Backpacks and crayons are lining the store shelves; parents are dancing a quiet jig, and students are soaking up the fleeting rays of summer. The start of the school year reminds us that autumn is nearly here.
Now is the time to complete your seasonal maintenance and prep your properties for the cold and rain that fall weather will bring.
This infographic by Let’s Talk Property Management has all the steps you will need to know in order to get your property ready.
Exterior Check:
Search for any areas on the property that might need extra attention.
Look for small details like areas that need caulking to improve heating efficiency or help prevent infestation, gutters that need an extra cleaning or a gutter guard placed in before the autumn leaves have a chance to settle in, or even vegetation that needs to be trimmed or removed due to its proximity to the building or walkways.
Remember that addressing small issues before they become large issues is the key to keeping your property safe for your tenants and to keep your costs at a minimum.
Fall Safety Inspection:
Remember that autumn weather brings additional safety concerns to the forefront. If your property has patios, decks or balconies, verify that all railings and supports are sturdy.
With cold storms bringing wet or icy weather, your railings need to be able to hold a person who may slip while on your property.
Animal Proofing:
Cold weather means that small critters will seek warmth and refuge in the nearest dry space. Ensure this space isn’t your property’s basement or attic by caulking small holes and covering larger holes with hardware cloth. Small animals can wreak havoc on your attic’s insulation, and this can lead to ice damaging your roof. While you’re patching holes, be sure to check for any signs that your insulation was not harmed over the last year due to an unknown infestation.
Yearly Checks:
Annual safety inspections are vital. As a manager or owner, nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of your tenants and their guests, utilize a safety checklist to ensure that you conducting a thorough inspection of the property.
This will keep your property habitable, and bring any minor repair needs to your attention–before they cause expensive or irreparable damage.
Spending these last days of summer ensuring that all the properties you manage are ready for the coming wet weather is one of the best ways to prevent a problem before it arises. This will lead to fewer complaints throughout autumn and winter seasons and will help your bottom line, leading to a better ROI long-term.