Maintenance Isn’t Glamorous — But It’s Gold

I’ve seen it too many times — homeowners willing to spend R100,000 on a new kitchen but ignoring a R500 gutter leak that ruins the ceiling six months later. The truth is, maintenance isn’t exciting, but it’s the difference between a home that grows in value and one that drains your wallet.

When I talk about maintenance, I don’t mean endless projects. I mean small, smart habits that prevent big expenses later. Whether it’s a rental property or your own home, these simple routines will save you thousands over time — I’ve seen it firsthand.

Check Your Roof and Gutters Twice a Year

Your roof protects everything underneath it. I’ve seen leaks that start from one cracked tile or a blocked gutter cause tens of thousands of rands in ceiling and electrical damage.

Make it a habit to check after heavy rains or wind. Clear gutters, look for cracked tiles, and make small fixes immediately. A R200 repair now can prevent a R20,000 insurance claim later.

“If water can get in, it will — and it never chooses the cheap route.”

Paint Isn’t Just Cosmetic — It’s Protection

Many people see painting as purely decorative, but exterior paint is your first line of defense against moisture and sunlight. In South Africa’s climate — with harsh sun and heavy rains — walls need care every 3–5 years.

Cracked or peeling paint allows water to seep in, damaging plaster and brickwork. Regular painting not only keeps your property looking sharp but prevents structural decay.

Service Your Plumbing and Electrical Systems

We often wait for things to break before calling a plumber or electrician. But preventative servicing saves both money and stress.

Every six months, check for dripping taps, slow drains, and exposed wires. Replace old geyser valves and test earth leakage switches. It’s not complicated — and it can prevent both water damage and fire risk.

In my own house, changing a geyser thermostat early once saved me from a flooded ceiling and a weekend nightmare.

Seal Windows and Doors Properly

South African homes lose a lot of heat (and cool air) through poor sealing. Rubber strips around windows and doors are cheap and easy to replace — and they make a huge difference in keeping energy costs low.

Good sealing also keeps out dust, insects, and moisture, all of which reduce the lifespan of finishes.

Maintain Your Drains and Stormwater Channels

We underestimate how quickly soil, leaves, and sand can clog stormwater drains. Once blocked, water has nowhere to go — leading to flooding, rising damp, and foundation damage.

Take ten minutes after big rains to check that everything’s flowing freely. A spade and a broom are your cheapest insurance policy.

Keep an Annual Maintenance Calendar

This might be the most powerful habit of all. Plan your maintenance like you would a project.

Create a simple checklist — roof in March, paint in August, geyser inspection in October, etc. Set reminders and stick to them. It spreads out costs and ensures you never miss the small stuff that becomes the big stuff.

“Maintenance isn’t an expense — it’s income protection for your property.”

Don’t Ignore the Small Cracks

Small cracks are like early warning signs. They may seem harmless, but they often point to structural movement, moisture issues, or foundation shifts.

Take photos, monitor them, and if they grow, call in a professional. Early detection always costs less than emergency repair.

The Cheapest Investment You’ll Ever Make

Over the years, I’ve realized that maintenance doesn’t just save money — it builds pride. It keeps your home solid, your tenants happy, and your resale value strong.

You don’t need to do everything at once. Just start with one habit — check the roof, service the plumbing, or repaint the trim. In time, those small acts compound into big savings.