9 Pre-Holiday Home Maintenance Jobs You Shouldn’t Skip

The holidays are just around the corner — and if you’re like most Aussies, you’re already dreaming of long summer afternoons, backyard barbies, and catching up with family and mates. But before you switch into full relaxation mode, it’s worth taking a bit of time to get your home in order.

After all, the last thing you want is a blocked drain, dodgy air conditioner, or leaking tap spoiling your well-earned break. A few quick maintenance checks before the holidays can save you a lot of stress (and money) down the track.

Here’s a handy guide to the pre-holiday home maintenance jobs you really shouldn’t skip — and when to call in a tradie to get them done right.

1. Give Your Air Conditioner Some TLC

Aussie summers can be brutal, and if you’re planning to have guests over, you’ll want your air conditioner working at full power. Over time, dust and grime build up in filters and vents, making your system less efficient — and more expensive to run.

What to do:

• Clean or replace air filters.

• Wipe down vents and clear any blockages.

• Make sure the outdoor unit is free from leaves and debris.

If your system hasn’t had a professional service in over a year (or it’s making strange noises or struggling to cool properly), it’s best to call in an air conditioning technician. They can check gas levels, test the thermostat, and make sure everything’s running smoothly.

You can easily compare quotes and book an aircon service through ServiceSeeking.com.au — and get your unit sorted before the summer heat really kicks in.

2. Check Your Plumbing Before Guests Arrive

More people in the house means more pressure on your plumbing. From toilets to showers and kitchen sinks, a little maintenance now can prevent awkward blockages or water damage later.

What to do:

• Inspect under-sink pipes for leaks.

• Check taps and showerheads for drips (and tighten or replace washers if needed).

• Test your toilet flush — weak or constant-running flushes might signal a problem.

If you notice slow drains or any signs of leaks, get a plumber to check things out. It’s much cheaper to fix a small issue early than deal with a burst pipe or flooded bathroom right before Christmas lunch.

3. Clean Your Gutters and Roof

With all the wind, rain, and pollen during spring, your gutters are probably full of leaves and debris by now. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow and even roof leaks when summer storms hit.

What to do:

• Remove leaves and dirt from gutters and downpipes.

• Check for rust, cracks, or sagging.

• Inspect roof tiles for damage or loose flashing.

If your home is double-storey or the roof is steep, it’s definitely worth hiring a roof plumber or gutter cleaner instead of risking it yourself. They’ll make sure the job’s done safely and properly — and you won’t have to spend your weekend up a ladder.

4. Give Outdoor Areas a Quick Refresh

Aussie holidays are made for outdoor entertaining — so now’s the time to get your patio, deck, and garden looking their best.

What to do:

• Pressure wash decks, pavers, and driveways.

• Check outdoor furniture for damage or rust.

• Re-oil timber decks if the surface looks dull or dry.

• Trim overgrown hedges and mow the lawn.

If you’ve been meaning to give your garden a bigger makeover — new turf, a fresh coat of paint on the fence, or some landscaping — you can find landscapers, painters, and gardeners on ServiceSeeking.com.au to get it done fast.

A few small updates can make your backyard feel brand new before your guests arrive.

5. Test Smoke Alarms and Security Systems

When you’re away visiting family or having people stay over, peace of mind matters. Make sure your smoke alarms and home security systems are working properly.

What to do:

• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and test the alarms.

• Clean dust from the sensors.

• Check your security cameras or alarms are connected and recording.

If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, it’s time for replacements. An electrician can also install new hard-wired smoke alarms or smart home security devices — so you can monitor everything from your phone while you’re away.

6. Get Your Pool Summer-Ready

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, now’s the perfect time to get it sparkling and safe before the summer fun begins.

What to do:

• Skim leaves and debris from the surface.

• Check chemical levels and pH balance.

• Inspect the pump, filter, and chlorinator for wear.

• Make sure your pool fence and gate meet safety standards.

For deeper cleaning, repairs, or compliance checks, it’s worth hiring a pool technician. They’ll make sure your water’s balanced and equipment is in top shape — so you can dive straight in when the holidays start.

7. Inspect Electrical Fixtures and Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lights, power points, and extension cords often get overlooked — until they fail during your holiday barbecue.

What to do:

• Test outdoor lighting and replace any blown bulbs.

• Check for exposed wires or cracked fittings.

• Clean light fittings and remove cobwebs.

If you’re planning to install festive lights or outdoor power points, make sure they’re done safely by a licensed electrician. They can also install weatherproof outlets or smart lighting systems that make entertaining easier and safer.

8. Don’t Forget the Little Things

It’s often the small maintenance jobs that make a big difference to how your home looks and feels.

• Tighten loose door handles and cabinet knobs.

• Replace broken flyscreens or worn weatherstripping.

• Oil squeaky hinges and sliding doors.

• Touch up scuffed walls or chipped paint.

If your to-do list is getting long, you can find a reliable handyman on ServiceSeeking.com.au to knock out a few jobs in one visit. Sometimes, having a pro handle it means you actually get to enjoy your time off instead of spending it with a screwdriver in hand.

9. Bonus Tip: Schedule Your Tradies Early

Tradies get booked solid before Christmas — especially plumbers, electricians, and aircon specialists. If you want everything sorted before your guests arrive, it pays to get in early.

That’s where ServiceSeeking.com.au makes life easier. You can post a job, compare quotes, read reviews, and choose the right tradie for your budget — all in one place. No endless phone calls or waiting around for callbacks.

Final Thoughts

The lead-up to the holidays can get hectic, but a bit of pre-holiday maintenance goes a long way towards a stress-free break. Whether it’s cleaning, fixing, or sprucing up, tackling these jobs early means you can focus on what really matters — relaxing and enjoying time with friends and family.

So grab your list, tick off what you can, and let the experts handle the rest.