With our beautiful weather, outdoor lifestyle and the ocean just a stone’s throw away, there is nothing not to love about North Coast living … apart from the toll it sometimes take on your appliances and home décor! Devmco Realty shares some tips for caring for your assets and appliances when living by the sea.
- The sun and salt can be harsh on outdoor fixtures and furniture. Scotchgard fabrics on your patio furniture to extend their lifespan. Varnish your wooden deck from time to time and paint metal awnings and gates in a protective paint to avoid rust. Be sure to pressure clean the house once a year as well to remove any salty residue.
- If you have a garage, use it. Park your car inside and store tools, bikes and sporting equipment indoors to ensure they are protected. Wipe gardening tools with oil.
- Wax and polish your car regularly to protect the paint. Some vehicle brands offer the option to clear-coat your vehicle every five years or so. Investigate the options – your car is one of your most costly assets.
- If you keep a braai or other appliances outdoors, be sure to put a cover on them.
Opt out. - If you know something will eventually damage in the salt air and sun, choose an alternative if you can. Gutters, internal plug points and kettles are available in glass, ceramic or plastic these days and still look trendy.
- Invest in high-quality stainless steel, should you want to achieve that look, and don’t forget about the small bits of metal used within other items in your home, such as screws on a toilet seat or plastic plug points. If those metal items rust, particularly screws, they will stain the surfaces they are situated in.
- There are a number of products available to polish and clean your silverware, wooden furniture and expensive appliances to keep them looking at their best. Maintenance is imperative.
- Remember to wipe down the inside of your microwave after it gets steamy to avoid corrosion.
- Keep your garments in good condition by adding dehumidifiers to cupboards and drawers to strip moisture from the air. You can also add an extractor to your bathroom to prevent the mildew that comes with humidity.
- Electronics such as computers, TVs, camera lenses and even outdoor speakers also require a bit of TLC. Where possible, buy outdoor-friendly items and wipe them down regularly. It may also help to operate electronics in air-conditioned rooms.
About DEVMCO
Specialists in selling and renting properties on KZN’s North Coast, the Devmco Group has over 100 years’ collective industry experience. Having delivered R8-billion in property development between Umhlanga Ridge and the Sibaya Coastal Precinct, they have made their mark on the KZN coastline.
They created Sibaya Coastal Precinct’s first residential development, OceanDune Sibaya, and were part of the professional development team behind the iconic Umhlanga Arch.
Today, Devmco Group is a team of more than 60 skilled professionals from various industries and spheres, who add a wealth of knowledge, expertise and innovation to everything they do. Devmco Realty has an extensive range of homes and land for sale on the North Coast.
Details: Devmco Realty sales and marketing director, Pamela Naidu: 087 550 1300, www.devmcorealty.co.za or visit them at their offices in Marine Walk Shopping Centre.
