Getting the bach ready for summer: a checklist

Why does the bach need a clean after winter?

A bach that's been shut up over winter takes a beating: storms, salt spray, spring pollen and mould on anything in the shade. Spiders and grime build up on the windows, and the deck and paths turn green.

The checklist, from the top down

1. RoofClear the moss, mould and lichen with a roof wash and treatment, so nothing washes down onto clean walls.
2. Gutters and solarClear the gutters and clean the panels while you're up there.
3. House washA soft wash lifts the winter grime and salt off the cladding.
4. WindowsInside and out, so you get the view back.
5. Deck and stepsClean off the slippery mould before the first barbecue.
6. Driveway and pathsTake the green off the concrete so nobody slips on the way in.
7. InsideKitchen, bathrooms and the rest: an interior clean so it's ready to walk into.

When should I book?

As early as you can. Spring and early summer fill up fast, and the weeks before Christmas and Easter are the busiest. If the outside is done in spring, the bach is ready for the first warm weekend. The roof in particular is best done before the hot weather, while it's still cool.

Can it all be done in one visit?

Usually, yes. We do the roof, the house wash, the windows, the deck, the driveway and the interior, so it's one business to deal with instead of chasing three trades. Emma looks after the interior, Jono looks after the outside.

What if the bach is an Airbnb?

Then the outside jobs are best done in a gap before the season, and the inside between guests. See keeping an Airbnb guest-ready.