Spring into Action: Essential Building Maintenance Tips for the Season Ahead

Spring into Action: Essential Building Maintenance Tips for the Season Ahead

The daylight hours are longer, the weather is getting warmer, and we’ve seen a surge of students arriving in the city searching for rental housing — that’s how you know it’s spring in Berkeley!

While we might anticipate April showers and May flowers, spring also brings opportunities to address maintenance tasks deferred during the wet winter months on those rain-free days. Though the temptation to spend time outdoors in the sunshine is strong, ensuring our rental properties are well-maintained is crucial. As the weather improves, now is the time to tackle those deferred maintenance tasks! Here is a list of recommended spring maintenance tasks and a few additional suggestions for those who are in the market for new tenants:

• Inspect the roof and gutters. Check for visible wear and tear, damaged seals, and pooling water. Look for debris, such as fallen tree branches and limbs. Ensure the gutters are firmly attached. Neglect could lead to structural issues, water intrusion, and other costly damages.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove all debris from the gutters and run a hose down the downspouts to ensure they are clear. Clogged gutters can cause foundation issues, structural damage, mold, and mildew and create a breeding ground for mosquitos.
• Inspect the exterior of the building, including windows and doors. Check for cracks and evidence of water damage. Check that the doors and windows are adequately sealed. Seal all cracks and gaps.
• Inspect exterior faucets, hose bibs, and hoses. Leaky faucets can cause water to pool at the foundation, which is bad news and contributes to water waste.
• Clean the exterior. Using a pressure washer, hose, or broom to remove grime and cobwebs from the building makes a big difference. Be careful with a pressure washer; high pressure can cause damage!
• Inspect fire extinguishers. Ensure the extinguishers have been serviced in the past year and the cabinets are in good condition. Uline sells plastic outdoor fire extinguisher cabinets that do not fade, rust, dent, or corrode for $50.
• Inspect exterior lighting. Check for missing or broken bulbs and damaged motion sensors and adjust motion sensitivity and LUX settings as needed. A well-lit exterior is crucial to the safety of your residents!
• Inspect the waste carts/bins. Check for cracked or missing lids and dysfunctional wheels. Give them a thorough cleaning. If rodents access your dumpster through the drain holes, line the bottom with ¼” galvanized steel wire sheeting.
• Trim hedges and trees. Ensure your grounds appear well-maintained by attending to hedges and trees with good trimming and clean-up but save the hard pruning for later in the fall. The goal is healthy flora and a kept appearance.
• Edge and mulch landscaping beds. Applying a fresh layer of mulch gives beds a fresh, clean look. Set out some blooming plants and seed your summer annuals (cosmos, petunia, marigold) or summer bulbs (callas, cannas, dahlias, gladiolas). Walking up to a property with beautiful flowers in bloom has never left a bad impression.
• Evaluate door appeal. Before showing vacant units, start where your prospective tenant will start – at the front door! Assess the front door’s condition, considering whether it needs a fresh coat of paint. Ensure the unit number is visible. Check for a doormat to prevent dirt from being tracked indoors. Inspect the condition of the doorknob for functionality and aesthetics. Test the locks to ensure they operate smoothly and securely.

As springtime in Berkeley emerges, we must remember the importance of maintaining our rental properties. By taking proactive steps to address maintenance tasks now, we not only enhance the appeal and value of our properties but also ensure the comfort and safety of our residents. So, whether it’s inspecting the roof, sprucing up the exterior, or enhancing the door appeal, let’s seize the opportunity this season provides to protect our investments and create inviting spaces for our current and future tenants to call home. As the days grow longer and warmer, let’s spring into action and make the most out of this season of renewal. Here’s to a successful and rewarding spring ahead!