Is your condominium building ready for fall? As we are nearing the end of summer, now is the time to be proactive with your condo’s building maintenance. In the fall, prepping your condo building for winter is essential while we still have days without snowfall and temperatures below zero. Getting a head start on your condo’s fall and winter preparations will ensure minimal interruption to your condo residents and will keep your operations running smoothly as the season’s transition from fall to winter. Below are a few maintenance tips that should become a property manager’s priority as fall approaches.
Test the sump pump
You should check on and maintain your sump pump at least once a year. However, because a sump pump is so critical to a well-functioning property, it’s best to check on it at the beginning of every season. A sump pump will keep your property dry and helps prevent groundwater intrusion on a regular basis. Groundwater can sit below your property without you even knowing until the snow begins to melt and thaw, causing your property to get wet. Having any water damage is serious because it can lead to leaking, mold growth and further issues.
To test the sump pump, simply pour water down the sump put until the pump turns on, indicating a well-functioning sump pump.
Winterize exterior hose bibs
Without proper maintenance in the fall and winter, your outdoor taps can cause havoc if the pipes freeze, thaw and burst causing water damage to your property. If any outdoor taps still have water in them in the fall, the water can begin to freeze when the temperature drops, creating an ideal environment for a pipe to burst. Before temperatures drop below zero, drain any garden hoses and close the shut-off valves to the hose bibs from inside, leaving the tap open outside to ensure the pipe doesn’t freeze in the winter.
Furnace maintenance
Maintenance on furnaces can be completed in the fall to ensure that any furnaces are running properly by the time the temperatures outside really begin to drop. Without this yearly cleaning and inspection, a furnace system can wear itself out quickly, or simply stop working. Call in a furnace service and have them perform annual maintenance to keep your residents happy and warm throughout the winter months.
Landscaping
Even though lawn mowing season is coming to a close, it doesn’t mean you should ignore your property’s landscaping needs. Fall is the perfect time to seed and fertilize as grass and tree roots are beginning to burrow deeper to get ready for the winter. Take the time to trim any trees or bushes away from the property as well as any larger limbs that could potentially break under the weight of heavy snow. Additionally, clear away fallen leaves from bushes and drainage areas to prevent the risk of a build up of excess water when the snow begins to melt.
Properly maintaining your property
Taking the time to plan your condo’s building maintenance a season ahead will help you be proactive and keep your residents happy. Proper care and maintenance throughout the seasons will increase the longevity of your property, and keep your property safe for many years to come.
It’s easy to avoid property maintenance, especially in the fall and winter, but tackling seasonal building maintenance will save you time, money, and avoid any potential disasters or damage. If you are a property owner for a condo and you need your property inspected or repaired you can contact us for an assessment. We will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision on how to restore your property right the first time.