Originally posted on: https://www.cp-management.com/the-ultimate-list-of-preventative-maintenance-for-housing-communities/

Maintenance requests can come at the worst times—a leaky faucet in the middle of the night, the HVAC system going down on Christmas. Preventative maintenance for housing communities takes away a lot of stress and anxiety because you can catch issues before they become a real problem. When prevention is a priority, upkeep and improvement are more manageable in the long run. 

Benefits of Scheduled Maintenance

Safety is the biggest benefit of routine upkeep. Residents are safer when facilities are in good working condition. Likewise, planned maintenance is financially beneficial in the long run. It’s usually more cost-effective to maintain facility conditions than repair and replace. Still, scheduled upkeep is more than tune-ups. Facilities will need improvements, upgrades, and replacements from time to time. Regular reports from the crews help the HOA board prioritize and budget for improvements.

The Ultimate List of Preventative Maintenance

Quarterly

• Pest Control — Quarterly pest control treatments keep insects and rodents at bay. In addition, consistent services across the entire community prevent pests from simply migrating to an untreated home.
• Air Filters — Regularly changing your air filters keeps the HVAC system working efficiently. In addition, a staggered schedule allows the crew to replace filters across the community at a reasonable pace.
• Dryer Vents — Clean lint from behind shared clothes dryers and vent pipes. Built-up lint leads to inefficient dryers and is a fire hazard.
• Detectors Checks— Schedule regular checks of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Just a few minutes a month protects the safety of residents in your community.

Annually

• Gutters — Clogged gutters can lead to water intrusion. Clean the gutters and ensure downspouts drain away from the building.
• HVAC — Have the heating and cooling system serviced and tested by a contractor.
• Water Heaters — Flushing the hot water system once a year minimizes limescale deposits in pipes.
• Water Leaks — Inspect the plumbing system for leaks and corrosion, check the sump pump line for obstructions and leaks, and replace any defective washing machine hoses.
• Electricity — An annual electrical inspection helps you avoid unexpected problems. Also, scan the facility for burned-out bulbs and test all GCFI breakers.
• Tree Service — Hire a tree service to trim branches that hang over buildings and power lines to minimize damage from storms.

FAQ – Is scheduled preventative maintenance for housing communities necessary?

Yes! Frequent servicing keeps everything in working condition. Advanced planning puts you in control and makes sure nothing is overlooked. Routine upkeep is a minor intrusion that thwarts big catastrophes down the line.