As the last snowflakes melt and the first buds begin to sprout, property managers face a crucial period. This isn’t your typical spring cleaning, it’s a moment for property managers to pull up their sleeves, be proactive, and review any winter leftovers that might’ve left lasting scars on your properties.
This month marks the official time for property managers to conduct thorough inspections and focus on post-winter assessments. From frozen pipes to roof damage, the cold season can wreak havoc on properties. March bridges the gap between the harsh winter and the upcoming warmer months—the perfect time to address regular maintenance and prepare your property for the challenges of spring and summer.
Where to start?
Building Exteriors
The exterior of a property is its first line of defense against the elements. March is the time to inspect roofing, gutters, and wooden surfaces for any signs of winter damage. High winds, snow, and ice can loosen shingles, clog gutters, and cause wood rot.
A thorough inspection and timely maintenance can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. For properties in wildfire-prone areas, clearing dead trees and bushes, updating landscaping, and ensuring fire alarms and extinguishers are functioning are crucial steps. Staying informed and having an emergency plan in place is also essential.
Interior Vigilance
Inside the property, checking heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and electrical systems is crucial. Winter can be tough on these systems, and a thorough check is necessary to ensure they are functioning correctly. This is also the time to replace air filters, check for pest infestations, and ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
March is also a time for property managers to review budgets and plan for any significant repairs or upgrades needed in the coming year. This financial planning is crucial for maintaining the property’s value and ensuring that necessary funds are available for unexpected repairs.
The Role of Technology in Maintenance
Engaging residents in the maintenance process is vital. Encouraging them to report issues through property management apps like ONR can lead to quicker resolutions and less damage. Apps revolutionize how service requests and maintenance issues are reported and handled. Instead of waiting to find an issue during an inspection, ONR empowers owners and residents to submit service requests easily. This feature streamlines the maintenance process and helps plan ahead to prevent inspection failures.
Participation of this kind not only assists in property maintenance but also cultivates a sense of community and responsibility among tenants: a study by the Community Associations Institute found that proactive communication and engagement with residents can lead to a 30% decrease in maintenance-related complaints.
Marching Orders
Maintenance management tools, particularly software like ONR, play a pivotal role in tracking and scheduling these tasks, automating reminders, and streamlining processes. ONR, a comprehensive property management software, facilitates the creation and tracking of work orders, vendor management, and efficient handling of maintenance requests and invoice payments, optimizing the overall process.
ONR’s Essential March Checklist
- Gutter Maintenance: Clear ice, snow, leaves, and debris to prevent overflow and damage.
- Wood Inspection: Check decks, sidings, and porches for discoloration, rotting, or fungal growth.
- Wall and Sidewalk Maintenance: Power wash walls, steps, and sidewalks to remove grime and repair any damage caused by freezing and thawing.
- Caulking and Weatherstripping: Inspect and re-caulk doors and windows to prevent air leaks and enhance energy efficiency.
- HVAC and Air Filters: Vacuum or replace air filters in heating and cooling systems, and check A/C units for proper functioning.
- Pest Control: Look for signs of pests and hire professionals for thorough inspection and treatment
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test each detector, replace batteries, and clean exterior vents to ensure impeccable performance. Check fire alarms and extinguishers too.
- Plumbing Review: Inspect water and drain lines for corrosion and signs of leakage, test water pressures, and ensure proper functioning of hot water tanks.
- Fire Prepping: Remove dead trees and bushes, and keep tree branches away from buildings. Stay informed about local fire conditions and update emergency plans and resident communication
- Safety Protocol: Share crucial safety protocols and emergency plans with residents, especially for tornado and wildfire seasons. Use the latest technology for efficient communication and management of maintenance requests and updates.
From Routine Maintenance to Proactive Management
In summary, March is a pivotal period for safeguarding the integrity of properties. This approach is about more than just reactive fixes; it’s about foreseeing potential issues and addressing them head-on, ensuring the well-being of both the property and its occupants. ONR is here to help you along the way to proactively prepare year-round.
Book a demo today and see why more than 1000 associations across the world are now using ONR to run their daily and seasonal operations!