It can be difficult to keep up with the maintenance of your property, especially if you own more than one. When it comes to property maintenance, the saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure rings true time and time again. It’s not just about making sure everything looks beautiful; it’s also about maintaining and protecting the property value so that when it comes time to sell, you get the highest return on your investment possible. Here are ten tips that will help you stay ahead of the game!
Maintain Your Roof
Leaky roofs will likely cause water damage to your floors, walls, and insulation. Inspect and clean the roof regularly, and remove debris. Climbing on a roof can be dangerous, but there are ways to stay safe. Regularly check your roof for damage from leaks, leaves, branches, and rodents. If you see any signs of damage, get it fixed before it becomes a problem. You should also clean your roof regularly to keep it in good condition. A well-maintained roof is important not only for how it looks and how long it lasts but also because a high-quality roof helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer—and that saves energy costs over time.
(~Margate Golden Palms Apartments, 6000 NW7 St. Margate FL)
Tub and Shower Insulation
Tub and shower caulking, grout, and flooring all serve to insulate and keep water out. Water-sealing these spaces makes sure water is kept out, preventing it from eroding what's behind your walls and floors. Regular inspections can help catch problems before they’re too far gone. If necessary, give your tub or shower a good scrubbing once or twice a year to remove mildew or soap buildup that prevents water from escaping into drains after use.
Water Drainage Condition
If you have water pooling around your foundation, you likely have inadequate drainage around your home. Larger pools can cause deterioration and damage to both your property and your foundation. Start by looking for cracks in concrete or landscaping that could be indicative of a bigger problem. If you’re not sure what to look for, ask a professional for help with inspection before deciding how to go about fixing it.
Damaged windows and doors
Investing in repairs to damaged windows and doors is crucial. Tenants want to feel safe and secure; they don’t want drafts or bugs. It is well worth spending some extra money here. Renters who feel unsafe tend to call their landlord more often, which can end up costing you more than any window repair or new door installation would have cost you in the first place.
Leaks and Cloggs
Water damage is the number one thing you should be worried about with your property. Even a tiny leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left unaddressed for long enough, and oftentimes a leak or clog will go unnoticed by the tenants living on your property. The best way to prevent water damage is to stay proactive and inspect your property regularly. Make sure all sinks, tubs, toilets, etc., are working properly before renting them out—and don’t forget to check outside too! Look around for any cracks in foundation walls that could lead to leaks inside; also make sure gutters are clean and clear of debris so rainwater doesn’t pool up against exterior walls.
Deep Clean as Needed
Keep things tidy and free from clutter—especially dirt and grime. Keeping everything clean and fresh-looking is one way to make your property look newer, more appealing, and more desirable to potential renters. Since many people equate new with better, you can give your building an appearance boost by having it thoroughly cleaned every few months or so. Deep cleaning provides a noticeable difference in appearance but also helps keep mold from growing in hidden areas like under kitchen cabinets or behind shower curtains.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters are a major property owner pet peeve. Many tenants don’t realize that dirty air filters will negatively impact their quality of life. It’s important for you to be proactive about replacing your air filters as needed because most tenants aren’t going to bother asking for new ones unless things get really bad. And, if you have a lot of turnover in your properties, it can be easy to forget when it’s time to change them out.
Improve Curb Appeal by Managing Weeds and Grasses
A well-maintained landscape has been shown to increase property value. Weeds and grass growth can hinder that presentation. To keep your landscaping looking sharp, be sure to cut back weeds, trim shrubs, and mow lawns on a regular basis. If you have trees or hedges, make sure they are trimmed up as well.
Check Your Water heater and HVAC efficiency
Water heaters and HVAC units are used in nearly every commercial property. In fact, they often account for between 15-25% of your annual utility bills. Take some time to ensure that both are efficient as possible and aren't damaged. Have them professionally inspected at least once a year (and more frequently if you notice problems). Also check for leaks, which can waste thousands of gallons per year.
Properly Store Pool Chemicals, Filters, and Heaters
Be sure to store all pool chemicals properly. Never leave a pool chemical out in direct sunlight for extended periods, as it could degrade and become less effective at killing algae and cleaning your water. Also, make sure your filters are always working properly to prevent debris from entering your pool and clogging it up; if you live in an area with leaves or pine needles, check your filter every day!