Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs, so having a good maintenance plan is key.
Let's face it—for home providers with full teams of property managers and maintenance staff, regular apartment checkups aren't too expensive, time-consuming, or complicated. Small maintenance checks can help keep your rental property up to date and make it the most comfortable environment for your residents.
Most of these small support checks can be done by one person in under an hour.
Here are a few tips to keep your small home maintenance projects routine and save you money down the line:
- Check your air conditioning units: Most people don’t even think about their AC until it stops working properly, and fixing it can cost a lot. However, if you inspect it regularly, you can spare yourself from both unnecessary repairs and the trouble of your residents living without an AC. Check the condensation hose, create a drainage path to keep water away from your home and regularly clean the screen around your unit and remove all dust and debris that might block the airflow. These check-ups will not only keep the internal parts in top shape for a long time but also prevent your AC from using more power than necessary.
- Touch up your paint regularly: If you care about your curb appeal, then you can’t let your exterior paint get chipped and dirty. However, repainting the whole house can put a strain on your bank account, but you can save money by making little touch-ups to your paint now and then. Find a color that matches your facade (the best way to do so is to save some paint when you renovate) and paint over the damaged and dirty spots. The same goes for repainting the hallways and interior of your rental properties—a little touch-up goes a long way.
- Keep your toilet in check: If you have a leaky toilet, you will not only have to pay for wasted water but also invest in fixing potential water damage to the floor, walls, and toilet fixtures. So, once you notice a leak, tend to it immediately. You most likely have a problem with the flapper in the tank, or you have some cracks in the pipes. Both of these issues can be easily taken care of by you or your plumber.
- Eliminate dripping faucets: If a constant drip from the faucet is driving you crazy, you probably have a problem with the washer. They can be easily replaced if you have the right tools. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing and don’t want to risk a flood, your best bet is to call a plumber and they'll fix your leaky faucet before it turns into a disaster.
- Check your appliances: Your refrigerator door seal should be tight to reduce the amount of energy it takes to keep food nice and fresh and prevent premature wear on the internal parts. If your fridge’s seal isn’t doing its job anymore, it’s maintenance time. The same goes for other appliances, too.
- Stop drafts where you can: Since most residents are already spending almost 50% of their utility money on heating and cooling, home providers can help prevent energy loss and keep bills to a minimum. The usual place where you waste energy is windows. To fix drafty windows, check the caulk and replace it if it’s cracked, dry or weathered. New caulk costs less than $10 but faulty windows can cost thousands to fix.
- Inspect your roof: If you want to avoid expensive water damage, make sure your roof is in tip-top shape. Replacing a few damaged shingles is much cheaper than a total roof replacement.
Keeping your rental properties well-maintained can help save money, energy, and time. It will also increase the longevity of your fixtures, appliances, and existing structures, and boost your property’s value.
Small maintenance checks at your property help ensure your residents that you're involved in the day-to-day upkeep of their homes. Communicate with your residents to see about any maintenance issues before they reach the point of a crisis—it'll save money in the long run and ensure accountability and hospitality at your property.
