Throughout my tenure as a property manager managing several condominium buildings, I've faced diverse challenges and acquired priceless insights throughout the process.
Maintaining a condo building is key to ensuring its value and resident satisfaction. From keeping systems running smoothly to preventing expensive repairs, proactive management can save you time, money, and stress.
Here are 16 expert tips to help you keep your condo building in top condition.
1. Schedule Regular Inspections
You can develop an inspection calendar to make sure you don’t experience any oversight over little things like the fire sprinkler. In order to avoid fines, complete all the necessary inspections on time, which are required by state and local codes. With periodical checking, you can eliminate any potential look-over. Get your appliances and installations checked properly when it comes to it.
2. Take a Preventive Approach
Preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs down the road. Regularly check building systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing to extend their lifespan.
Performing routine checkups helps you catch potential issues early and ensures that residents don’t experience system failures that disrupt daily life.
3. Resolve Problems as They Appear
Here’s another maintenance tip: Proper rules and regulations are there to ensure property maintenance within the condo unit is executed accordingly. It’s essential that condo owners adhere to those rules without creating a wreck or causing a disturbance during maintenance runs. In order to prevent potential problems, communication is very important, especially if condo owners are put in a position to resolve any kind of dispute.
4. Make Sure the Vents Are Working Properly
One of the major problems of property management is the blocking of vents or clogging issues. This pertains to dryer vents in particular because they can pose a fire threat, too. With regular and proper vent checks, you can ensure that they are clean and clear without any problems. This includes the interior and exterior parts of the building.
5. Preserve the Carpeting
The carpeting inside condo buildings is prone to a lot of movement and damage. Indeed, it can cause many complaints from residents. With the help of regular vacuuming, you can keep the dirt and dust from rising up. You can essentially deep clean the carpet on a monthly basis. This will also help ensure that the carpets look fresh and vibrant, while also preventing any kind of permanent damage.
You can also watch this video by Youtuber Denise on cleaning carpets.
6. Focus on Security
Another important maintenance tip is to protect the residents from any cases of theft or vandalism. Make sure that areas like parking lots or garages are properly lit and monitored. Furthermore, ensure that all the exterior doors and common areas are locked properly and securely. Condo owners would also do well to invest in better security and thus avoid facing any unusual problems in the long run.
7. Clean and Maintain Pipes
Whenever we are talking about preventive measures, cleaning and plumbing is something that should always be first on the list. Make sure that you have a professional come visit and regularly clean all the major drains and sewer lines. This will essentially help in reducing the risk of clogs and backed-up drains. Your wallet will be happy if you avoid any drainage problems in the condo units.
8. Regular HVAC Checkups
HVAC systems are vital to the comfort of residents, especially during extreme weather. Schedule seasonal inspections to ensure filters are clean and systems are functioning properly.
Well-maintained HVAC systems prevent breakdowns, improve air quality, and reduce energy costs [1].
9. Look for the Cracks
Along with monitoring and conducting regular check-ups on things like draining and other appliance settings, it’s also important to check for problems like cracks appearing on sidewalks or even in parking lots. The uneven surfaces need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid any future confrontation with the cracks.
10. Refresh the Building’s Appearance
The appearance of the condo is also an important thing to consider when it comes to property management.
Try adding paintings, color, heck even a whole new landscape to make the interior more elegant. There are many cost-effective ways to give a new, appealing look to the building.
Be doubly sure of your color choices when planning on doing a fresh paint job. There is a specific SKU number on the paint label that you purchase, or you can get the information from the hardware store that you bought the colors from.
11. Keep the Pests Away
Addressing the moisture and trash problems in the condo is also important. This will help you to keep pests away from the condo building, as well as unnecessary trash from piling up. You can seek professional help in order to deal with the pests, be it annually or when it is time for seasonal cleaning sessions.
There are also simple steps that you can do inside your home to prevent pests from destroying it, such as taking the trash out daily and cleaning up leftovers in the kitchen on time [2].
12. Be Prepared for Emergencies
This maintenance tip is vital: be prepared for any emergency situations. You should have a detailed plan. Starting from fires to natural disasters, everything needs to be covered. You should always be prepared for a scenario like that. This includes communicating with different condo owners and residents in case you need special assistance.
You can watch this video below to learn more about disaster preparedness.
13. Circuit Breakers
Even if you are not an electrician, you should have a plan ready in case a circuit breaks in your household. There are many standard switches in new condo units. When a circuit breaker trips, you have to turn it off before switching it on again.
14. Door Hinges
You can purchase some silicone lubricant to ensure that the door creaking doesn’t bother you anymore. It’s an issue that affects many homes. You can simply remove the hinge pins and apply the solution to re-insert it. You don’t have to remove all the hinges at once. It’s better not to use lubricants, which may pile up extra dust or even dirt.
15. Check up on Appliances
Regularly checking on the appliances in your house will take a load off your back in the future. Starting from your supply lines to the washer and dryer, these checkups can help you prevent a lot of water damage.
The same goes for the refrigerator and deep freezes as well as many other major kitchen and bathroom appliances. With a periodic checkup or inspection, you’ll be better prepared for anything that comes your way.
16. Furniture Pads
Last maintenance tip: if you want to avoid scratched hardwood floors, you can take preventive measures. Investing in furniture pads is a great way to do that. You can fix them up on the furniture legs. These are available in almost every hardware store it’s not that expensive either and could help you save a lot in the long run.
FAQs
1. How often should HVAC systems be checked in a condo?
It’s best to check HVAC systems at least twice a year—once before summer and once before winter. Regular filter changes and inspections will ensure efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns.
2. What is the best way to prevent pests in a high-rise condo?
Prevent pests by regularly removing trash, addressing any moisture issues, and sealing entry points. Hire a pest control service for annual inspections, especially in warmer months.
3. How often should you deep clean condo carpets?
It’s recommended to deep clean carpets in high-traffic areas at least every 3-6 months. Regular vacuuming in between deep cleans will also help extend the life of the carpet.
4. What should I do if there’s a leak in a condo unit?
Immediately report leaks to the property manager or condo board. Shut off the water supply to prevent further damage and arrange for a plumber to inspect the issue.
Ensuring Long-Term Success in Condo Maintenance
Condo property management doesn’t need to cause you a lot of pain. All you need is a detailed plan and regular checkups.
Keep a tab on the home appliances and take up varied preventive measures which will help you save on maintenance costs. With a diligent and proactive mindset, condo owners can easily manage their troubles.
If you have any further questions, contact the Precondo team. We’ll be happy to help you out.
References:
- http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/commercial/hvac.htm
- https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-keep-bed-bugs-and-other-nasty-pests-out-of-your-home/
