HANDY  TIPS

Every new house built must be fitted with working and appropriately located smoke alarms that meet Australian Standard 3786. An alarm should be placed on the ceiling in a corridor or area between sleeping and living areas. A smoke alarm is also required in any other storey of the same building, even if it does not contain bedrooms. Visit the Department of Planning and Infrastructure or Fire and Rescue NSW website for more information on the type, location and number of smoke alarms that are to be fitted to your new home.

The security of your home is important, you should consider:

- installing deadlocks on windows and doors

- fitting lamps with timers to switch on periodically in your absence

-installing an alarm system or movement sensors to activate lights.

To maintain the grounds of your property: guide water drainage away from the house ensure adequate drainage of excess water from property to stormwater channels place garden beds away from the house walls

if planting trees with large root systems, keep them well away from house foundations and sewer/stormwater pipes

slope paths away from the house

check council requirements for any pools or fencing.

To maintain your kitchen, bathroom and/or laundry:

check care instructions for all surfaces – ie. no excessive heat or weight

regularly clean exhaust fans and clean taps, shower rose and spouts

replace and maintain tap washers as necessary.

New construction/building materials contain moisture that will eventually dry out. Small cracks may show in brick, timber and plaster-lined areas in the first 12 months. This should not affect the structural reliability but check with an independent building expert if you are unsure about larger cracks or any structural movement.

Regularly clean gutters, downpipes and drains to remove leaves, silt or other blockages. If you have any concerns, always use a contractor licensed to carry out roof repairs