Property maintenance refers to the preservation of a residential, commercial or apartment building, as well as its immediate surroundings, through a series of maintenance activities.
Property maintenance is a term that refers to the activities necessary for maintaining a building’s functionality and comfort for its occupants. It is often interchangeable with building maintenance. The Burton brothers John and Neil founded Central Platform Services Ltd in Pontefract, West Yorkshire in February 2008. They have combined over 40 years of experience in the Powered Access Industry. Their continued dedication and commitment towards providing exceptional service here enabled the company to grow its workforce to include mobile skilled engineers, office staff, and workshop staff.
Maintenance activities for property include:
- Cleaning of the building’s common areas, including drains, roof gutters and corridors.
- Rodent control and elimination
- Landscape design and gardening
- Garbage disposal and separation
- All mechanical and electrical systems are available for repair, maintenance, and replacement (lighting and HVAC, water supply, heating, etc.).
- Safety inspections (proactive routine inspections, inspections of electrical and mechanical systems, inspections of fire fighting and safety inspections of entire premises)
Here are some of the many benefits of investing in property that is well maintained:
- Lower repair and maintenance costs can help you save money
- Protect and increase the property’s value
- There are fewer unexpected repairs, disputes and tenant grievances which results in less stress
- Keep your property in compliance to avoid legal problems, liabilities, or fines
While you know the importance of maintaining your property, it can be difficult to keep up with it. General maintenance can easily be overlooked if you don’t have one. This can lead to costly and even fatal consequences.
Preventative maintenance plans can reduce the chance of hazards such as falling building materials and fires caused by poorly wired lighting. They also help to prevent costly problems like a burst pipe or roof leakage. Property managers do not want to be sued for negligence, have to pay skyrocketing premiums or get negative press. It is important to maintain your property and take preventive measures in order to avoid serious problems.
These property management tips and techniques can help you to manage various situations and issues.
Establish policies and protocols; remain consistent
To avoid miscommunications with tenants and possible problems, property managers should have policies and procedures in place. Every property rule for tenants must be written and given to the tenant at lease signing. Property managers should have procedures in place for different situations. Property managers should have protocols in place for different situations.
Keep up-to-date books or hire a bookkeeper
It is important to keep organized financial records about tenant rent and property expenses, such as maintenance, employee payroll, and trash collection. It is essential to keep track of what money is coming in and going out. Hire a qualified bookkeeper if your property manager duties are too busy.
It’s okay to outsource
Sometimes outsourcing is a good idea. For example, if you are overwhelmed by financial paperwork, hiring a bookkeeper. Specialists should also handle certain repairs. Professional cleaning is required for carpets that have been repeatedly rubbed by pets. ServiceMaster Clean is a full-service company.
Routine inspections can be scheduled and performed to reduce problem risk
Regular inspections can reduce the chance of problems within and around the property. You should inspect the following items:
- All smoke/fire alarms
- Fire/emergency door access
- HVAC systems
- Roof and downspouts
- Decks
- Windows (check for cracks or sealant issues).
- Laundry areas can have water lines
Keep Supply of Key Property Management Tools
Each property has its own list of management tools, which may include promotional/marketing materials, safety items and paper essentials such as parking permits and blank lease copies. A well-stocked inventory of property management tools can make your day more efficient and reduce the likelihood of having to do any unnecessary work. A good property manager will also keep an inventory list for emergency supplies, on-site maintenance and office supplies.
