Best face forward: Easy care ideas for every home

It takes a little time for the dust to settle - and we mean that literally - when a new build or renovation is finally complete. While everything feels fresh and new, it’s a great time to consider how to keep it that way for the long haul - and how to finish it off to perfection, from the landscape design to the special touches inside. No professionals needed - with proper planning, you can be your own home maintenance service.

Finish it off: Landscape design not quite there? Consider a row of neatly clipped buxus, a feature ‘Little Gem’ magnolia or decorative climbing jasmine.

Stay in love with the look: Create some drama by contrasting a crisp green lawn with the clean vertical lines of Axon™ Cladding painted in a dark hue like Dulux Monument. Explore our Inspiration Gallery for more DIY landscaping ideas.

Finish it off: Your walls will look even more impressive with windows lined in neat Axent™ Trim, a durable solution to highlight almost any wall surface.

Stay in love with the look: Choose a product with fewer lines or boards to make future cleaning easier. Try Matrix™ cladding for a clean and contemporary look.

TIP: Windows will benefit from a twice-annual clean, inside and out. Your brand-new home will lose its sparkle if that gorgeous natural light can’t flow!

Finish it off: Dream a little dream: modern landscape design dictates a pool house clad in matching exterior cladding to your home.

Stay in love with the look: In landscape design, a white picket fence goes hand-in-hand with a Hamptons or Modern Coastal exterior. Try Linea™ Weatherboard for a deep-shadow weatherboard as pretty in white as it is in darker shades.

Finish it off: It’s all about the decorating. Bring in lots of soft and cosy surfaces to contrast all those shiny, new hard ones - invest in rugs, cushions, throws and artwork.

Stay in love with the look: Prevent the finished look of your new home build or renovation feeling flat by adding some detail, like Hardie™ Groove Lining to define a cosy reading nook under the stairs, or on a feature wall behind the bed.

TIP: Do factor in pest control. Some pest control companies offer a subscription service, meaning the annual service will come with pro-active reminders and also a lower price, from around $20/month.

Maintaining your new home build or renovation is key to enjoying it for years to come, and to keep it looking its best. Regular maintenance is essential, but investing in the right products from the start will make the process much easier. Explore the full range of James Hardie™ products to get started on your journey.