Before winter: make one walk-around list
Choose a dry day and walk around the property from safe, accessible ground. Photograph changes to the roofline, walls, windows, doors and paths. You do not need to climb onto the roof to make a useful record.
Use the broader home maintenance checklist for the year-round routine. This winter list concentrates on water, exposed materials and access ahead of New Zealand’s winter months.
| Check | Record |
|---|---|
| Gutters and downpipes | Visible debris, overflow history, leaking joints and discharge concerns. |
| Exterior timber | Failed coatings, open joints and areas that remain damp. |
| Doors and windows | Sticking, poor closure and signs of water entry. |
| Decks, steps and paths | Slippery build-up, loose parts and trip points. |
| Interior walls and ceilings | Stains, damp patches and new or changing cracks. |
Put drainage observations first
Keep leaf build-up and recurring gutter problems on the list before heavy rain exposes them again. Arrange suitable access for cleaning rather than trying to reach a difficult gutter in bad weather. Our Wellington gutter cleaning page explains what to include in an enquiry.
During rain, observe from the ground where water escapes and where it collects. If cleaning has already been done but the overflow remains, record that. Outlets, downpipes, alignment or a wider drainage issue may need assessment.
After a storm, look for changes from a safe position and compare them with your earlier photographs. Avoid touching damaged electrical equipment or entering an unsafe area.
Check exposed timber and openings
Inspect accessible window corners, sills, door frames and exterior boards for coating failure or visible deterioration. Note whether a problem appears only in wet weather. A door or window that has recently begun sticking is worth describing alongside nearby dampness or cracks.
Arrange timber assessment before covering the area with fresh paint. Our wood rot repair guide explains why the source of moisture and the extent of damage both matter.
Exterior preparation and painting need suitable weather and product conditions. Discuss timing early rather than assuming every coating job can be fitted between showers.
Inside the house: record moisture and changes
Look at ceilings beneath roof spaces and upstairs wet areas. Note new marks and whether they change after rain or use of plumbing fixtures. A recurring stain needs its cause investigated before decorating.
Keep ventilation systems in use and arrange attention if they are not operating properly. Report leaks and persistent moisture rather than hiding them behind furniture or a new coating. For an active ceiling problem, follow the ceiling water damage guide.
Plan household access for any work: which rooms need clearing, where pets will stay and who will be available for the visit. For a rental, coordinate the required access arrangements through the responsible person.
Choose what happens now and what can be scheduled
Active water entry, insecure openings, unsafe steps and unstable rails need prompt attention. Put routine cleaning and contained repairs next, then decorative improvements once the underlying issues are resolved.
Record the action, the person arranging it and the next check date. Our property maintenance service can help you combine the suitable jobs into a clear scope rather than a series of vague requests.
Your questions
When should I start winter maintenance in New Zealand?
Autumn is a useful time to inspect and organise work before the wetter months. Keep checking known problem areas through winter and after significant weather.
Should I climb up to inspect the gutters?
You can provide useful information from the ground. Leave difficult access and work at height to people with appropriate equipment and a safe method.
Start with the jobs that keep returning
Send your list of leaks, sticking openings, damaged timber or gutter problems. We can discuss a Wellington maintenance visit and put the agreed work into a written quote.
Plan your winter maintenance