A Matter of Time – gutters, decks, heating and cooling

A Matter of Time
Some jobs around the house only need doing when they draw attention to themselves, others should be on regular rotation. Hire A Tradesman has experts who can assist with every maintenance task you can think of and even those recurring jobs you would prefer not to think of at all. When you would rather spend your time elsewhere, hand it over to the professionals.

Hire A Tradesman has put together a “To Do” list of occasional responsibilities.

How often should I…

…clear my gutters?
Annually and preferably in Spring, before bushfire season. Blocked gutters are one of the main causes of roof leaks. Install gutter guards where trees overshadow the building. Be sure to take all safety precautions for high access work and erect scaffolding or barriers if a ladder is insufficient. Hire A Tradesman can arrange the equipment and the handyman.

…clean the heating/cooling filters?
Maintenance requirements will depend on the type of unit you operate and local air quality , but a general rule of thumb is to change filters at least once a year. The manufacturer’s manual should give an indication of how and when to change your filter. Filters in reverse-cycle units are usually simple to replace, but appliances that run directly from the gas mains should only be handled by experienced, licenced gas fitters/plumbers. For a full service, contact Hire A Tradesman.

…fertilise the lawn?
For a top looking lawn, fertilise four to five times a year, but note that warm and cool climate grasses have different needs. Do not fertilize your lawn during periods of drought or when it is excessively dry. Not all fertilisers were created the same but all need to be handled with care. Make sure you read the label. If you would rather not get messy measuring liquid fertilisers or fiddle with gloves, goggles and protective gear, book Hire A Tradesman’s gardeners to visit at the start of each new season, to make sure your garden is looking its best all year round.

…oil the deck?
Timber decking should on average be maintained once a year, generally just as summer begins. Clean down the deck, then apply a decking oil or stain to suit your needs. Discuss this with one of Hire A Tradesman’s trusted handymen for the best results and expert advice.

…have my appliances serviced?
Dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and dryers are in constant use in most homes and if one of these essential appliances is down for a period, it can throw out the whole family routine. Instruction manuals usually have a maintenance section listing how often individual appliances should be serviced. Contact Hire A Tradesman if you need a technician urgently.

If you never want to think about regular maintenance again, ask Hire A Tradesman to arrange comparative quotes on these and a range of other jobs about the house. Visit www.hireatradesman.com.au or phone 1300 79 4473. Hire A Tradesman franchises are now available.

Disclaimer: The advice given in this media release is for general interest only. Anyone undertaking renovation, building or maintenance work should consult the relevant professionals. Hire A Tradesman takes no responsibility for work carried out on the sole advice of this column.