Spring is finally here, which means Mother Nature is at work renewing the sights and sounds we associate with the warmer months. Pretty soon, the grass will be green, flowers will begin to bloom, and this writer’s seasonal allergies will return.
As Mother Nature does her job, property managers have a job to do as well. This is the time to assess your property’s condition to see if there are ways to make improvements and enhance its overall value.
Winter is over, so now it’s time to get to work. Let’s review some common fixes and enhancements you should add to your Spring Cleaning Checklist.
Pressure Wash
Pressure washing can go a long way in the presentation as your building exterior and hardscaping will be the first things visitors see when they come to your property. Old Man Winter can do some damage to your sidewalks, pathways, and buildings, so we recommend a good pressure washing to clear out any salt, grit, and debris.
In addition to pressure washing, here are a few other things you can do to freshen up your outdoor look:
- Remove any debris, leaves, and dirt in your gutters to prevent roof damage. As winter can be hard on roofs, it might be a good idea to inspect your roof to spot any damage before it becomes a significant issue.
- Sweep the parking lot, sidewalks, and heavily-trafficked walkways.
- Clean all windows of any film that may have developed over the winter. This is an easy way to keep your building looking pristine and, as a bonus, allows anyone inside to take advantage of the natural light coming in.
Landscape
The landscaping work you put in March and April will pay dividends in May and June. Spring is the time of year when your grounds need the most attention. Your landscaping team will need to clean up any branches and other debris from winter and focus on getting the landscaping ready for the warmer months.
Here are some things you should focus on when it comes to landscaping:
- Aerate the soil to loosen it up and provide the best possible growing conditions for your plants and shrubbery. Depending on your location, spring may be the best time for seeding and overseeding to reinvigorate any worn grass.
- Replace mulch to add vibrancy to your existing landscape. Wind and other environmental elements can spread your mulch throughout the property, leaving your mulch beds thin and unimpressive.
- Prune and trim all trees and shrubs on your property. They will not only look better, but they will be healthier too, as dead and overgrown limbs can inhibit new growth.
- Plant new flowers, shrubs, and trees to improve the overall aesthetic of your property.
- Inspect your sprinkler system to ensure there isn’t any damage to your sprinkler heads or any parts of your irrigation system.
Landscaping will be an ongoing part of your facility maintenance plan. But the early spring months are when landscaping services are essential to creating the best possible experience for visitors, employees, and tenants.
Inspect, Repair, and Clean
Wear-and-tear is a constant struggle for property managers, but a proactive approach is the best way to stay on top of it. Your Spring Cleaning Checklist should include a comprehensive walkthrough where professionals can spot any glaring problems, perform routine maintenance, and do a deep cleaning.
Things to Consider
- An HVAC technician should inspect your air conditioning system to ensure it’s ready when the temperatures heat up. You may also want to clean any vents and ducts and search the area for any signs of pests or insects that could do significant damage to your HVAC system.
- Deep clean and vacuum all of your flooring. Flooring tiles, carpeting, and mats are often hit hard by the winter weather as mud, debris, and salt can accumulate. A deep cleaning will provide a sharp, professional look to your interior and extend the life of your flooring. If your team spots any damage to the flooring, make those repairs and reseal and refinish your flooring if necessary.
- Take a look at all of your walls to spot any chipped paint or cracks. In some cases, you may have to repaint if the damage is significant enough. Also, make sure your janitorial team is dusting and cleaning your walls, drapes, and blinds regularly.
- Have professionals perform a deep cleaning of any office furniture as your furnishings will accumulate dirt, dust, and moisture as well. Deep cleaning can remove stains and odors to create a more inviting experience for visitors and employees.
- Create a wishlist of things you would like to see improved now or in the near future. Do you want to implement more innovative technology in your building? Is there equipment that is still functional right now but may need to be replaced soon? Take some time with your team as you conduct your walkthrough to note things you feel could be improved and that would optimize your ongoing maintenance efforts.
Do You Need Help Implementing Your Spring Cleaning Program?
Depending on your current maintenance plan and the state of your property, spring cleaning may be a significant project to coordinate and implement. If you need assistance, our team can help. We are a full-service property management and facility services provider and can handle everything from daily janitorial and landscaping services to on-demand repairs and power washing.
Give us a call today at 866-752-5809 to request a quote and schedule a time to assess your current needs and expectations.
