How to Maintain Your House After 1 Year of Construction

Pakistan, thousands of newly built homes across Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi are completing their first year. With a projected real estate growth rate of over 5% annually through 2028 and a housing deficit exceeding 10 million units, 5 Marla (PKR 7-12 million) to 1 Kanal (PKR 26-50 million) homes are now settling into their first monsoon, summer, and winter cycles. At Afaq Ahmad Constructions, we’ve seen how to maintain your house after 1 year of construction can save PKR 200,000–500,000 in repairs and preserve your investment. This blog provides a complete, actionable guide to keeping your home in top shape during this critical post-construction phase.

Why the First Year After Construction Is Critical

The first 12–18 months are when your home “settles.” Concrete cures fully, materials expand and contract with temperature changes, and minor cracks or leaks appear due to Pakistan’s extreme climate—Lahore’s 40°C summers, 600–800 mm monsoons, and Karachi’s humidity. The Pakistan Building Code (PBC) 2021 requires structural integrity, but without maintenance, issues like seepage, paint peeling, or plumbing clogs can escalate, costing PKR 100,000–300,000 to fix, per our QA blog. Annual maintenance (PKR 50,000–150,000 for a 10 Marla home) prevents 70–80% of long-term damage and boosts resale value by 5–8% (PKR 800,000–1.6 million).

12-Month Post-Construction Maintenance Checklist

1. Inspect and Repair Minor Cracks

• Why: Hairline cracks in plaster or concrete appear due to shrinkage and heat (common in Lahore summers).
• How:
  • Walk through every room and exterior wall; mark cracks with chalk.
  • Fill with epoxy or cement-based filler (PKR 5,000–15,000).
  • For structural cracks (>3mm), hire an engineer (PKR 20,000–50,000).
• Frequency: Once at 12 months, then annually.
• Cost Savings: Prevents PKR 100,000–200,000 in major plastering.
• Tip: Focus on load-bearing walls and roof slabs.
• Example: A DHA Lahore home saved PKR 150,000 by sealing cracks early.

2. Check Waterproofing and Seepage

• Why: Monsoon water seeps through roof joints or walls, causing dampness and mold (PKR 50,000–150,000 to treat).
• How:
  • Inspect roof, parapets, and bathroom ceilings after rain.
  • Apply liquid waterproofing membrane (PKR 50–100/sq ft) on roof (PKR 100,000–200,000 for 10 Marla).
  • Seal wall joints with silicone (PKR 10,000–20,000).
• Frequency: Post-monsoon (September–October).
• Cost Savings: Avoids PKR 200,000–400,000 in interior damage.
• Tip: Use heat-reflective coating (PKR 80–120/sq ft) to reduce summer heat.
• Example: A Bahria Town home prevented PKR 250,000 in ceiling repairs.

3. Clean and Service Plumbing Systems

• Why: Hard water and debris clog pipes; leaks waste PKR 5,000–10,000/month in bills.
• How:
  • Flush all taps and flush tanks; clean strainers (PKR 2,000–5,000).
  • Descale geyser and water tank (PKR 5,000–10,000).
  • Check for leaks; replace washers (PKR 500–1,000 each).
• Frequency: Every 6–12 months.
• Cost Savings: Reduces water bills by 20–30% (PKR 12,000–18,000/year).
• Tip: Install a water softener (PKR 50,000–100,000) in hard-water areas.
• Example: A Johar Town home saved PKR 15,000/year on water.

4. Repaint High-Wear Areas

• Why: Dust, humidity, and UV fade paint; peeling costs PKR 100,000–200,000 to redo.
• How:
  • Touch up exterior walls with weather-shield paint (PKR 400–600/liter).
  • Repaint kitchen/bathroom ceilings with anti-fungal paint (PKR 350–500/liter).
  • Total for 500 sq ft: PKR 50,000–100,000 (labor + material).
• Frequency: Every 1–2 years for exteriors, 3–5 years for interiors.
• Cost Savings: Extends paint life by 2–3 years (PKR 150,000–300,000).
• Tip: Use 2025 trending colors like soft teal or warm beige, per our paint blog.
• Example: A Model Town home refreshed for PKR 80,000, boosting appeal.

5. Service Electrical Systems

• Why: Loose wiring or overloaded circuits risk fires (PKR 200,000–1 million in damage).
• How:
  • Hire a certified electrician (PKR 10,000–20,000) to check MCBs, earthing, and sockets.
  • Replace flickering bulbs with LEDs (PKR 500–1,000 each).
  • Test UPS/backup systems.
• Frequency: Annually.
• Cost Savings: Prevents PKR 300,000–500,000 in rewiring.
• Tip: Label all circuits in the DB box for easy troubleshooting.
• Example: An Islamabad home avoided PKR 400,000 in electrical repairs.

