Last time I talked about the importance of property maintenance. If you find yourself neglecting the small items, you’ll soon be on the hot seat for more expensive repairs. Building managers can find themselves with a run-down, in-desperate-need-of-repair building a lot sooner that they think. I’ve included a list of areas that should be inspected and repaired on a regular basis. This list does not include items such as stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and the like, that should be scheduled for inspection on a regular basis.
Hers are some areas you should add to your inspection list if they’re not already on there:
Roofs – Many property managers take the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” approach when it comes to roofs. Roof leaks don’t just happen; they’re a result of worn shingles, or other weak spots on the roof, something a routine inspection can usually catch. It’s certainly worth the time and money spent to do an annual roof inspection rather than waiting until a resident has a serious leak to contend with, where you’ll not only be paying for roof repairs, you’ll also be paying for any personal items damaged in their apartment or home, as well as the cost of providing housing while the roofing is repaired. Inspect the roof.
Hot Water Heaters – An inspection of a typical hot water heater only takes a qualified professional a few moments, but can save managers a lot of heartache. Leaks can usually be detected prior to bursting, with repairs or replacement completed and flooding prevented.
Outdoor balconies – This is a danger area that is frequently overlooked. While most apartment balconies are now reinforced with concrete flooring, there are still quite a few older units that have wood flooring. The wood can be become dry from extreme temperatures or warped from excessive rain. Either condition makes the balcony ripe for potential collapse, with the property manager responsible. Wood balconies should be inspected at least twice a year. The same advice goes for wood stairs as well.
Light Fixtures – Proper lighting is a major safety issue for property managers. It’s essential that any property you manage have all outdoor and safety lighting working at all times. Not only can injuries occur due to a lack of sufficient lighting, but a dimly lighted property is a magnet for criminal activity. It’s a minor thing to inspect, the fix takes only minutes, and it protects both you and your tenants.
While there are so many things that should be inspected regularly, the items above are essentials that need to be on every maintenance manager’s list of things to inspect.
Posted by Mary Girsch-Bock in Resident Retention
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