Essential Tips on How to Maintain Your Home After a Major Renovation

Table of Contents

    Major renovations can revitalise your home and create a more comfortable living environment. However, to ensure your newly renovated home stays pristine, you need a solid plan for post-renovation maintenance. 

    This article provides essential tips on maintaining your home after a major renovation, covering cleaning, air quality, safety, and ongoing care.

    Let’s get straight to the point

    Maintaining a newly renovated home involves thorough planning and consistent effort to preserve its quality and functionality. Review your building contract, warranties, and care manuals to ensure all associated work is completed and documented. 

    Proper tools like HEPA filter vacuums can address lingering construction dust and debris. Fresh air entry can ensure air circulation. Cleaning methods, such as steam cleaning and dry dusting, should be prioritised, focusing on hidden spots like light fixtures and exhaust fans. 

    Regular inspections for cracks, structural issues, and other defects are essential to prevent long-term damage, while ongoing maintenance of walls, vents, and outdoor features protects the home’s exterior. 

    Hiring professional cleaners and building experts can tackle complex tasks while personalising the space with functional fixtures and safe installations ensures comfort. With diligent upkeep and strategic care, your renovated home can remain a beautiful, safe, and inviting space for years. 

    Preparing for Post-Renovation Maintenance

    essential tips on how to maintain your home after a major renovation1

    Understanding Your Renovation Process

    • Review the building contract to ensure all associated work has been completed.
    • Verify care and maintenance manuals for main building materials used during construction.

    Relevant Insurance Policies and Warranties

    • Confirm your home building compensation fund and any relevant warranties for the project.
    • Retain these documents for reference in case of structural movement or major defects.

    Managing Construction Dust and Debris

    Identifying Construction Dirt Sources

    • Construction materials such as plaster, bricks, and wood generate construction dust and fine particles.
    • Focus on areas where brick dust, fine dust, and harmful substances may linger.

    Protective Gear for Safety

    • Wear protective gear like gloves and masks to avoid exposure to dust particles.
    • Equip yourself with proper cleaning tools like a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust effectively.

    Post-Renovation Cleaning

    Initial Quick Sweep

    • Perform a quick sweep to eliminate visible debris and dust removal.
    • Dispose of large debris safely, ensuring it does not block subfloor wall vents or garden beds.

    Focus on High-Impact Areas

    • Prioritise plaster-lined areas, soft furnishings, and door knobs during the cleaning process.
    • Pay attention to hidden spots like ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and light fixtures.

    Deep Cleaning and Disinfecting

    Using Effective Cleaning Solutions

    • Employ cleaning solutions suitable for surfaces and materials.
    • Steam cleaning can sanitise floors and remove embedded fine dust.

    Dry Dusting and Microfiber Cloths

    • Opt for dry dusting with a microfiber cloth to trap particles without dispersing them into the air.
    • Follow up with damp wiping for a thorough clean.

    Maintaining Good Air Quality

    Improving Air Circulation

    • Ensure proper air circulation by opening windows and using fans to invite fresh air into your home.
    • Replace HEPA filters in air purifiers regularly to maintain optimal air quality.

    Preventing Dust Build-Up

    • Install barriers to prevent dust from entering areas like vents and ducts.
    • Avoid materials prone to trapping construction dust.

    Preventing Future Issues

    Monitoring for Defects

    • Regularly inspect for small, larger, or other defects that may emerge.
    • Engage an independent building expert for a thorough inspection during the liability period.

    Addressing Structural Concerns

    • Plan timely roof repairs and maintenance of walls to avoid long-term damage.
    • Consider geotechnical reports for insights into soil conditions affecting your new house.

    Exterior Maintenance

    Protecting Outdoor Features

    • Keep garden beds clean and free from construction materials.
    • Ensure exterior surfaces are sealed to withstand weather changes.

    Sub Floor Ventilation

    • Clean and maintain subfloor wall vents for effective ventilation and moisture control.

    Security and Safety

    Ensuring Safe Fixtures

    • Test and maintain smoke alarms to meet Australian Standard regulations.
    • Check light fixtures, door knobs, and other hardware for secure installation.

    Ongoing Safety Measures

    • Incorporate childproofing for other storey sections or balconies.
    • Ensure stairs and railings are stable and free of defects.

    Hiring Professional Help

    essential tips on how to maintain your home after a major renovation11

    When to Call the Experts

    • For comprehensive cleaning, consider hiring professional cleaners experienced in renovation cleaning.
    • Consult specialists for the maintenance of unique building materials or addressing major defects.

    Independent Building Inspections

    • An independent building expert can identify hidden issues overlooked during construction.
    • Review relevant insurance policies to cover potential repair costs.

    Final Touches

    Decorating Your Renovated Home

    • Add personal touches like essential oils for a fragrant and inviting space.
    • Style your home with care, following care instructions for new furnishings.

    Comfort and Functionality

    • Ensure all appliances and fixtures work properly for a comfortable living environment.
    • Verify plumbing components like tap washers are correctly installed.

    Ongoing Maintenance

    Routine Inspections

    • Schedule regular checks for structural movement, wear, and tear.
    • Maintain a checklist for cleaning and inspection to keep your renovated home in top condition.

    Long-Term Cleaning Strategies

    • Use durable cleaning tools and products designed to protect surfaces over time.
    • Continue post-renovation cleaning routines to combat lingering construction dirt.

    Conclusion

    Maintaining your newly renovated home requires consistent effort and attention to detail. By addressing construction dust, ensuring effective cleaning, and prioritising safety, you can create a beautiful and functional space. Leveraging professional help and staying proactive will help you enjoy the fruits of your renovation for years.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Do I Remove Construction Dust After a Renovation?

    Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove fine dust. Then, dry dust with a microfiber cloth and damp clean to eliminate lingering particles.

    How Can I Maintain Good Air Quality in My Renovated Home?

    Open windows and use fans to improve air circulation. Air purifiers should also regularly replace their HEPA filters, and vents should be cleaned to prevent dust build-up and ensure a consistent fresh air flow.

    When Should I Hire Professional Cleaners for Renovation Cleaning?

    Hire professional cleaners when dealing with stubborn construction dirt or harmful substances. They are experts in deep cleaning and can effectively sanitise surfaces, leaving your home safe and spotless.

    What Maintenance Tasks Should I Prioritise for a Renovated Home?

    Focus on inspecting for cracks, cleaning subfloor vents, maintaining walls, and checking for defects. Regular upkeep of smoke alarms, fixtures, and structural elements ensures safety and prevents future issues.

    How Do I Prevent Dust Build-Up Post-Renovation?

    Seal vents and ducts to prevent dust from entering. Use appropriate cleaning solutions regularly and keep high-traffic areas dust-free with frequent vacuuming and proper ventilation.

    Posted in
    Scroll to Top