If you own multifamily real estate, you know the importance of keeping it leased. This requires that your units remain in good, working condition. They must also look attractive and safe. Doing regular maintenance will keep your units and property looking great. These are a few maintenance tips you should consider.
Check Your Systems
Changing temperatures can play havoc on your home’s systems. Therefore, every year, you should have your plumbing and HVAC checked. Make sure your pipes are insulated and look for leaks on the interior and exterior of your home. Before winter, make sure that your external faucets are shut off and remove your hoses.
Your residents require working air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Therefore, these systems must be maintained. You need to regularly change your air filters. You may also have your system tuned up and serviced each year so that it works more efficiently and lasts longer.
Also, check your external electrical systems. Look for damaged wiring or lights, and make sure your light bulbs work properly.
Work on the Landscape
Fall’s beautiful colors result in leaves everywhere, and they can cause problems if they are not removed. Therefore, make sure that the gutters are cleaned out so they don’t overflow and damage your roof and foundation that require costly repairs. You should also remove leaves from the lawn.
Your trees should also be trimmed. Remove all dead and weak branches, especially those close to the building because they can be ripped from the trees during high winds or heavy snows and damage the building. You don’t want to have to address costly limb removal during the winter months.
Address Efficiency and Safety
You should also check your roof to ensure that it is leak-free. While you are up in the attic, look over your insulation. Look down into the walls to ensure the insulation is installed and working properly. Check the seals around your windows and doors. Also, get any fireplaces professionally cleaned and test your fire alarms.
Go over safety procedures with your residents. For example, you may discuss the use of space heaters while they sleep. Space heaters are inefficient, and they are fire hazards, so they should be avoided wherever possible. One way to work this out is to teach them to regulate their thermostats or to regulate the building’s thermostat so that all the residents are comfortable.
Stock up on products that melt the ice on outdoor surfaces and be sure to address any snow immediately so that you and your residents can navigate your exterior spaces safely.
You have invested a lot of hard-earned money in your multifamily properties, and a little yearly maintenance can ensure that they continue to give you a return in the future.