsible for fixing the issue before repairs to any internal damage covered by your insurance can commence.10,11,13
Drainage and waterproofing
What to look for: Pooling water, damp smells, mould, bubbling paint, water marks on walls, cracked grout or flooring, ceiling stains.14
“Waterproofing failures, particularly in bathrooms, can take years to become visible and, by the time damage appears, it can be extensive and costly to rectify,” says Croft.
It may also be a good idea to check the cupboard under your bathroom basin or kitchen sink for water stains and musty odours. Flexi hoses, which connect cold and hot water to the dishwasher and washing machine, are a common cause of internal water-related damage.
When to check: At least once a year,14 but quarterly inspections can alert homeowners to early signs of problems.
What to do: Home plumbing maintenance related to drainage and waterproofing issues most often requires a licensed plumber.14
Implications for home insurance: Damage caused by water escaping slowly over a period of time, where you could reasonably have been aware of the issue, may not be covered by home insurance.10 Damage caused by water escaping from a leak in a shower base or recess is also generally not covered.10
Decks and balconies
What to look for: For decking repairs and maintenance, the HIA suggests checking decks and balconies for timber rot, corroded or rusted metal fixings, loose handrails, movement underfoot or cracked surfaces. Timber decks and balconies may also be at risk of termites.
When to check: “Decks and balconies are exposed to the elements year-round and require regular monitoring,” says Croft. The Building and Plumbing Commission recommends at least an annual check.14
What to do: Replace rotting decking, handrails and balustrades. Replace corroded fixtures and check they’re securely fitted. Paint steel posts or rails with an anti-rust treatment, and use weather-proof treatment on timber to help build resistance to the elements.15
“When there are structural concerns, waterproofing issues or deterioration, it’s critical to engage a qualified professional rather than attempting DIY repairs,” says Croft.
Implications for home insurance: If your home, including your balcony or deck, hasn’t been maintained, this may impact your home insurance claim.
Grounds and garden
What to look for: As well as checking for leaves and overhanging branches that can block gutters, homeowners can also look for rotting trees in their garden,11 check for overgrown vegetation, which can damage roofs, interfere with drainage and impact footings and underground services.
When to check: On top of your twice-yearly roof and gutter checks ahead of bushfire and storm season, you may also want to check and trim trees, branches and vegetation whenever you’re gardening. Regular maintenance can help reduce the risk of bushfire damage.16
What to do: Remove dead leaves and branches from trees and shrubs. Prune overgrown foliage and remove the lower branches of trees. Keep lawns cut short, and trim trees and vegetation near powerlines.16
Implications for home insurance: Building insurance policies typically include a qualifying period at the start of the policy, during which you won’t be able to claim for loss or damage caused by bushfire.10, 11
Pest control
What to look for: Hollow timber, sagging floors or unexplained cracking.
“Termites remain one of the biggest risks to Australian homes because damage can occur long before homeowners are aware there is a problem,” says Croft.
