Seasonal Property Maintenance Checklist

Whether you represent a property management company, homeowners association, or rental property, there is a list of seasonal property maintenance tasks you (should) have. The same is true for private property owners. The goal is to avoid costly surprises and repairs as the seasons change. What is on your list? Here is what we have on ours.

Why You Need a Checklist for Seasonal Maintenance of the Property

Without a schedule, you will likely not undertake critical maintenance, inspections, and repairs until they become expensive problems. Consider that many appliances will continue functioning at steadily decreasing levels. You may not notice unless you inspect them or bring out a specialist to check them out.

Moreover, putting together a checklist and following it will help you maintain your property's curb appeal and, where required, keep you in compliance and up to code.

Winter Maintenance Promotes Energy Efficiency and Safety

Heating is at the forefront of everyone's mind during the cold months. To make rental properties more secure, keep the walkways and driveways clear of wet leaves and puddling water. If you have stairs on your property, remember to clear them of flooding water or wet leaves.

Things to Buy for Seasonal Winter Maintenance

• Sand. It is insufficient to sweep the walkways clear of leaf accumulation, so have sand on hand. It keeps pedestrians and drivers safe.
• Outage supplies. Electricity outages happen during the winter. Prepare yourself and others by having supplies on hand. Examples include blankets, battery-powered candles, and batteries for cell phone chargers. These supplies will not be wasted because power outages may also occur in the summer, such as brownouts or public service shutoffs when Santa Ana wind events are scheduled.

Seasonal Property Activities for the Fall

Fall is an excellent time to do all the maintenance you might not have gotten around to during the summer. Reviewing some of your property's safety strategies is also a good time. For example, when was the last time you had your stormwater system inspected and jet-cleaned? Remember to always remove debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding.

Tree removal is also a good idea now. The trees are dormant, and cutting back limbs now prevents broken limbs when storms pick up. Besides that, pay attention to the flower beds. Cut back plants like grapes and some roses. Stake younger trees to protect them against winter winds.

Seasonal property maintenance for fall should also involve winterizing doors and windows, servicing the heating system, and having your annual inspection of fireplaces, air conditioning units, and the entire HVAC system.

What to Do During Spring

It is time to assemble a maintenance checklist that will allow you in the spring and summer months to make repairs brought on by damage throughout fall and winter.

• Roof damage. High winds, rainfall, and falling branches may have damaged your property's roof. Tenants may have reported roof leaks. Spring is the time to fix them. Be proactive by inspecting roofs and gutters.
• Fence or wall damage. Falling tree limbs and high winds may have damaged fencing or walls. Repair or replace panels as needed.
• Clean exterior surfaces. Bring out the power washer for walkways, driveways, building walls, siding, and similar surfaces. Mildew and detritus may have discolored some areas throughout the fall and winter.

Spring is also a good time to repaint surfaces. Wait until there is no rain or cold temperatures in the forecast. Spring is also ideally suited for taking care of the landscaping. If you have evergreen or native plants, property maintenance will be quick and straightforward. Remove the stakes from trees, add some mulch, and replace plants that may not have survived the winter. Now is the time to do so for properties that upgrade their curb appeal by planting annuals.

Summer is a Time to Relax and Focus on Upgrades, Decking, and Waterproofing

Waterproof the decks on your property. Book your appointments in the summer to take advantage of the lull before the fall rush to have these done. This is a great time to complete these projects if you have been considering resurfacing a pool deck or sealing concrete. Taking care of these surfaces may prevent costly repairs in the future.

What About the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

We believe some seasonal property maintenance tasks should coincide with national safety campaigns. Officials suggest replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each time there is a time change. They should also be tested for functionality once a month. If you have invested in 10-year detectors, know when to replace them. Check the expiration date each year during the time change checks.

Another real estate task you should do at that time is to inspect the fire extinguishers and replace them if necessary.

Check One Item Off Your List: Waterproofing Decks

We understand that it is challenging to work with specialists from various trades to handle some of the tasks that are on your checklist. West Coast Decking & Waterproofing gladly handles all your waterproof deck coatings and pool deck resurfacing. Call us today to set up an appointment!