
How to Maintain a Newly Constructed House in India?
Learn expert tips to maintain your newly constructed house in India. Protect your investment with our comprehensive guide on home upkeep, pest control, and seasonal check
Congratulations on your new home! Now that the construction is complete, it’s time to focus on protecting your investment and ensuring your house stays safe, beautiful, and durable for years. India’s diverse climate—scorching summers, heavy monsoons, and dusty winters, can take a toll on any structure. With simple, regular care, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your home looking fresh.
Key Takeaways
- Check walls, roofs, and plumbing every 3–6 months.
- Apply waterproof coatings to fight monsoon damage.
- Take pest control seriously to prevent termite infestation.
- Regularly clean water tanks and electrical systems.
- Use seasonal checklists for safety throughout the year.
π Maintaining Structural Integrity
The foundation of your home is its structure. Leaks, cracks, or uneven settling weaken walls and foundations with time. Let's divide the way to approach these problems.
π Checking for Cracks and Settlement
Inspect your walls and ceilings every 3–6 months first. Pay special attention to corners, edges of windows, and regions near doors. New houses get tiny hairline cracks in walls and ceilings due to drying cement, but larger cracks (more than 2 mm) should be taken care of right away.
For small cracks, apply a silicone-based sealant. If doors/windows are jamming or floors are uneven, have a structural engineer look at it—this may indicate foundation problems.
π Pro Tip: After the initial monsoon, inspect for fresh cracks. Rainwater entering walls makes gaps worse.
πΏ Waterproofing Solutions
Monsoon rains can cause havoc to roofs and walls. Put a waterproof coating on terraces and balconies every 2–3 years. Use polymer-modified bitumen sheets or liquid membranes for durability.
For damp walls, remove mold with a vinegar-water solution and repaint using damp-proof paint. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) suggest the use of ISI-marked products for quality assurance.
π° Plumbing System Care
A faulty pipe or blocked drain may lead to water damage and health risks. Here's how to maintain your plumbing smooth.
π± Preventing Pipe Leaks and Blockages
Inspect exposed pipes in bathrooms and under sinks every month. Check for rust, condensation, or drips. Replace rusty joints promptly to prevent bursts.
Never drain food scraps or cooking oil into kitchen sinks—they solidify in pipes. Use bathroom mesh drain covers to trap hair and debris.
π Did You Know? India's hard water leads to limescale deposits. Install a water softener to guard against pipes.
π§Ό Maintaining Water Tanks and Sumps
Every 6 months, drain overhead tanks and clean them out of sludge and algae. Use a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 10 liters water) and scrub the walls thoroughly and then rinse.
β‘ Electrical System Upkeep
Defective wiring is one of the most common causes of house fires in India. Be safe with these measures.
π Safeguarding Wiring and Circuits
Don't overload sockets with appliances. Plug gadgets such as TVs and computers into surge protectors. Check circuit breakers monthly by turning them off and on.
π Safety First: Make sure your house is well-earthed. A 3-pin socket that is not earthed can lead to electric shocks.
π‘ Energy Efficiency Tips
Swap out old bulbs for LED lights—they consume 75% less energy! Install solar panels to reduce electricity bills.
π Pest Control Measures
Termites, cockroaches, and mice adore new homes. Don't wait, move quickly to exclude them!
Spray termite-resistant chemicals around the foundation at the time of construction. For houses already built, inject chlorpyrifos emulsion into boreholes around walls.
Seal gaps in doors, windows, and plumbing entries with steel wool or silicone caulk. Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a coin!
Place neem leaves in cupboards to repel insects. Camphor tablets in corners deter mosquitoes.
π‘ Exterior Maintenance
Your home's exterior is exposed to sun, rain, and pollution every day. Shield it with these tips.
Clean outer walls annually with a pressure hose. Repaint once every 4–5 years with weather-resistant paints.
π¨ Cleaning and Repainting Facades
Clean outer walls annually with a pressure hose. Repaint once every 4–5 years with **weather-resistant paints**
π³ Landscaping and Drainage
Slope your garden away from the house so that water doesn't collect in it. Grow neem or peepal trees—their roots hold the soil together and prevent erosion.
ποΈ Interior Care
The interiors of your home mirror your personality—but dust, humidity, and everyday usage can take the sheen away. Here's how to retain their beauty.
π¬οΈ Ventilation and Humidity Control
India's humidity promotes mold and stale odors. **Open windows each day** for 30 minutes, even during monsoons. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to ventilate moist air.
For very dampness, use these tips:
- Place bowls of rock salt in corners to soak up moisture.
- Run a dehumidifier for 2–3 hours in enclosed rooms.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I repaint my house interiors?
A: Repaint every 3–4 years. Use washable paints for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
Q2: Can I compost waste in a small apartment?
A: Yes! Use compact compost bins or donate organic waste to local gardeners.
Q3: What’s the easiest way to clean ceiling fans?
A: Wrap a pillowcase around the blades and slide it—dust falls inside!
Q4: How do I check if my AC filter is dirty?
A: Hold it against light. If you can’t see through, wash it with soapy water.
Q5: Are termite treatments covered under home insurance?
A: Usually no. Buy separate pest control policies or renew chemical barriers yearly.
You’ve got this!
With these tips, your new home will stay strong, clean, and cozy for decades.