There are more than 350 species of termites in Australia and about 20 of these can damage homes.17
Other pests that can invade homes include cockroaches, ants, spiders, rats and mice.18 Possible signs of rodents include:19
- Droppings
- Scurrying or scratching sounds in ceilings or wall cavities
- Gnaw marks on wires, food packaging or furniture.19
When to check: An annual inspection with a licensed pest controller can help to pinpoint any issues.20, 21
What to do: Termite infestations may require professional treatment. For other pests, you could consider:
- Storing food in airtight containers.22
- Keeping living spaces as clean as possible.22
- Fitting flyscreens and plugging gaps around windows and doors.21
Implications for home insurance: Damage caused by insects, rodents or vermin is not typically covered by standard home and contents insurance policies.10
Home safety equipment
What to look for: Fire can engulf a room within a home in as little as four minutes23 so check that all your home safety equipment is in good working order. This can include smoke alarms23 and safety switches – also sometimes called residual current devices (RCDs) – that detect electrical faults and cut power to prevent electrocution.24 If your home has fire extinguishers or a fire blanket in the kitchen, check they’re not damaged.23
When to check: Fire and Rescue NSW suggests testing smoke alarms every month and recommends installing hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms or those that rely on 10-year lithium batteries.25 Alarms that are powered by shorter life lead or alkaline batteries will need the battery replacing once a year.25 It’s recommended that homeowners check powder fire extinguishers every six months,26 and that fire blankets are replaced once they’ve been used.27 Safety switches can be tested every three months.24
What to do:
- For smoke alarms, press and hold the test button until you hear a beeping noise.25
- For powder fire extinguishers, shake them gently every six months to ensure powder doesn’t settle and check the pressure gauge is in the green zone.27
- As soon as a fire blanket has been used, think about replacing it.28
- Safety switches or RCDs can be tested by pressing the test button on each switch, indicated by a ‘T’. The switch directly below the button should immediately flip to OFF.24
Any uncertainties about electrical issues, such as fitting and replacing safety switches, are best referred to a licensed electrical contractor.24
Implications for home insurance: A claim for damage caused by fire or smoke may be impacted if a home doesn’t have working smoke alarms.29
We hope this home maintenance checklist helps you stay on top of some of the small jobs that can matter most. While you’re reviewing your home, it might also be a good time to check your cover – so you know where you stand if the unexpected happens. You can learn more about our you-shaped home insurance options by starting a quote today or by giving us a call on 13 9684.
1Source: Insurance Council of Australia – Frequently asked questions after a disaster, n.d.
2Source: ASIC – Navigating the storm: ASIC’s review of home insurance claims, August 2023
3Source: Canstar – What can void home insurance?, February 2025
4Source: Australian Government YourHome – Repairs and maintenance, n.d.
5Source: The University of Melbourne – Australia’s weather-related disasters are getting costlier, March 2025
6Source: Climate Council – Breakneck speed: Summer of climate whiplash, March 2026
7Source: Master Builders Queensland – Home maintenance, n.d.
8Source: NSW State Emergency Service – Storm, n.d.
9Source: Monash University Accident Research Centre – Do-It-Yourself Jobs: preventing injury, n.d.
10Exclusions and limits may apply. For full details, see the home insurance PDS.
11Source: Insurance Council of Australia – Getting storm ready, n.d.
12Source: Building and Plumbing Commission – Importance of maintaining roofs, balconies and drainage systems, August 2024
13Where you have increased your sum insured or reduced your excess within 72 hours of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions apply. Exclusions and limits may apply. For full details, see the PDS, TMD and your policy schedule.
14Source: Building and Plumbing Commission – Water ingress – balconies, decks and terraces, n.d.
15Source: Building and Plumbing Commission – Balconies, decks and balustrades, n.d.
16Source: Australian Government National Emergency Management Agency – Design landscapes to protect your house from bushfires, December 2024
17Source: Vic Government – Pest control – termites, December 2024
18Source: Vic Government – Common pests in Victoria, December 2024
19Source: Vic Government – Rodents – pest control, July 2025
20Source: Building and Plumbing Commission – Termites, n.d.
21Source: Qld Government – Pest control, January 2024
22Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand – Controlling pests, September 2025
23Source: SA Metropolitan Fire Service – Residential Fire Safety Equipment, n.d.
24Source: WA Government – RCD safety switches, May 2026
25Source: Fire and Rescue NSW – Smoke alarm maintenance guide,n.d.
26Source: Fire and Rescue NSW – Smoke alarm buyers guide, n.d.
27Source: SA Metropolitan Fire Service – Fire Extinguishers for Domestic Use, n.d.
28Source: SA Metropolitan Fire Service – Fire Blankets, n.d.
29Source: BCMC Safety Solutions – Smoke Alarm Compliance For New South Wales in 2024, August 2024
