Importance of providing maintenance schedules to homeowners

When handing over a new home, builders often focus on the quality of workmanship and completion of construction. However, one of the most overlooked—and yet most critical—steps in ensuring a building’s long-term performance and client satisfaction is the provision of a clear and comprehensive maintenance schedule.

Why maintenance schedules matter

A maintenance schedule is not just an optional extra—it’s an essential component of responsible building practice. Every new home, regardless of its construction quality, requires ongoing maintenance to function as intended. Canberra’s climate, with its cold winters, hot summers, and variable rainfall, places unique demands on materials and finishes.

By providing homeowners with a tailored maintenance schedule, builders help ensure:

• Reduced liability, as maintenance schedules establish clear responsibilities for the owner in caring for the property after handover.
• Longevity of materials and finishes, particularly externally painted surfaces, cladding, and sealants.
• Prevention of moisture ingress and structural deterioration through regular upkeep of drainage systems, flashings, roofing systems and sealants.
• Sustained aesthetic appeal, with recommendations for repainting intervals, cleaning methods, and inspection routines.

The builder’s duty of care

Under ACT building legislation and warranty provisions, builders are responsible for delivering work that meets the standards of durability and performance. However, this does not extend indefinitely—maintenance obligations shift to the homeowner once the property is handed over.

Providing a maintenance schedule demonstrates professional diligence and transparency. It also helps protect builders against disputes, as it clearly records what the owner must do to maintain the home in accordance with manufacturer and industry recommendations.

What to include

An effective maintenance schedule should outline:

• Routine inspection intervals (e.g. monthly, quarterly, annually).
• Maintenance actions for key building components such as roofs, gutters, painted surfaces, cladding, sealants, windows, doors, and stormwater systems.
• Manufacturer-specific care instructions, particularly for proprietary systems such as cladding, coatings, and glazing.
• Seasonal maintenance advice relevant to Canberra’s conditions—such as clearing debris before winter and checking expansion joints and sealants after hot summers.

Benefits for builders and clients alike

By providing a maintenance schedule at handover, builders show professionalism and commitment to quality beyond construction. Clients feel supported and informed, reducing the likelihood of warranty claims caused by neglect or misunderstanding.

It’s a simple step that builds trust, safeguards workmanship, and enhances the reputation of both the builder and the broader industry.

Master Builders ACT encourages all members to provide a written maintenance schedule as part of every handover package.
This small inclusion can make a significant difference to client satisfaction, building performance, and long-term industry credibility.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact our Advisory team:

📞 (02) 6175 5900
📧 workplace@mba.org.au