We’ve analysed seasonal data from jobs posted on builderscrack.co.nz to bring you a checklist of repairs and maintenance you can do to protect your property year-round.

There are three good reasons to keep up with seasonal repairs and maintenance:

1. It’s crucial for attracting new tenants, keeping existing tenants happy, and appealing to prospective buyers
2. It helps mitigate potential surprises down the track, such as a minor roof leak turning into major structural damage
3. From July 1, 2025, all private rentals must comply with the Healthy Homes standards, and landlords who don’t meet their obligations under the standards may be liable for financial penalties of up to $7,200 (tenancy.govt.nz).

The Winter

Winter is often overlooked as a favourable time to do indoor repairs, maintenance and updates. With tradespeople pipelines generally less full due to weather constraints, this provides an optimal window for landlords to hire a quality trade professional who can give the project their undivided time and attention.

Popular improvements: Installing, maintaining and replacing heating systems, inspecting and cleaning fireplaces and chimneys.

Professionals for the job: Heating professionals, electricians, fireplace and chimney cleaners.

Why: While tenants are required to regularly clean heat pump filters or heaters, landlords are responsible for maintaining heating and ventilation systems, and ensuring they are in working condition. July typically has the highest monthly electricity demand (www.ea.govt.nz), so by hiring a professional early in the season to carry out heat pump maintenance, your tenants can reduce their heating bill and you can relax knowing there won’t be emergency callouts on the weekend.

Regular maintenance also reduces the strain on heating systems, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for further repairs and replacements down the track.

The Spring

Take advantage of the warmer, dryer weather with outdoor updates that improve your property’s kerb appeal. First impressions count and a well-maintained home starts from the outside. A visually appealing exterior can justify higher rent, reduce vacancy periods, and ultimately increase the property’s market value, providing a strong return on investment.

Popular improvements: Exterior cladding, painting, landscaping, decking and gardening.

Professionals for the job: Painters and decorators, landscapers, builders, gardeners.

Why: Your property will likely endure some weathering over winter, which can cause significant wear and tear to the exterior cladding. With its mild temperatures and low humidity, spring provides an optimal time for addressing peeling, cracking or fading paint.

It’s also important to get any large summer refurbishments in the pipeline now (towards the end of spring). We commonly see job posts starting to reference “before Christmas” as an ideal completion date. This puts pressure on supply, so it’s advisable to book in advance if you’re looking to get major work done between tenancies or planning to put your house on the market in time for summer.

The Summer

There are many benefits to making improvements to your property in summer: the sunny weather usually reduces the risk of your project getting rained out; the drier ground is preferable for excavation and foundation work, and it allows better curing and drying of materials like concrete and paint.

When the pre-Christmas rush is in full force, we often see small to medium jobs get booked in without hassle. For larger improvements, you may get better results scheduling in for mid-January when tradespeople are back on site. You’ll have a better chance of securing your first preference of tradesperson and have ample time to choose the right materials for your project.

Popular improvements: Decking, pergolas, fencing, driveways, pathways, outdoor entertainment areas.

Professionals for the job: Builders, carpenters, handymen, landscapers, concrete layers.

Why: Updating your outdoor space is one of the most effective ways to boost the lifestyle satisfaction of occupants, meaning you’ll have happy tenants that stick around.

Any additions that extend the living area or floor space will also give you a competitive advantage over other properties in the area, justifying higher rent. Outdoor additions made from durable materials will require minimal maintenance in the long run, meaning less chances of decay and reduced capital spent on upkeep.

The Autumn

We typically see a huge uptick in roofing and plumbing jobs come winter, so if you know your property is due for preventive maintenance requiring these trades, autumn is a great time to get your job in the pipeline.

Popular improvements: Updating insulation to meet R-value, double-glazing, sealing draughty windows and doors, cladding, and any roofing repairs and maintenance such as spouting, downpipes, and repointing tiles.

Professionals for the job: Roofers, insulation professionals, builders, handymen, window specialists, door specialists.

Why: These autumn repair and maintenance jobs protect against weather damage, mould and leaks. A well-insulated home with a strong exterior also prevents headaches down the track with wear and tear. This is particularly true when it comes to unmanaged moisture leading to rotten timber near windows, mould in the carpet underlay and, at worst, structural damage to timber framing.

Aside from Healthy Homes, double-glazing is a strong selling point when it comes to attracting good tenants and potential buyers as it regulates the indoor temperature of the property, giving it a cosier, dryer feel.

Builderscrack.co.nz matches property owners that need work done with the right local pros using innovative, patented New Zealand-made tech. From Kaitaia to Bluff, builders to cleaners, repairs to renovations. Done!