Summer-Ready Home: Essential Trade Jobs to Book Before December

December arrives fast, and with it comes 35-degree days, afternoon storms, UV that peels paint off weatherboard, and every tradie in your suburb booked out for weeks. The air conditioner that rattled through last February may not survive another summer. The pool fence your toddler could not reach last year is now at climbing height. Termites that went undetected through winter are chewing through your subfloor while you read this.

Australian summers test homes harder than most homeowners realise. Heat stress cracks roof tiles, UV degrades sealants, and storms dump 50mm in an hour onto gutters clogged with spring debris. Get your trade jobs sorted in October and November, before peak season demand doubles wait times and pushes emergency callout rates past $200 an hour.

This guide covers the essential trade jobs to book before December, which tradesperson to call for each one, and what each job should cost.

1. Service Your Air Conditioning System

An air conditioner that ran fine last summer is not guaranteed to perform this year. Dirty filters reduce cooling efficiency by up to 15 percent. Refrigerant leaks worsen over time. A failed compressor in January means no cooling for days while parts are ordered.

Split system service ($120 to $250 per unit):

• Clean or replace indoor filters. Clogged filters force the unit to work harder, increasing electricity consumption and reducing lifespan.
• Wash the outdoor condenser coil. Dirt, cobwebs, and leaf litter block airflow and reduce heat exchange.
• Check refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant means the system cannot reach target temperature. Only a licensed technician with an ARCTick licence can handle refrigerant under Australian law.
• Inspect electrical connections and drainage. A blocked condensate drain causes water to leak inside.

Ducted system service ($200 to $400):

• Full duct inspection for leaks, disconnections, and vermin damage. Rats and possums chew through flexible duct in roof spaces.
• Zone controller check. Faulty zone motors leave rooms either freezing or sweltering.
• Return air filter cleaning and evaporator coil wash.

When to book: September or October. By late November, air conditioning technicians are booked 2 to 3 weeks out in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. A unit that fails on Christmas Day will cost double for an emergency callout, if you can find anyone available at all.

Who to call: A licensed air conditioning technician with ARCTick refrigerant handling authorisation. Verify their licence on TradieVerify before booking.

2. Get Your Pool Summer-Compliant

Pool season starts in October across most of Australia, and pool safety compliance is not optional. Every state and territory requires pool fencing that meets Australian Standard AS 1926.1. Fines for non-compliant barriers range from $2,200 in NSW to over $27,500 in Queensland.

Pool barrier inspection checklist:

• Gate self-closing and self-latching. The gate must close and latch from any open position without manual assistance. Springs weaken over time, and a gate that worked in March may not latch reliably now.
• No climbable objects within 900mm of the fence. Pot plants, outdoor furniture, pool pump housings, and even tree branches create footholds. Check both sides of the barrier.
• Fence height minimum 1200mm. Ground settlement, garden bed build-up, or deck additions can reduce effective height below the legal minimum.
• No gaps greater than 100mm. Palings warp, screws loosen, and bottom rails lift off uneven ground.

Pool equipment servicing ($150 to $350):

• Test water chemistry and balance pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and stabiliser levels. After months of inactivity, algae and bacteria establish quickly in warm water.
• Inspect and clean the pump, filter cartridge or sand, and chlorinator cell. Salt chlorinator cells last 3 to 7 years and degrade gradually. A failing cell produces less chlorine without obvious symptoms until the water turns green.
• Check the pool pump timer and adjust run times for summer. Most pools need 8 to 10 hours of filtration daily in summer, compared with 4 to 6 in winter.

State compliance certificates:

Who to call: A licensed pool fence inspector for barrier compliance. For pump and equipment servicing, a licensed plumber or pool technician. For electrical faults in pool lighting, pumps, or chlorinators, a licensed electrician is required.

3. Book a Pre-Summer Pest Inspection

Termites do not hibernate. They eat through winter and accelerate in the warmer months when conditions favour colony expansion. A pre-summer inspection catches activity before it becomes structural damage.

What the inspection covers ($250 to $400):

• Visual inspection of all accessible timber, subfloor areas, roof void, and exterior perimeter for termite activity, damage, and conducive conditions.
• Moisture detection using thermal imaging and moisture meters. Termites need moisture, and leaking pipes or poor drainage create ideal conditions.
• Identification of pest entry points: cracks in slab edges, weep holes without physical barriers, and earth-to-timber contact.

Other summer pests to address:

• Cockroaches and spiders. A general pest spray ($180 to $350 for a 3-bedroom home) before summer reduces populations before they breed in warm weather.
• Wasps. Check eaves, pergola rafters, and garden sheds for early nest construction. Remove nests while small. Professional wasp removal costs $100 to $250 per nest.
• Possums in the roof. Scratching noises at night signal possums have moved in. A licensed pest controller can install one-way exits and seal entry points ($200 to $500). Possums are protected wildlife in every state, so trapping or harming them is illegal.

When to book: October. Pest controllers are busiest from December to February when infestations are already established. A proactive inspection in spring is cheaper and more effective than reactive treatment in midsummer.

