Garden and outdoor maintenance: 

What better way to get fresh air and sunshine than giving your garden some good old TLC? There are more than enough projects you can make a start on, but here is a guide on what we recommend actioning during the dry season: 

• Trim and prune garden beds and hedges.
• Clear and remove palm fronds and undergrowth.
• Fill up your bird bath on a regular basis to support wildlife in your area. 
• Power wash paved areas, fencing, or other outdoor areas impacted by mildew or dirt.
• Check for root growth – large trees and bushes can grow extensive root systems which may interfere with underground pipes causing blocked drains.
• Add more shade to your garden to protect your plants. 
• Check reticulation is in working order.
• Re-mulch garden beds and fertilise during the dry season.
• Replace any sprinklers and hoses.
• Clean out gutters and downpipes.
• Clean your fly screens to avoid dirt and dust build-up. 
• Prioritise pool maintenance.

 

Renos and repairs: 

As the wet season brings heavy and consistent rain, it can be annoying to have to plan any significant landscaping or repair work in less-than-ideal conditions. During the dry season, you will be able to enjoy Darwin’s pleasant climate and get important jobs done with a lot less disruption - all while adding extra value to your property. Here’s a list of ideas to get you inspired: 

• Paint the inside and outside of your home. 
• Re-stain/varnish your deck. 
• Attend to cracked bricks or loose weatherboards on the outside of the house.
• Repair any damaged or old fly screens.
• Check that any locks or door handles are working well. 
• Repair any damage to fencing or gates to keep your property secure.

 

Home maintenance:  

When it comes to the inside of your home, checking the health and safety of your appliances, cleaning rooms or spaces that weren’t a priority during the wet season and making important repairs can be key areas to focus on. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Maintain and test your fire alarms, and remove dust and cobwebs.
• Repair paint chips, or peeling paint in walls and door frames
• Get professional air conditioner cleaning and maintenance, to remove any remnants of mould, bacteria and dust.
• Look for signs of mould everywhere in your home and clean these areas thoroughly, or work with mould remediation professionals.
• Clean and check your white goods for leaks or faults. 
• Make a plan for pest control.
• Clean ceiling fans, blinds and curtains regularly during these dustier months ahead.
• Clean solar panels, as they will work more effectively if cleared of dust and debris.
• Check and install surge protection. This helps protect your valuable electrical appliances (like your fridge, TV and computer) from lightning strikes, power surges and voltage spikes. Although we see an increase in calls related to damaged electrical appliances over the wet season due to our intense thunderstorms, power surges can happen no matter what the weather is doing.
• Re-check and add to your home cyclone kit so you’re ready when cyclone season returns later in the year. 

 

Completing maintenance for your property during the dry season can make a huge difference, especially with the help of qualified and experienced contractors! If you are a tenant with Absolute who needs maintenance or repairs completed, get in touch with your Property Manager. If it is after hours, call our office on 8930 6600 for the duty Property Manager. Please call a Property Manager in the first instance before calling any contractor directly. While we do our best to be available for you, it is not always possible when something URGENT happens outside of business hours. Find our trusted contractors here.