As a nationwide property management company, Berman helps real estate investors and developers in the northern part of the United States maintain their properties through all four seasons. Earlier this month, the Northeast experienced a significant winter snowstorm that dumped double-digit snow totals in New York and Boston. If you live in the Binghamton, NY area, you saw nearly 40 inches of snow come down during the two-day storm.
Winter is here, and we wanted to share a few tips for our clients in the North with properties who will experience colder temperatures, snow, sleet, and other things Mother Nature will throw at them. While earlier is usually better, you still have time to winterize your properties to minimize weather-related issues that could lead to major repair bills.
Here are five things you should consider to make sure Old Man Winter doesn’t do too much damage to your properties and maintenance budget.
Get the furnace inspected
Prevention is so important as an emergency call to an HVAC technician in the dead of winter may take time and be costly. Contact an HVAC technician to inspect your units to ensure everything is in working order and address any minor issues that could lead to significant problems when you need it the most. If you have older units, your technician may recommend replacing them, which may help you save money in the long run when you consider repairs and utility costs.
What is winterization?
As the name applies, winterization simply means taking the necessary steps to make a property resistant to colder temperatures and other winter weather. Plumbing, doors, windows, roofs, and other parts of your property are all susceptible to winter’s elements, which is why preparation is so necessary.
Think worst-case scenario
Have you meant to repair the railing to those steps in one of your buildings? Are your sidewalks cracked or looking a little worse for wear? Do your pathways get dark at night? With snow and ice, the risk of falling goes up tremendously, which is why you should take care of all those little repairs and upgrades to keep everyone in your properties safe. We say worst-case scenario when inspecting your properties because it’s essential to be prepared for any situation that could lead to an injury.
Keep the heat inside
A drafty apartment could lead to increased utility costs and potential risk if a tenant decides to add several portable heaters or tries unconventional methods to heat the space (like keeping the oven on). In addition to inspecting and making any repairs to your HVAC units, check your properties’ exterior to see if there are areas that need improvement. You may need to caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, replace any damaged roof shingles, and clean fireplaces and chimneys that pose a fire risk. It also might be a good idea to educate your tenants on safe heating practices, like not using the oven to heat the apartment and turning off portable heaters when not in the room or going to bed.
Take care of the pipes
A burst pipe is no laughing matter. You not only have to pay to repair the pipe, which could be hundreds or thousands of dollars. You may also have to deal with any water damage caused by the burst pipe that could exponentially increase costs. Sealing and insulating your pipes is the best way to prepare for the winter. Also, make sure your tenants know never to turn off the thermostat when away from home. At the very least, the heat should be set at 55 degrees to prevent freezing.
Have a plan for the outdoor grounds
Depending on the property, you have some extensive work to do before the grounds are winterized. Here are some things you may need to address:
- Turn off and drain your sprinkler system
- Disconnect any hoses and drain any external hoses
- Winterize any pools or spas
- Trim trees and shrubs that could pose a threat if there are high winds and snow/ice
- Insulate exposed outdoor pipes
In addition to that, whether you hire in-house or outsource your property management services, make sure there is a plan in place to handle any necessary tasks, like salting public walkways and removing snow, if a winter weather event does occur.
What should I do if I have a vacant property?
Vacant properties are even more susceptible to winter weather, so it’s essential to prepare in advance for any issues. For example, you should shut off the main water valve to the property and clear the lines to prevent burst pipes. And you will want to keep the heating system on as well. One thing also to keep in mind for vacant properties: security could be an issue as days are shorter and fewer people are outside. Be sure to have cameras and other security measures to prevent theft and burglary to your vacant property and any properties, for that matter.
With Berman, you can have one source for all of your winter maintenance needs
These are some but not all of the things you’ll need to do to keep your properties maintained and prepared for the winter. It sounds like a lot, but all of these tasks are necessary to protect your properties and tenants. If you don’t have in-house staff and you need a reliable partner who will ensure your properties are well-taken-care-of, Berman offers extensive property management and maintenance services, from landscaping to 24/7 repairs.
Give us a call today to discuss your needs this winter, and our team will come up with a custom solution that meets all of your requirements. Happy Holidays from Berman!
