Our last article was all about how to be an effective property manager through organization, outsourcing, and preventative maintenance. In this article, we’re going in-depth on creating a preventative maintenance plan. And what better time-table to use than the four seasons?
Let’s get into it!
Autumn
Autumn is mild in San Diego, so it’s a great time to prep for winter. When planning your maintenance checklist, be sure to include the following inspections and tasks.
Leaf clearing—Sure, we’re not in the Northwest, but even our local foliage can cause drainage problems and falling hazards if left unchecked.
Debris Inspection—Check gutters and downspouts for clogs 1-2 times per month. Additionally, you should walk the perimeter of your property to be sure water does not pool around the foundation, which can cause leaks. Pro-tip: add screens to gutter caps and spouts to prevent blockages.
Roof Check—Prevent roof rot and leaks by making a roof inspection in early Autumn. Keep an eye out for stains, bubbling or sagging, and areas where light seeps through.
Windows and Doors—A drafty home in winter is a waste of energy and money. Visually assess windows, doors, and doorframes for leaks by seeing if light can seep through. Otherwise, feel for drafts or listen for crackling along weather stripping. Then re-strip or replace them as needed.
Extras:
- Inspect HVAC units and prep them for the coming winter months.
- Inspect grates and fire-screens to prepare for inclement weather.
Winter
We’re fortunate in San Diego. We don’t need snow shovels and rock salt to prepare for winter. But it’s still important to ensure your tenants stay warm and cozy by taking preventative action on weak points in your heating and cooling systems.
Inspect HVAC units—Change HVAC filters, and perform any maintenance needed to prepare for sudden drops in temperature.
Inspect furnaces—If you use natural gas, be sure the furnaces are well-maintained and serviced.
Check Your Trees—Ensure all trees have been pruned to avoid any damage during a winter storm.
Safety Equipment Check—Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Spring
Spring is a fantastic time to make improvements on your property before the hot summer months. Attractive exteriors command higher value and make your property more desirable. This is also when you should ensure you made it through winter without any weather damage, and the time to get your property ready for hotter weather.
Check for Weather Damage—Be sure wind and rain haven’t caused any significant damage that needs to be fixed immediately.
Check HVAC Systems—Have your property’s HVAC heating system inspected and cleaned. Change all air filters to extend the life of the unit and maximize efficiency.
Roof Check—It’s always a good idea to regularly check your roof for leaks.
Debris Inspection—Check the gutters and downspouts for any clogs.
Check for mold—Get a professional to check for mold and mildew. Or follow these steps to check for mold yourself.
Critical Equipment Check—Inspect safety equipment like smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. Replace all batteries, even the relatively new ones!
Replant You Landscape—Hire a landscaper or DIY your exterior landscape to prepare for spring. Pro tip: If you manage an HOA or apartment complex, invite tenants to have a gardening day!
Summer
This is the time to make any last-minute repairs before the heat sets in. It’s also a great time to assess your efficacy as a property manager and make improvements to your building.
Service air conditioners—Nothing gets calls from tenants like a broken AC unit. So be ready to make repairs and replacements if needed.
Safety Equipment—Test smoke and C02 alarms, and recharge fire extinguishers to keep your tenants safe.
Pest Prevention—Check for gaps in windows, doors, and walls to keep out summer pests like ants and mosquitos. Be sure to eliminate standing water, which attracts them.
Maintain Landscapes—One of the best ways to keep your property in demand is to keep up with landscaping. You can also mulch your garden beds to save water and keep your plants healthy.
Inspect outdoor lighting—Adjust the settings for longer days. Additionally, you can install solar lighting to improve energy efficiency and reduce maintenance.
Review Your Finances and Renegotiate Contracts—You’re halfway through the year, so it’s easy to see how your property is consuming utilities and what your maintenance costs are.
Time to create your maintenance plan
Making a maintenance plan will improve the quality of your property and set tenants’ minds at ease. And by being a manager tenants love, you’ll enjoy a less busy mind in turn.
We hope this comprehensive maintenance checklist helps when creating your plan. But if you’d rather someone keep up with your maintenance needs for you, we can help!
Clean Earth Maintenance offers all aspects of your building maintenance needs. Located in San Diego since 1994, we are dedicated to preventive maintenance which starts with a good plan. Our dedicated team of professionals has been with our company a long time, and together we have established Clean Earth Maintenance as the best HOA & Building Maintenance company in the San Diego area.
For a free consultation or emergency services, call 619-284-4239. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
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Sources:
- Commercial Property Manager Maintenance Tips for Every Season, Seasons: Fall maintenance tips, https://www.rweiler.com/blog/commercial-property-manager-maintenance-tips/
- Commercial Property Manager Maintenance Tips for Every Season, Seasons: Summer maintenance tips, https://www.rweiler.com/blog/commercial-property-manager-maintenance-tips/
- Commercial Property Manager Maintenance Tips for Every Season, Seasons: Winter property maintenance, https://www.rweiler.com/blog/commercial-property-manager-maintenance-tips/
- Commercial Property Manager Maintenance Tips for Every Season, Seasons: Spring maintenance tips, https://www.rweiler.com/blog/commercial-property-manager-maintenance-tips/
- Property Maintenance Services: The Ultimate Guide, Seasons: Maintenance checklist by season, https://www.appfolio.com/blog/property-maintenance-services-ultimate-guide/