Who to call: A licensed pest controller. In Queensland, pest technicians must hold a QBCC licence for timber pest inspections. Verify licensing at TradieVerify.

4. Clean and Inspect Your Solar Panels

Dust, bird droppings, pollen, and lichen accumulate on solar panels throughout winter and spring. A dirty panel can lose 15 to 25 percent of its output. Summer is when your solar system should be earning the most, so cleaning before December maximises your return.

Professional cleaning ($150 to $350 for a standard residential system):

• Panels are washed with deionised water and soft brushes. High-pressure washers damage the anti-reflective coating and void manufacturer warranties.
• Inspection of panel surfaces for micro-cracks, hot spots, and discolouration. Micro-cracks from hail or thermal stress expand over time and reduce cell output.
• Check mounting brackets and rail clamps for corrosion or loosening. Roof-mounted systems are exposed to thermal cycling (expansion and contraction) that loosens fixings over years.

Inverter and wiring check:

• A licensed electrician or solar installer should inspect the inverter for error codes, fan operation, and ventilation clearance. Inverters overheat in summer if airflow is restricted.
• Check DC isolator switches for signs of water ingress, arcing, or discolouration. DC isolator failures are a fire risk and account for a significant proportion of solar-related house fires in Australia.
• Review your energy monitoring app for output trends. A sudden drop in production indicates a panel, inverter, or wiring issue.

Do not clean panels yourself if your roof is above single-storey height. Falls from roofs remain the leading cause of death in the Australian residential construction sector. The cost of professional cleaning is a fraction of an ambulance trip.

Who to call: A licensed solar installer or a specialist solar cleaning service. For any electrical work on the DC or AC side of the system, a licensed electrician is required. Check qualifications on TradieVerify.

5. Inspect and Maintain Outdoor Areas

Decks, pergolas, fences, and outdoor entertaining areas cop a hiding over summer. UV, rain, foot traffic, and barbecue grease all take their toll. Inspect and repair before summer entertaining starts.

Deck inspection and maintenance ($300 to $1,200 depending on size and condition):

• Check for soft or spongy boards, which indicate rot or termite damage. Push a screwdriver into suspect boards. If it penetrates easily, the timber is compromised.
• Tighten or replace loose screws and nails. Raised fasteners are a barefoot hazard and a sign of timber movement.
• Sand and re-oil or re-stain hardwood decks every 12 to 18 months. Cost for a standard 20sqm deck: $400 to $800 (DIY materials $80 to $150, professional labour $300 to $650).
• Inspect substructure bearers and joists for rot, particularly where they sit in stirrups or on concrete piers. Hidden rot in the substructure is more dangerous than surface damage.

Pergola and shade structure checks:

• Inspect fixing bolts at the house connection point (ledger board). Corroded or undersized bolts can cause a pergola to separate from the wall under wind load.
• Check shade cloth or polycarbonate roofing for UV damage, sagging, or cracking.

Fence repairs:

• Walk your boundary fence line and check for leaning posts, damaged palings, and loose rails. Fix your side before summer barbecues draw attention to the problem.
• Hardwood fence posts in ground contact last 15 to 20 years. Treated pine posts may only last 10 to 15 years. If posts wobble at the base, they need replacement.

Who to call: A licensed builder or carpenter for structural deck or pergola repairs. For cosmetic work like oiling and sanding, this is a suitable DIY project. For fence replacement, check the Dividing Fences Act in your state, as costs are typically shared with your neighbour.

6. Check Your Electrical Safety

Summer means higher electrical loads from air conditioners, pool pumps, and outdoor entertaining. An overloaded circuit or faulty wiring is a fire risk, particularly in older homes that were not designed for modern power demands.

Safety switch (RCD) testing:

• Every home should have a safety switch on power circuits and lighting circuits. Press the test button on each RCD in your switchboard. If it does not trip immediately, it needs replacement ($150 to $250 per RCD installed).
• Homes built before 2000 may not have RCDs on all circuits. A licensed electrician can audit your switchboard and add RCDs where needed ($200 to $400 per circuit).

Outdoor electrical inspection:

• Check outdoor power points for weatherproof covers and proper sealing. Water ingress into outdoor GPOs is a shock and fire hazard.
• Inspect garden lighting wiring for damage from lawnmowers, edgers, or digging. Low-voltage garden lighting is safe, but 240V garden lighting must be installed and maintained by a licensed electrician.
• If you are running a pool pump, spa, or outdoor kitchen off a single circuit, have an electrician assess whether you need a dedicated circuit to prevent tripping.

Smoke alarm compliance:

• Queensland requires all homes to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and living area. Other states have similar requirements.
• Replace battery-only smoke alarms older than 10 years. The manufacture date is printed on the alarm body.
• Test every alarm and replace batteries. Cost: $10 to $30 per alarm for battery replacement, $80 to $150 per alarm for hardwired replacement by an electrician.

Who to call: A licensed electrician for all switchboard, wiring, and hardwired smoke alarm work. Find a licensed electrician on TradieVerify.

