Our Fall Maintenance Checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to safeguarding investment properties as we shift back to the cold-weather months that bring an increased risk of theft/vandalism, water damage, and fires. Share these essential tips with your investor clients to help them mitigate fall risks and ensure the well-being of their properties and tenants.
Inspect the roof, soffits, and fascia boards.
Using binoculars is a safe alternative to climbing a ladder. Check for damage to shingles, nail pops, and wood rot.
Clean your gutters!
Improperly channeled water can compromise the structural integrity of your property, including the foundation and sheetrock inside. Water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, which is a health hazard.
Clean up the yard.
Prune bushes and trim trees and climbing plants. Trimming dead or overgrown tree branches can prevent catastrophic roof damage in the event of a storm. Don’t let weeds, ivy, or other plants’ roots exploit your foundation or siding. Remove debris from your yard; properties with well-kept lawns are less inviting to thieves and vandals.
Repair cracked, broken, or uneven driveways, walkways, and stairs.
The expansion and contraction caused by freezing and thawing can lead to significant damage to exterior walkways. If left unchecked, these hazards can cause slips and falls.
Prevent bugs and rodents from entering your property.
Seal or caulk cracks, gaps, or holes near baseboards, windows, and doors. Cable, plumbing, and electric service entry points should also have a tight seal. Any hole the size of a dime or larger may allow rodents to squeeze through.
Winterize all water systems.
Drain, disconnect, and store garden hoses. Install a faucet cover to help prevent outdoor faucets from freezing. Drain your sprinkler system and swimming pool pump. Turn off the water and fully drain the plumbing systems of any vacant properties!
Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; one should be installed on each floor.
Test alarms monthly. Change the batteries twice a year or more frequently as needed. Ensure tenants do not disconnect or remove the alarms.
Make sure your multipurpose fire extinguisher is full & properly pressurized.
Store the extinguisher in an accessible location and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for routine maintenance.
Give your furnace a tune-up.
HVAC systems should be checked at least twice a year- before winter or summer arrive. Have the ducts professionally cleaned to prevent fires resulting from dust buildup. Change furnace filters on a monthly basis.
Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.
A $300 inspection will cost much less than an insurance deductible in the event of a fire. A professional can repair any cracks, remove soot and other buildup, and make sure the fuel and gas lines are in good condition.
Download the Fall Maintenance Checklist.
