Apartment life is becoming increasingly prominent in Melbourne. You get to view the stunning skyline, live in a prime location, and remain low-maintenance as compared to traditional suburban homes. While apartment living is more convenient and low-maintenance, there is still a need to care for your unit and ensure that it remains in good shape throughout the year.
Melbourne has a diverse climate. Also, let’s not forget the constant development taking place in the city. These factors are enough to impact the environment and ultimately your high-rise apartment. If you want to preserve your property value and avoid unexpected damage, it is important to take necessary steps.
Mentioned below is a practical breakdown of the five key areas that should be a part of your regular maintenance and upkeep.
1. Area Number 1: High-Rise Windows or The Front Liners
Let’s start with the part of your apartment that does more than letting in light — they protect your home from whatever is happening outside. Also, not to mention their impact on defining the overall ambience and aesthetic of your high-rise apartment. Being constantly exposed to Melbourne’s unpredictable climate and pollution, windows can get dirtier much quicker than you think. This is why they deserve special attention.
Ensure that regular cleaning is done almost every other day. This includes cleaning your windows with a glass cleaner from inside so there are no fingerprints or condensation. Next, you should consider getting professional high rise window cleaning for a thorough and complex clean-up from the outside. Professional cleaners are a reliable option because it is dangerous to hang outside a high-rise apartment and clean these windows yourself.
These guys are licensed and trained to clean properly and ensure the safety of the building and its residents. You can get these services after every three to six months, depending on the level of exposure to pollution and climate.
Having clean windows not only ensures that your apartment looks good but also boosts property value. Your windows will last a long time without any permanent damage if you spend regularly on window cleaning.
2. Area Number 2: Balcony and Outdoor Spaces; Small But Worthy of Attention
Not all apartments feature a balcony, but if yours does, it is one of the best parts to make useful. High-rise apartments with a balcony invite people to connect with the outdoors. There is so much you can do with this limited space, like sipping tea after a long day at work, or cosying up to unwind and read your favourite books.
Unfortunately, this bonus spot is constantly exposed to harsh elements throughout the year. For example, rain can damage your furniture. Similarly, extreme wind can damage the plants and even create a safety hazard. Since the balcony is on the external part of your apartment, it is also exposed to dirt and pollution.
Start by making it a habit to regularly clean your balcony. It is much easier to clean and secure the space if you have less furniture and items lying around. Opt for items that can easily be relocated to avoid damage in case of severe damage.
Water drainage is another critical factor to be observed in a balcony. Make sure there is no build-up, and all the water is drained effectively. Water pooling not only deteriorates your floor, but it can also affect the neighbours below.
3. Area Number 3: Bathrooms, Fix Them Now to Avoid Costly Damage
The bathroom of any building can be defined as a personal sanctuary where residents perform their most private activities. Therefore, it is natural that you prioritise your bathroom’s cleaning and care.
In high-rise buildings, bathroom-related concerns don’t just impact one unit — they can expand to multiple floors. Even a super small clog can become a serious issue for the people living next to you. You need to regularly inspect your bathroom and opt for professional inspections at least once a year.
Start your inspection by checking if the plumbing is working fine. Look for any leaks in the sink, toilet seat, or shower. Next, check the visible pipes under the sink and determine if there is any moisture build-up or rust. Also, observe if the drainage is working properly. With the help of drain cleaners, you can reduce the risk of hair and debris build-up.
If anything seems off, it is ideal to seek the services of a professional plumber to give a thorough examination of your bathroom.
4. Area Number 4: Electrical Outlets and Their Upkeep
High-rise apartments rely heavily on an interconnected electrical system. Like plumbing, it also means that one affected unit may cause nuisance and disturbance to multiple others. You need to regularly check the power points and switchboards to ensure that the electrical supply is available at optimal levels.
Avoid overloading your circuits or connecting multiple devices to the same outlet, as it can result in an electrical malfunction. Residents of high-rise buildings are interconnected with each other, and hence it’s your responsibility to understand how electricity is distributed among units. This can help you not only care for your unit but also for your neighbours. In case of an emergency, always call a licensed electrician.
Usually, building owners have a dedicated team to deal with such concerns. However, if noone is available, you should seek a reputable resource with good reviews in the market.
5. Area Number 5: Fire Hazards and Precautionary Measures
Electrical concerns and fire hazards go hand-in-hand. So, you need to have a complete fire safety and emergency setup in your apartment. Ensure that smoke alarms and fire door checks are regular and complete. Also, keep the evacuation paths clear at all times — no point in placing that fancy bookshelf in front of the emergency exit.
Also, take time to understand the building’s evacuation plan for your safety. Most apartment owners in high-rise buildings also keep fire extinguishers in their units. You can do the same to mitigate any security risks.
Having a high-rise apartment comes with multiple perks. However, you must take care of your unit to ensure a comfortable and safe stay. Keep your windows and bathrooms clean at all times and get them inspected after regular intervals to avoid permanent damage.
Apartment owners are also required to keep tabs on the electrical outlets as well as fire-safety systems within their units. Since high-rise buildings are often interconnected, damage in one part can quickly escalate and harm other units.
By looking after your apartment, you are not only securing yourself, but are also ensuring the safety of other residents in your building.
