Blocked gutters overflow into your eaves and walls in a summer storm. On a two-storey home, keeping them clean is harder, and riskier. Clean them at least twice a year: before storm season and after the leaves drop.

C18 - 6 Month Maintenance Checklist

$59.00 AUD

Last updated 28 Oct 2026 · Revision 4 · Free updates for life

Checklist Type: Minor

Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 32 pages) with a maintenance calendar and log

When to use: After handover: your first six months and ongoing home maintenance

A 92-check walk round your home at about 6 months, with a maintenance calendar and log. Find the defects to send your builder in time, then keep your warranties in good order.

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Safety first. Ladder falls are a leading cause of serious injury around the home. On a two-storey home, work from the ground with pole tools where you can, never lean a ladder on the gutter, and get a professional with fall protection for anything at second-storey eave height.

Here are ten tools that make the job safer and easier, most of them used from the ground.

  1. Telescopic Gutter Cleaning Wands These wands are lifesavers for homeowners. They extend to varying lengths, allowing you to safely reach your gutters from the ground. Many models feature adjustable angles for the wand head and water flow control, which can be extremely useful for targeting specific areas. When choosing a telescopic wand, it’s important to consider the build quality and maximum extension length. A sturdy, lightweight model is ideal as it’s easier to handle when fully extended. Also, some wands come with additional attachments like brush heads or spray nozzles, making them even more versatile.
  2. Gutter Cleaning Robots Embrace technology and take some of the manual labour out of gutter cleaning with a robotic cleaner. These devices can navigate through your gutters, pushing out leaves and debris as they move along. They are particularly handy for reaching those difficult spots that are usually out of reach. When shopping for a gutter cleaning robot, ensure it’s compatible with your gutter size and shape. Also, consider battery life and ease of operation. Although they can be an investment, these robots can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
  3. High-Pressure Hose Attachments - Sometimes all you need is a bit of extra power to blast the muck out of your gutters. These attachments connect to a standard garden hose and use the water pressure to clear debris and leaves. They're simple and effective, especially if your home isn't surrounded by trees. Flush towards the downpipe and check the downpipe isn't blocked first, or you'll overflow water into the eaves. Don't blast water under roof flashings or near electrical fittings.
  4. Extendable Gutter Cleaning Scoops - For a more hands-on approach, extendable gutter cleaning scoops are a great option. They come with long handles, allowing you to reach the gutters from the ground or a ladder. The scoop itself is designed to fit the shape of most gutters and is perfect for physically removing debris, leaves, and even built-up sludge. Look for a scoop with an ergonomic design and a handle that's easy to grip, as this will make the cleaning process much more comfortable.
  5. Inspection Drones - A drone (or a phone camera on a pole) lets you check your gutters from the ground and spot blockages before you get the ladder out. Cleaning drones aren't a realistic option for homeowners, and if you fly a drone, follow CASA's rules about flying near people and neighbouring properties.
  6. Gutter Vacuum Kits - Vacuum kits are good for clearing dry debris like leaves and twigs. They work with a wet-and-dry vacuum or a blower-vac, and only on dry debris; your household vacuum isn't built for wet gutter sludge. Check the kit suits your vacuum and has enough length to reach your gutters. A wider tube handles bigger debris.
  7. Ladder Stabilisers for Gutter Access - When you do need a ladder, stabilisers widen its base, hold it off the gutter and help stop it slipping or toppling. Look for one that's easy to attach and suits your ladder. Investing in safety equipment is always a wise decision.
  8. Gutter Guard Installation Kits - Gutter guards don't clean your gutters, but they cut the amount of debris that gets in. Consider the foliage around your home when choosing a mesh size. If you're in a bushfire-prone area, gutter guards must be non-combustible (metal mesh) to suit your BAL rating under AS 3959, as plastic and foam guards can catch embers.
  9. Rotary Gutter Cleaning Systems - These systems attach to your power drill and use a rotating action to clean out the gutters. They can be particularly effective for removing stubborn, caked-on debris. When shopping for a rotary cleaning system, look for one with durable construction and easy-to-replace brushes. Additionally, ensure that the system has enough reach to clean all areas of your gutters comfortably.
  10. U-shaped Gutter Cleaning Brushes - Finally, U-shaped brushes are an excellent tool for scrubbing the insides of your gutters. These brushes can be attached to extendable poles and are perfect for dislodging dirt and grime that's stuck to the gutter. Choose a brush with stiff bristles and a flexible head to adapt to different gutter shapes.

The Short Version

Pick tools that let you work from the ground, add gutter guards to cut the job down, and leave second-storey ladder work to a professional. Our C18 6 Month Maintenance checklist (above) covers gutters and the rest of your new home's upkeep.