Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, tackle overdue tasks, and get everything in shape before the warmer months settle in. Whether you’re preparing for a building or pest inspection, or just want to stay on top of things, this 10-point checklist will help you stay organised and protect your property.
Let’s dive in!
✅ 1. Clear Gutters & Check the Roof
- Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from gutters, downpipes and roof areas.
- Look for cracked or missing roof tiles, sagging areas, and signs of leaks.
- Check flashing around vents, chimneys or skylights for damage.
✅ 2. Fix Leaky Taps & Check Plumbing
- Replace washers on leaking taps and tighten fittings.
- Inspect under sinks and around the toilet for signs of water damage.
- Look for slow drains or damp smells (signs of hidden leaks).
- Inspect for rust or braided hoses. These are high pressure and can cause significant damage if they burst.
✅ 3. Seal Cracks & Gaps
- Seal external gaps in walls, around windows, and entry points for pipes.
- Use suitable materials able to withstand external elements or engage suitable trades if required.
- Helps prevent water ingress and keeps pests out.
- Painting exposed timbers assists in maintaining the timbers and preventing timber pests such as fungal decay.
✅ 4. Remove Timber & Debris Around the House
- Clear firewood, timber, and rubbish stacked near the home.
- Keep the area around your slab or foundations clear.
- Reduces termite and rodent risk as well as minimising conducive conditions for timber pests.
✅ 5. Trim Trees & Improve Drainage
- Cut back plants and tree limbs touching your roof or walls.
- Make sure water drains away from the home, not toward it.
- Check garden beds or rocks aren’t built up too high against the walls and obstructing weep holes.
✅ 6. Repair Doors, Windows & Screens
- Fix any sticking doors or windows.
- Replace torn flyscreens or seal gaps.
- Ensures good ventilation and keeps insects out.
✅ 7. Check for Pests or Damage
- Look for termite mud trails or evidence of termite workings in timbers.
- Check timber frames and skirting boards for soft or hollow spots.
- Book a pest inspection if you suspect activity. You should have an annual inspection to maintain warranty after a system is installed
- Look for areas of high moisture internally or externally and rectify as moisture is a conducive condition that attracts termites and wood rot. This can include plumbing leaks, poor surface drainage, missing sealant in wet areas, leaking taps externally etc.
✅ 8. Freshen Up Wet Areas
- Re-grout or re-silicone bathroom and laundry tiles. Missing sealant allows moisture ingress and can cause significant damage.
- Clean extractor fans and check they’re working well.
- Fix any leaks or cracked tiles.
✅ 9. Clean Roof Space & Subfloor
- Remove old storage, check insulation, and look for rodent nests.
- Ensure there’s no pooling water or signs of termite activity.
- Keep areas clear to allow for ventilation.
✅ 10. Test Smoke Alarms & Lights
- Replace smoke alarm batteries and test functionality. Ensure the latest inter connected smoke alarms that meet legal requirements are installed.
- Check all lights and switches are working.
- Engage a qualified electrician to check any electrical concerns. One electrician recently reported when checking their own clients roof space electrical wires arcing due to rats nesting in the roof space and causing electrical damage to wires.
🌼 Final Thoughts
A spring tidy-up isn’t just about a clean house — it’s about protecting your biggest investment. These simple checks can save you money, avoid costly repairs, and ensure you’re ready for inspections, getting your property ready for sale, rain, or just relaxing at home.
Need Help Booking a Building and Pest Inspection?
Our inspectors are qualified builders and trusted building and pest inspectors with years of experience. Contact us today to get sorted—or even just to ask questions. At Informed Building Inspections, we’re just a message, phone call, or form submission away. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply seeking peace of mind, our experienced team is here to help.
📞 Call us: 1300 246 367
📧 Email: admin@informedbuildinginspections.com.au
💬 Or fill out our online enquiry form — we’re just a message, phone call, or form submission away!
We look forward to assisting you across South East Queensland – from the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Brisbane, Gold Coast and surrounds!
