The NZ sun is not so nice to the outside walls of a house. There are different maintenance requirements for different types of homes but here are some broad tips.
House washing and or painting
Its a good idea to give your house a wash once a year. A lite wash is better, beware of the water blaster touching the outside walls. Water blasters can damage cladding.
General rule of thumb is that weatherboard homes should be painted every seven to ten years. Plaster homes may need a repaint sooner. Obviously, it is a good idea to fix any areas up before a repaint.
Gutters
Water always finds a way, so gutters need to be cleaned. Blocked gutters can mean that water heads over the edges and start to infiltrate areas which can rot in time.
Always make sure you can get secure access and ladders need to be worked in with care. Also note that walking on a roof can cause damage.
Plants
Plants and trees up against homes is not ideal. Small plants can become big plants and trees, this can mean less light and more moisture. Also plants or garden close to the lower portions of the home can block ventilation, some older houses need this to provide for a less damp environment.
