July 28, 2018
Award winning bistros and coffee houses, local musicians and artisans, trendy patios and rooftop pubs, world class vineyards and orchards galore, hiking trails that will (literally) take your breath away, and everything else associated with being at the lake…nothing beats summer in the Okanagan. But with so much to do and so many reasons to be out enjoying the summer sun, it’s easy to put regular maintenance of your rental property at the bottom of your “to-do” list. Just remember: preventative maintenance beats reactive maintenance any day of the week. Small, consistent investments to maintain the quality of your property will save you time and money not only in the short term, but also in the long run. Avoid the headaches surrounding unexpected fixes by following this summer maintenance guide from Real Property Management Executives.
Plant Growth
While small weeds, moss and tree shoots may look harmless at first, the damage caused can be pricey. During summer months, the team at Real Property Management Executives plan regular property walk-throughs to ensure growth is not occurring beneath concrete surfaces. They know the importance of avoiding water line intrusions, pavement fixes and resurfacing due to overgrowth. Also, watch for growth encroaching on walls or houses on other properties, or nearby AC units or power lines. Overgrowth of this kind can prove annoying at best and hazardous at worst. Just make sure that when you hire a tree service company, you hire someone with proper experience, licenses and insurance. Keeping your landscaping in check is an important part of your summer task list.
Air Conditioner and Electrical Units
Replacing AC filters monthly is a good standard practice. However, if your tenants do not keep up on monthly replacements, Real Property Management Executives ensures that unit filters are fresh before and after the summer heat. This step is vital to increasing the life of your systems. Replacing filters as well as getting in your annual servicing of the unit before the brutal heat of the summer hits will keep your tenants happy and your wallet fuller by avoiding early system failures. In addition to your AC units, quickly checking other electrical features for damage will help you avoid fire hazards or potential problems.
Pests
Insects can be an issue for any rental, no matter how clean the property is or the tenants are. Real Property Management Executives takes precautions to curb the problem before it becomes a full-fledged infestation. During summer months they can take care of repairs to the property windows and screens. Tears in screens or gaps in frames can allow for bugs to invade the property. Making these small repairs upfront will help you avoid the issue altogether. Regular pest control extermination can also prevent long-term pest problems and keep tenants happy.
Pool
You or your tenants might do a wonderful job keeping the pool deck clean and keeping the water levels up, but not everyone is comfortable with the mechanics of the filtration system or monitoring pool chemicals. Regular maintenance on your outdoor pool is a necessity in order to avoid costly repairs and long term damage. Real Property Management Executivescan schedule regular inspections for your outdoor pool and spa, protecting you from avoidable, and often very expensive repairs.
Wildfires
The downside of hot, dry summers and being surrounded by a forest terrain is wildfires. Real Property Management Executives takes fire prevention very seriously, and diligently ensures their client’s properties are at the most minimal risk possible. When it comes to protecting your property from the unpredictability of wildfire, prevention is key. Keep your roof safe from the danger of burning embers by screening your gutters and keeping them clean of debris. Remove rubbish and dry, organic materials from your yard, and be sure to keep the grass trimmed and watered. Trees and shrubs should be pruned regularly, and any dry or dead branches and foliage removed.
Let’s face it, nothing beats lake life, but it can be distracting. By following these few tips on summer property maintenance, a bit of time and effort will go a long way. Consider it an investment on your property to avoid larger, long-term problems. Real Property Management Executives knows that one of the best ways to avoid middle-of-the-night calls and tenant and management frustrations is by being a proactive landlord. Take the time and schedule a quick review of your property today.
For more information visit Real Property Management Executives or call 250-878-0012