7. Service Your Plumbing Before Peak Demand

Hot water systems work harder in summer when showers increase. Outdoor taps, garden irrigation, and evaporative coolers all add to the plumbing load. A pipe burst or hot water failure in a house full of Christmas guests is the definition of bad timing.

Hot water system check ($100 to $200):

• Test the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve by lifting the lever briefly. Water should discharge and stop when released. A valve that drips continuously needs replacement.
• Check the anode rod in storage systems older than 5 years. A depleted anode means the tank itself corrodes, leading to failure.
• Inspect for water stains, rust, or pooling around the base of the unit. These indicate slow leaks that will worsen.

Outdoor plumbing:

• Turn on all outdoor taps and check for leaks at the spigot, hose connection, and wall penetration. A dripping outdoor tap wastes over 20,000 litres per year.
• Flush garden irrigation lines and check sprinkler heads for blockages or damage.
• Clean evaporative cooler pads and flush the water distribution system. Legionella bacteria can colonise stagnant reservoirs. A full service costs $150 to $300.

Who to call: A licensed plumber for hot water servicing, tap repairs, and any work involving water supply or drainage pipes. For more guidance, see our plumber hiring guide.

When to Book Your Summer Trades

Booking in September and October gives you the best availability and avoids peak-season surcharges. Here is a suggested timeline.

Before booking any tradesperson, verify their licence on TradieVerify to confirm it is current and covers the scope of work. For a step-by-step verification process, see our licence checking guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start preparing my home for summer in Australia?

Start in September and aim to have all trade jobs booked or completed by late November. Air conditioning servicing and pest inspections should be first because these trades experience the earliest pre-summer demand spike. If you wait until December, expect longer wait times and higher emergency rates. In tropical Queensland and the NT, the wet season starts in November, so outdoor work needs to be finished earlier.

Which summer maintenance jobs legally require a licensed tradesperson?

Any work involving refrigerant gas (air conditioning) requires an ARCTick-authorised technician. All electrical work, including RCD testing, smoke alarm replacement, and outdoor wiring, requires a licensed electrician. Plumbing work on water supply or drainage pipes requires a licensed plumber. Pool barrier inspections for compliance certificates must be done by an accredited pool safety inspector. Pest inspections for timber pests in Queensland require a QBCC licence. Verify any tradesperson’s licence at TradieVerify.

How much does it cost to get a home summer-ready?

For a typical 3-bedroom home, budget $1,500 to $3,500 to cover the main jobs: AC service $120 to $400, pool compliance and servicing $300 to $700, pest inspection $250 to $400, solar panel cleaning $150 to $350, deck maintenance $300 to $800, electrical safety check $200 to $400, and hot water system inspection $100 to $200. Prioritise safety-critical items first. AC servicing and pest inspection deliver the best return by preventing costly emergency repairs in January.

Do I need a pool safety certificate before summer?

In Queensland, a Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) is required before selling or leasing a property with a pool. In NSW, a Certificate of Compliance is required at sale or lease and is valid for 3 years. Victoria requires pool barriers to comply with Building Regulations 2018 but does not issue compliance certificates. Western Australia requires local government inspections every 4 years. Even if you are not selling, a compliant barrier is a legal requirement and a safety necessity. Children under 5 account for the majority of drowning deaths in residential pools.

Can I clean my own solar panels?

You can clean ground-mounted or single-storey panels with a garden hose and soft brush from the ground. Do not use high-pressure washers, abrasive cleaning products, or walk on panels. For panels on a second storey or higher, hire a professional. Working at heights above 2 metres without proper safety equipment is illegal for workers and extremely dangerous for homeowners. A professional clean costs $150 to $350 and includes a visual inspection that may catch issues you would miss.

What is the most cost-effective summer preparation task?

Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner filters. It costs nothing if you do it yourself (most split system filters slide out and rinse under a tap) and improves cooling efficiency by up to 15 percent. For a household running a split system 8 hours a day over summer, that efficiency gain can save $100 to $200 on electricity bills. The second best return is sealing gaps around doors and windows to keep cool air in, which costs $50 to $150 in materials and is a straightforward DIY job.

Related Guides

• How to Hire a Licensed Air Conditioning Technician — Our AC technician hiring guide
• How Much Does Split System AC Installation Cost? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide — Our AC installation costs
• How to Hire a Licensed Electrician — Our electrician hiring guide

Sources

1. QBCC, “Pool Safety Laws and Requirements,” qbcc.qld.gov.au, accessed February 2026.
2. NSW Government, “Swimming Pool Register and Compliance,” swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au, accessed February 2026.
3. Australian Refrigeration Council, “ARCTick Licence Requirements,” arctick.org, accessed February 2026.
4. Safe Work Australia, “Working at Heights,” safeworkaustralia.gov.au, accessed February 2026.
5. CSIRO, “Termite Management for Homeowners,” csiro.au, accessed February 2026.
6. Clean Energy Council, “Solar Panel Maintenance,” cleanenergycouncil.org.au, accessed February 2026.
7. Royal Life Saving Australia, “Drowning Report 2025,” royallifesaving.com.au, accessed February 2026.
8. Australian Government YourHome, “Passive Cooling,” yourhome.gov.au, accessed February 2026.