Home maintenance basics for first-time owners

Owning a home is like owning a car — ignore the warning signs and it’ll cost you big-time later. Regular maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it saves you from future headaches and painfully expensive repairs.

What needs regular maintenance?

1. Air-conditioners:
• Clean filters monthly
• Service professionally every 6-12 months
• Cost: ~$60-$150 per session
2. Plumbing & toilets:
• Check for leaks, slow drainage, or water stains
• Use natural drain cleaners (no harsh chemicals)
• Fix small issues early to avoid full pipe replacements
3. Electrical points:
• Test power sockets and switches regularly
• Get a licensed electrician for any buzzing, sparks, or blackouts
4. Walls & paintwork:
• Address interior wear and tear issues promptly (e.g. spalling concrete, which is common in older buildings)
• Touch up scuffed paint every 2-3 years
• Watch for mould, especially in bathrooms and kitchens
5. Pest control
• Ants, cockroaches, termites — all too common
• Schedule annual inspections if needed

How much should you budget for home maintenance?

A good rule: set aside 1% of your property value per year. For a $400k flat, that’s $4,000 annually to cover appliance repair, minor reno, replacements, etc. If unused, this becomes a handy buffer fund.

Tools that help:

• Use apps like Carousell Services to find affordable handymen
• Set recurring reminders on Google Calendar for filter changes and inspections