Most common winter property repairs
Home repairs are an inevitable part of owning a rental property and it is important to keep up with your property maintenance to minimize cost of repairs and inconveince to tenants. Winter in the Northeasts brings a unique set of problems to property owners as the cold weather and snow can wreak havoc on your property. Below is a list of the most common repairs we come across in the winter months.
Heating problems – Every winter we can expect to receive a number of heating complaints from tenants as the cold weather sets in and tenants begin turning their heat on for the first time. Problems can include in thermostat issues, bad radiators, boiler and furnace issues such as gas valves, thermocouples, and blower motors. We recommend testing and servicing your heating systems annually to minimize problems and encourage tenants to test their heating systems early in the fall before the cold weather sets in.
Water leaks – Once the cold weather dips below freezing, calls for frozen pipes and water leaks tends to increase. Leaking water pipes can lead to costly repairs, especially if they are not addressed in a timely manner. We recommend checking under sinks and testing faucets and showers for any leaks as part of your regular maintenance schedule. Also ensure your tenants are not turning their thermostats off in the winter and maintaing a minimum household temperature of 55 degrees.
Roof Leaks – Heavy winter snow can lead to a number of problems for your roof. Ice dams can build up and cause water to get under your shingles and leak inside your property. Ensuring proper attic insulation is installed can reduce the likely hood of ice dams occuring. Roof rakes can also be used to remove snow from the edge of your roof and reduce the chance of ice dam build ups.
Preventing and preparing for winter repairs
The best way to prepare for unexpected winter repairs and costly problems is by keeping up with annual maintenance on heating systems by qualified professionals and regular property upkeep, taking the time to identify protential issues to be repaired before they fail.
Contact us today for a care and maintenance plan for your property! We have a network of trusted contractors on hand to deal with any issues that may occur in your property and we can act fast to ensure the property is protected and the tenant is happy. Our management process is there to take the stress away from you and your tenants.