Let’s be honest, most of us have a to-do list as long as our arm, and home maintenance tasks often get shuffled to the bottom. But did you know that ignoring those little jobs around the house could end up costing you a fortune, not to mention a whole lot of stress? If you’ve ever thought, 'I’ll get to that leaky tap or dodgy gutter next weekend,' you’re not alone—but it might be time to bump those chores up the priority list.​

That’s the message behind a new campaign from Allianz, who has teamed up with everyone’s favourite handyman and TV personality, Scotty Cam, to launch a 7-part educational series all about proactive home maintenance*. The series, part of Allianz’s broader Blue Eagle initiative, is designed to help Aussies spot and fix small issues before they turn into big, expensive disasters.



Scotty Cam, who’s seen it all when it comes to home repairs, visits the homes of radio star Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and comedian Tanya Hennessy in the series. He checks out everyday trouble spots—think flexi hoses under the sink, gutters full of leaves, and bathrooms that might be hiding sneaky leaks.



Along the way, Scotty dishes out practical, easy-to-follow tips* that anyone can use, no matter how handy (or not!) you are.

'If I weren’t in this industry, I probably wouldn’t realise how much damage a rusty flexi hose or clogged gutter can cause,' Scotty admitted.

'But since I do, I know that ignoring these small maintenance tasks can lead to big issues for your home and your wallet. With Allianz’s Blue Eagle initiative, we’re spreading awareness and sharing easy, actionable tips to encourage everyone to take a few minutes to do these small checks and prevent future problems.'

Why does this matter so much?

Well, research commissioned by Allianz** paints a worrying picture: 1 in 10 homeowners admit they never check their homes for maintenance issues, or only do so when something’s already gone wrong. Even more concerning, only 1 in 5 do quarterly checks—far less than the monthly inspections Allianz recommends.*



So, what’s stopping us?

The research found that 36% of Aussies feel they lack the knowledge or skills to do basic maintenance, 32% are put off by the potential cost, and 23% simply don’t think it’s necessary. Yet, despite these concerns, a whopping 63% of us are confident enough to tackle home maintenance without calling in the pros.

But here’s the catch: those little jobs you put off—like checking for leaks, inspecting flexi hoses, or clearing out the gutters—can quickly snowball into major headaches. A burst flexi hose, for example, can flood your kitchen in minutes, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Blocked gutters can lead to roof leaks and even structural issues. And that slow drip under the bathroom sink? Left unchecked, it could mean mould, rot, and a hefty repair bill.



Shez Ford, Chief General Manager, Consumer at Allianz Australia, summed it up: 'At Allianz, we understand that homeowners have a lot on their plates, but quick, frequent checks could prevent future complications. And who better to remind us of these small routine checks than our trusted host and handyman, Scotty Cam.'

The future of home insurance in Australia is changing, too. Insurers are increasingly looking at how proactive you are with maintenance when assessing claims and premiums. That means a little effort now could save you not just on repairs, but on your insurance costs as well.



Simple Checks You Can Do Today

Not sure where to start? Here are a few easy checks you can add to your monthly routine:

- Inspect flexi hoses* under sinks and behind toilets for rust, bulges, or leaks.

- Clear gutters* of leaves and debris, especially after storms.

- Check for leaks* in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries—look for damp patches, mould, or musty smells.

- Test smoke alarms* and replace batteries if needed.

- Look for signs of wear and tear* on roofs, windows, and doors.

If you spot something you’re not sure about, don’t be afraid to call in a professional. It’s better to spend a little now than a lot later!






For our Seniors Discount Club members, regular home maintenance is even more important. As we get older, slips, trips, and falls become a bigger risk, so making sure your home is safe and sound is essential. Plus, keeping on top of maintenance can help you stay independent in your own home for longer and protect the value of your biggest asset.

Have you ever had a small maintenance issue turn into a big problem? Or do you have a tried-and-true tip for keeping your home in tip-top shape? We’d love to hear your stories and advice—share your experiences in the comments below and help other members stay safe, savvy, and stress-free!


Remember, a stitch in time really does save nine—so why not tick off one of those jobs today? Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you!

**This research was conducted in March 2025 via Pureprofile, an Australian-owned Data and Insights business that sampled 1,002 homeowners aged 18+, in line with the current ABS census statistics.

*Please note, members, that this is a sponsored article. All content of ours that has an asterisk next to it means we may get a commission when you click on a link—at no cost to you! We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!