It seems almost everyone is looking forward to spring this year. The flowers blooming and warmer weather will be a welcome change. As a rental property owner, you know spring also means sitting down with the calendar to start scheduling your seasonal maintenance. Today, we’ll help you with your to-do list and offer insights and suggestions to ensure your Forest Park rental property is ready for the months ahead.
An Inspector Can Be a Great First Call
Before you start arranging contractors, consider having an official inspection. A certified professional inspector can help you outline your spring maintenance to-do list and prioritize your efforts. Your Forest Park rental property may have incurred damage during the winter that needs to be addressed first. An inspection can uncover any potential defects like loose shingles or other concerns that might not normally be part of your spring maintenance agenda. And an inspection will uncover any potential safety hazards for your tenants. For example, windows that remained closed over the last six months will need to be checked to make sure they open properly now.
HVAC Systems Maintenance
An essential step to preserving the life of your HVAC unit is seasonal maintenance. Spring presents a great opportunity to have a licensed contractor evaluate the working status of your heating and air conditioning systems. Sometimes you can avoid expensive repairs with routine cleaning and checkups. You’ll want to make sure the air conditioning unit is ready for summer use. But an HVAC contractor can also verify your ventilation is correct, airways are unobstructed, and check humidity levels as well.
Plumbing System Checks
A rental property inspection can help you determine the health and functionality of your plumbing systems. Over the winter, when temperatures are frigid, the pipes can be affected. Spring is a perfect time to look for any leaks in your indoor and outdoor plumbing. With the warmer temperatures, you can also uncover any issues with improper water pressures or overabundance of condensation where there shouldn’t be any.
Landscaping Deserves a Look
Consider outdoor walkaround inspections of your Forest Park rental property as part of your spring maintenance to-do list. You’ll want to check the landscaping for issues with water drainage and foliage overgrowth potential around the foundation. The cold winter may have affected nearby mature trees, causing brittle branches that can now break or cause damage. A landscaping contractor can help remedy any of these potential hazards.
Cleaning or Replacing Gutters
Even without looking at them yourself, go ahead and plan to have someone clean your gutters. Spring tends to be a wet season, and making sure your gutters can property channel running water away from your property’s foundation is critical. The experts recommend that downspouts should extend six feet away from the property. If there is any damage from freezing water over the winter or falling tree debris, you’ll want to make sure to replace those sections of gutters.
Checking for Pavement Cracks
You might not assume that a crack in the pavement is a mission-critical defect. It’s natural that over time, concrete and asphalt can break down with the changes of the seasons and intruding moisture. However, identifying new cracks in a sidewalk or driveway can allow you to take preventive steps now to keep those cracks from getting worse. Sealants and patch materials work great to prevent further damage or more expensive repair issues.
If the prospect of tackling your Forest Park rental property still sounds challenging, this spring may be the best time to consider partnering with a professional. Contact us today to learn how our rental property management services can take these seasonal maintenance tasks off your plate.
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