Property maintenance is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of real estate management. For property owners and property management companies alike, upkeep is anything but trivial—it’s the lifeblood of sustaining property value.
This essential process involves a variety of maintenance tasks, carried out by skilled maintenance technicians under the watchful eyes of diligent property managers. Think of it as a roadmap to ensuring the longevity and profitability of your real estate investment.
But what does property maintenance entail, and how does it help in preserving and enhancing property value? If you’re intrigued, read on to delve into the fascinating world of property maintenance and learn how you can leverage it to maximize your real estate returns.
Why Is Property Maintenance Necessary?
Property maintenance is a broad term encompassing a range of services related to the upkeep of residential or commercial properties. Essentially, it involves all tasks that ensure the smooth functioning and aesthetic appeal of a property, enhancing not just its value, but also the living or working environment for its residents or users.
At the heart of property maintenance are the maintenance teams, who are adept at a variety of services such as plumbing, landscaping, electrical repairs, painting, and cleaning, to name a few. These skilled technicians, often employed by a property management company, work under the supervision of a property manager.
The property manager’s role is pivotal, overseeing the maintenance team, coordinating their tasks, responding to tenant’s maintenance requests, and ensuring the overall well-being of the property.
The gamut of property maintenance services covers both routine tasks, such as day-to-day housekeeping or cleaning, and the more complex ones, such as structural repairs, HVAC maintenance, or roofing work.
Whether these tasks are carried out by a commercial property maintenance company, an in-house employee, or even as part of the landlord’s responsibilities, their importance in preserving and enhancing the value of the property cannot be underestimated. Thus, effective property maintenance forms the backbone of successful property management.
Understanding the Three Types of Property Maintenance
In the world of property management, understanding the different types of property maintenance is crucial for property owners and a property maintenance team. Each type harbors unique benefits to the longevity of the property, cost management, and tenant satisfaction.
Here’s a closer look at the three types of property maintenance:
Preventive Maintenance
This proactive approach is often favored by the property owner and maintenance technicians for its ability to mitigate potential issues before they escalate. It includes regular inspections and routine tasks such as painting, HVAC maintenance, and landscaping. While there might be immediate costs, preventive maintenance can save on massive maintenance costs in the long run by preventing structural damage.
Reactive Maintenance or Corrective Maintenance
As the name suggests, this type of maintenance reacts to issues as they occur. It includes repair work, such as fixing a leak or a broken appliance. While reactive maintenance is necessary in some cases, a property solely reliant on it might face higher maintenance costs and tenant dissatisfaction due to frequent disruptions.
Predictive Maintenance
This type of maintenance relies on data collected from various sources to predict when a system might fail. This approach allows a property maintenance team to address issues before they occur. It includes tasks like monitoring the HVAC system for any irregularities. With predictive maintenance, property management services can optimize their operations and resource allocation, which in turn can lead to substantial savings.
By employing a balanced mix of these three types of maintenance, property owners can ensure that their investments are well-protected and capable of delivering optimal returns.
What’s Included in Good Property Maintenance?
To give you a better view of what’s typically included in property maintenance, here are some of the common tasks that skilled technicians usually undertake:
Exterior Maintenance
Exterior maintenance, as the name suggests, involves keeping the exterior of a property in good condition. This includes regular lawn care and landscaping, as well as more complex tasks such as repairing siding or repainting the building’s facade.
HVAC and Plumbing Maintenance
This type of maintenance is necessary to make sure that the plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are in prime condition. This includes tasks like draining and flushing the water heater or replacing plumbing fixtures regularly.
Interior Maintenance
Interior maintenance is just as important as exterior maintenance since it affects the living environment of the tenants. This can include tasks like painting walls and ceilings, repairing electrical outlets, or replacing carpets and flooring.
Electrical Maintenance
Arguably the most complex of all maintenance tasks, electrical maintenance involves everything from inspecting wiring to troubleshooting faulty appliances. This is a job best left to experienced and qualified technicians who are familiar with local codes and regulations.
Useful Tips When Looking for a Professional Property Maintenance Company
Consider their Experience with the International Property Maintenance Code
A reliable commercial property management company should have a deep understanding of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). This code covers regulations for the maintenance of existing buildings, which directly impacts the property’s safety, health, and general welfare. Their knowledge and adherence to the IPMC can help ensure your property is maintained in line with international standards.
Evaluate the Skills of their Property Maintenance Technicians
The proficiency of the property maintenance technician plays a critical role in the upkeep of your property. They should be skilled in a wide range of tasks, from routine property maintenance like cleaning and painting to more complex jobs like HVAC system maintenance and electrical repairs. Their ability to perform these tasks efficiently and professionally directly influences the longevity and value of your property.
Look for a Company with a Team of Dedicated Property Maintenance Workers
A robust team of dedicated property maintenance workers is an asset for any commercial property management company. These workers should be reliable, responsible, and responsive to the needs of the property. They should also be professionally trained and experienced in a variety of maintenance tasks, ensuring the upkeep of your property is in safe and capable hands.
Check if Routine Property Maintenance is Included in their Services
Routine property maintenance is an integral part of preserving the value and functionality of your property. The company you choose should offer comprehensive regular maintenance services, which include cleaning, painting, lawn care, and minor repairs. Regular and thorough maintenance helps prevent major issues down the line.
A Property Maintenance Professional Should Have Good Customer Service Skills
A property maintenance professional should not only be skilled in maintenance tasks but should also possess excellent customer service skills. They should be able to effectively communicate with property owners, managers, and tenants, responding swiftly to their requests or concerns. Their ability to create a positive and professional working relationship with all parties is essential for smooth and successful property management.
Ask for References and Review Testimonials
Don’t hesitate to ask for references or check online reviews before hiring a property maintenance company. This can give you insights into their work ethic, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Make sure to consider the experiences of their past or current clients in your decision-making process.
Key Takeaways
Regardless of whether you have an old property or a newly built one, it is always best to stay on top of maintenance tasks. A well-maintained property is essential for its longevity and value, as well as the satisfaction of tenants.
If you are in Phoenix, AZ, and in need of professional property maintenance service, consider reaching out to us at Shepherd Contracting. Our experienced technicians and reliable maintenance workers are highly capable of delivering the best service for your property.
We are dedicated to helping you maximize its value, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!