6. Clean HVAC and Ventilation

• Why: Dust clogs AC filters; poor ventilation causes mold (PKR 20,000–50,000 to clean).
• How:
  • Service AC units (PKR 3,000–5,000 per unit).
  • Clean exhaust fans and ducts (PKR 5,000–10,000).
  • Ensure windows open smoothly; lubricate hinges (PKR 1,000–2,000).
• Frequency: Pre-summer (April–May) and post-monsoon.
• Cost Savings: Improves AC efficiency by 15–20% (PKR 10,000–15,000/year).
• Tip: Install mesh screens (PKR 2,000–5,000) to reduce dust entry.
• Example: A Karachi home saved PKR 12,000/year on cooling.

7. Maintain Wooden Elements

• Why: Termites and moisture damage doors, frames, and furniture (PKR 50,000–200,000 to replace).
• How:
  • Inspect for termite trails; apply anti-termite treatment (PKR 10,000–30,000).
  • Polish wooden doors and windows (PKR 5,000–15,000).
  • Seal gaps with wood filler (PKR 2,000–5,000).
• Frequency: Annually.
• Cost Savings: Extends wood life by 5–7 years.
• Tip: Use teak or sheesham for durability in future builds.
• Example: A Lahore Smart City home protected PKR 150,000 in furniture.

8. Clean Roof and Gutters

• Why: Debris blocks drainage; water pooling damages roof (PKR 100,000–300,000).
• How:
  • Remove leaves and dirt from roof and gutters (PKR 5,000–10,000).
  • Check for loose tiles; re-cement if needed (PKR 10,000–20,000).
  • Apply waterproofing if not done (PKR 50–100/sq ft).
• Frequency: Post-monsoon and pre-summer.
• Cost Savings: Prevents PKR 200,000–400,000 in roof repairs.
• Tip: Install gutter guards (PKR 20,000–50,000) for long-term ease.
• Example: A 1 Kanal DHA home avoided PKR 300,000 in leakage.

Annual Maintenance Cost Breakdown (10 Marla Home)

• Savings: PKR 200,000–500,000 in major repairs over 5 years.
• ROI: Maintenance preserves 5–8% resale value (PKR 800,000–1.6 million).

Challenges and Solutions in 2025

Challenges

• Monsoon Damage: Water seepage peaks in July–August.
• Dust and Pollution: Lahore’s air quality clogs systems.
• Labor Costs: Up 5–7% (PKR 450–500/day).
• Material Shortages: Delays in sealants or paint.

Solutions

• Seasonal Timing: Schedule post-monsoon and pre-summer.
• Local Vendors: Source from Badami Bagh or Ravi Road.
• Professional Help: Afaq Ahmad Constructions offers annual packages.
• DIY Basics: Homeowners can clean gutters and check leaks.

2025 Market Context

• Demand: High in DHA, Bahria Town, and Lahore Smart City for well-maintained homes.
• Trends: Smart monitoring (sensors for leaks) and eco-friendly sealants.
• Costs: Inflation adds 5–7%, but prevention saves more.
• Solution: Trust Afaq Ahmad Constructions for expert care.

Visualizing Your Maintained Home

Imagine a 5 Marla home in Johar Town with sealed walls (our villa image), a 10 Marla house in Bahria Town with a clean roof (our bungalow image), and a 1 Kanal estate in DHA Lahore with polished wood (our roofing image). Afaq Ahmad Constructions keeps your home perfect.

The Role of Afaq Ahmad Constructions

At Afaq Ahmad Constructions, we protect your investment:

• Annual Maintenance Plans: PKR 50,000–150,000 packages.
• Quality Assurance: PBC 2021-compliant inspections.
• Support: 24/7 emergency response.

Visit https://afaqahmadconstructions.com/ to book your 1-year checkup today!

Conclusion

Maintaining your house after 1 year of construction in Pakistan involves inspecting cracks, waterproofing, servicing plumbing and electrical systems, repainting, cleaning HVAC, treating wood, and clearing roofs. These steps cost PKR 50,000–150,000 annually for a 10 Marla home but save PKR 200,000–500,000 in repairs and preserve 5–8% resale value. With expert support from Afaq Ahmad Constructions, your home stays strong through Lahore’s heat, monsoons, and beyond. Contact us now to schedule your maintenance!