There’s a unique sense of pride that comes with homeownership; the joy of stepping through a freshly painted doorway, or finally fixing that leaky tap that’s been on your list for months. But for many Australians (myself included), keeping up with home maintenance is often easier said than done.
I’ll be the first to admit that repairs aren’t exactly my strong suit. More often than not, those little jobs get pushed down the to-do list, only to become bigger, and more expensive, problems later on. And I’m clearly not alone. According to the Allianz Home Care Report, two in five Aussies confess they don’t maintain their homes regularly, or at all. But when it comes to caring for your home, prevention really is the best protection.
With the festive season fast approaching, bringing with it more hosting, more visitors and plenty of reasons to take pride in your space, there’s no better time to give your home the care it deserves. That’s why this year, I’m taking a more proactive approach and sharing everything you need to know to do the same. Think of this as your ultimate healthy-home checklist: complete with expert insights and time-saving tools to make maintenance simple, achievable and surprisingly satisfying.
Your simple home-care checklist
When it comes to home maintenance, especially for those of us who don’t love these kinds of tasks, it’s best to keep it simple. And luckily, I’ve tracked down an upkeep checklist consisting of just four categories. Drawing on insights from insurance data and property professionals, these steps are what the experts at Allianz recommend for those looking to keep their homes in top shape all year round.
1. Water
When your water isn’t working the way it should, big bills tend to follow. To avoid any plumbing-related issues, check for slow drains, gurgling toilets, and make sure your flexi hoses are operating properly. You should also be keeping an eye on your shower seals and fixing leaks promptly to prevent mould and structural damage.
2. Roofing
According to Allianz, roofs only require an annual inspection, so getting it out of the way now saves you the trouble for another 12 months. While you’re up there, be sure to clear your gutters and downpipes (which you should be checking on regularly), and consider installing gutter guards to help prevent any storm-related issues.
3. Accidental damage
Keeping your home protected against accidental damage is likely easier than you’d think. All you need to do is test smoke alarms monthly, keep fire blankets and extinguishers handy, and secure TVs and tall furniture with anti-tip brackets.
4. Home safety
There’s no better feeling than knowing your home is totally secure. By installing quality locks, security screens, and motion lighting, you’ll be making your home a much safer environment. Looking for extra peace of mind? Try out a smart home security system.
A new way to keep your home healthy
To make things even easier, Allianz has been trialling a Home Health Check service throughout 2025; an in-home inspection that helps identify potential risks before they become problems. Conducted in more than 200 homes so far, the checks assess everything from drainage and mould to taps, fixtures, and leak detection. Early customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, paving the way for a potential national rollout in 2026.
However, if you want to start your maintenance journey now, start with Allianz’s prevention page, which is filled with helpful insights and tips on how to ensure your home stands the test of time.
While I fall into the 74% of Aussies that prioritise cosmetic fixes over essential maintenance, I’m pledging to change my ways. And if you fall into the same category, it might be time to do the same. Just as you’d nourish your garden before expecting flowers to bloom, your home needs the same kind of proactive care. By tending to those unglamorous jobs now (cleaning gutters, tightening fixtures, checking seals), you’re safeguarding your home and your future in it.
