Get Your Summer Daylight Hours Back and Reduce Liability Risks by Focusing on These Top 10 Property Maintenance Tasks
Ahh, summer vacation. The beach, an afternoon nap in the sun and a “little umbrella” drink. Or perhaps a mountain hike, dirt in your laces and a picnic lunch by a sparkling lake. While there may be time for a trip or two during the sunny season, there is also a lot of work that goes into keeping your properties shipshape.
The green things are doing plenty of growing, so mowing, pruning and trimming are seemingly never-ending processes. There is a way to make sure you don’t inadvertently shorten those Daylight Savings days.
Set up your maintenance plan early, and you’ll be able to carve out more time for summer relaxation. The following 10 tasks can keep some of the most common and costly hazards from ruining your summer bliss.
1. ROUTINELY CUT THE GRASS, AND TRIM BACK PLANT OVERGROWTH AND OVERHANGING TREE LIMBS.
Summer plant growth can damage your property from its roof to foundation. If left unattended, vines and roots can cause trip hazards. Keeping yards tidy and free of trash may also help prevent theft, vandalism and squatters.
2. SET A REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR ROOF, GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS.
Replace damaged or worn shingles. Significant rain, debris and wind can loosen gutter spikes, ferrules or brackets. Keep debris from accumulating in gutters, and be sure downspouts drain away from the foundation.
3. INSPECT YOUR SIDING FOR EVIDENCE OF TERMITES AND OTHER INFESTATIONS. TREAT ACCORDINGLY.
Make sure doors and windows have a tight seal, and fill any cracks. If you see any signs that animals are taking up residence in your property, call the appropriate professional before any problems get out of hand.
4. RINSE OFF ANY BUILDUP OF DEBRIS FROM AROUND YOUR AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR.
Check hoses for leaks, and make sure everything is draining properly. Clean or replace your HVAC filter every month.
5. CHECK THE SOIL AROUND YOUR PROPERTY’S FOUNDATION.
Most property policies exclude coverage for foundation damage. Watering the foundation or properly installing planting materials are two methods of alleviating damaging drought conditions.
6. INSPECT YOUR DECK, AND MAKE ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS.
Replace any broken or weak deck boards, and inspect handrails and grab bars to prevent injuries from falls. Sharp edges, splintered or rotting wood, rusted nails or nail pops can also be a liability hazard.
7. BRING SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS UP TO CURRENT MUNICIPAL STANDARDS.
A safe pool has a fence around the perimeter with self-closing and self-latching gates, anti-entrapment drain covers, the water depth clearly marked on all sides of the pool deck, and all safety equipment (life preservers, poles, etc.) in good working condition. Check local municipal guidelines for additional safety standards.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR MULTIPURPOSE FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS FULL AND PROPERLY PRESSURIZED.
Store it in an accessible location and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for monthly maintenance.
9. REMIND TENANTS TO INSPECT GRILLS AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.
Check gas grills’ burner jets for clogs and obstructions, and make sure hoses are secure. Clean charcoal grills of ash, and make sure they are free of grease residue. Tenants SHOULD NOT use grills on wood decks!
10. WARN TENANTS ABOUT FIREWORKS—LEAVE THE SHOW TO THE EXPERTS.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day of the year. Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. Warning tenants about the danger of fireworks may save your property from a fire and your tenants (and their loved ones) from serious injuries.
A downloadable version of this checklist is available in the Resource Center on the ALPS website: www.affinitylps.com. Get your chores done, and then bliss out!
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