While our favorite groundhog’s timing may have been incorrect, spring is finally a skip and a hop away. As the sun starts peeking through the clouds and thawing the last reminders of winter’s chill, it is likely your tenants will start to head outside to enjoy the fresh air once again. That means spring property maintenance should be on your radar.
Eradicating any trouble areas brought about by winter storms, ticking off recurring maintenance tasks, and ensuring that your property welcomes your tenants to enjoy the beauty of spring, will protect your investment and pave the way to a restful season.
CLEAR THE GUTTERS:
Cleaning the gutters might have you feeling a little deja vu, but it is important to clean gutters both before and after the wet seasons. Winter winds can bring with it debris that can become trapped in your clean gutters causing leaks that can cause expensive damage to your roof and the interior of your home if a leak occurs. Be mindful of the downspout and ensure that all leaves and other gunk are removed to avoid water buildup within the gutters themselves. If your downspout gooseneck is clogged, simply use a house to force out any organic materials. Should the debris be too difficult to remove, consider calling an expert.
MAKE THE OUTDOORS INVITING:
Spring means it’s time for annual landscaping to ensure that your property looks its best. As your tenants start to venture outside to enjoy the sunshine, it’s imperative to ensure that any limbs or other debris that may have been the result of winter storms are cleared from the landscape to avoid accidents. Maintain shrubs and branches 5 to 7 feet away from your house so they will not conduct moisture onto your roofing and siding. This will also discourage squirrels and raccoons from finding an easy path to potential entryways to nest in your attic.
General spring Landscaping can include lawn aeration, overseeding, fertilization, and pruning of shrubs or trees. This is the ideal time to start thinking about landscape management; planting annuals right now is a low maintenance way to give a dash of color to a yard and increase your property’s curb appeal. Early spring is a perfect time for pruning flowering trees and fruit trees since they will start budding soon. Mowing and weeding your grass now will give you a headstart on any sudden growth that takes place when the weather warms up.
SPRING-CLEAN THE EXTERIORS:
Check for areas that could use a good power washing and blast away any residual winter grime. Spring is the ideal time to complete this task since hot summer months can mean that this type of water use could be irresponsible. Breathe new life into your property with this simple exterior cleaning, and once that is complete, be sure to check for any chipped or cracking paint. Exposed siding can be subject to rot, so be certain to protect it with a fresh coat of paint if needed.
MINIMIZE MOISTURE:
The beginning of spring is an important time to remind tenants to look for any mold buildup caused by winter moisture. Record rains can lead to small puddles or dampness in basements or attics that can increase interior humidity and lead to mold buildup on the surface of walls within the unit. Small puddles should be managed as quickly as possible and it is wise to install or hire a dehumidifier to ensure that no mildew is allowed the chance to develop. If you notice that a leak has caused mold to penetrate the structure of the unit, hire a professional to address the situation and ensure that you are fully aware of your responsibilities regarding mold in your rental home.
THINK ABOUT LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT:
Spring is known for its beautiful blooms; increase your curb appeal and your tenants’ contentment by sprucing up your landscape. Tasks such as lawn aeration, overseeding, fertilization, and pruning of shrubs or trees should all take place in the spring. Early spring is a great time for pruning flowering trees and fruit trees since they will start budding soon, and planting is a low maintenance way add vibrancy to your landscape. Additionally, mowing and weeding any grass on your properties now will ensure that your team stays on top sudden growth that takes place when the weather warms up.
HAVE THE HVAC INSPECTED:
Be certain that your property’s heating system is inspected, serviced and cleaned at least once a year (if not every alternating season). Winter chill can mean your tenants had the heating system working hard, and proper maintenance can extend the life of your furnace, postponing an expensive replacement. Remind your tenants to change air filters regularly. Provide tenants with extra filters to greatly increase the likelihood that the job gets done; alternatively, suggest they sign up for auto-delivery through an online service (like Amazon.com) so they remember the recurring task. These inexpensive maintenance tasks that can prevent major HVAC problems.
Seasonal maintenance may be a chore, but it is vital to properly care for your investment. Conducting routine maintenance will keep your property looking good, help you identify any potential trouble areas, and keep your tenants happy to live in your rentals.
BY: Brentnie D