Cover The Hard Costs

One question is how often should a maintenance survey be done? Keep in mind that a single three-bedroom home could be a three-hour project, including the drive time, the actual survey, report preparation and ordering repairs. Such surveys should be done at least once per year. Some firms may include this service in their general fees, while others might impose a modest additional charge. It would be inappropriate to discuss how much to charge, but it would seem fair that whatever the fee is, it should cover the hard costs. Typically, these surveys are performed during the winter months when things are much slower.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.

Safety Inside

On the interior, we also need to be checking for safety issues. Those would include checking that (1) all windows and doors lock, (2) there are functioning smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors and (3) the hot water temperature is no greater than 125 degrees.
 
Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.

Beginning Interior Maintenance Survey

The interior of the unit requires even more attention to detail. Look for (1)tile work grouting in the bathroom and kitchen that is wearing thin, (2) electrical problems such as faulty switches, loose fixtures, overloaded circuits, (3) doors and windows that are not properly closing, (4) carpet and vinyl that are wearing badly, (5) appliances that become dirty to the point of not functioning, (6) stairwells and railings that are becoming unstable and (7) faucets and drains that are leaking. The list goes on, but this gives you the general idea.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.

Safety Issues

Continuing on the exterior maintenance survey, you need to check the trees, shrubs, grass, fences, walkways and driveways. When looking at these items, besides the obvious, look for safety issues. Are the shrubs overgrown, thus allowing a would be assailant a great hiding place? Is the sidewalk cracked and broken, thereby increasing the chance of someone falling? Are the gutters properly draining, thus keeping water away from the foundation? Does the exterior lighting provide additional safety for tenants and guests alike?

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.

Exterior Painting

As you continue your exterior maintenance survey a general rule of maintenance is that it costs less to prevent damage than it does to wait and repair it later. Exterior painting is one of the best examples. If it is done while the wood surface is still sound, your cost might be quite reasonable. On the other hand, if the paint is peeling and the fascia is rotting, then your cost will increase dramatically.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit www.coloradolandlordsolutions.com website. Or visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.

Interior and Exterior Analysis

A maintenance survey includes both an exterior and interior analysis of the residential property. What kinds of exterior items does a survey cover? First is the physical condition of the unit. Are there any obvious structural or roof problems? Is there a water or drainage problem? What is the condition of the siding, windows, outdoor lighting, concrete, yard, shrubs, etc.? If the condition is poor, what needs to be done and how soon?

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit www.coloradolandlordsolutions.com website. Or visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.

Maintenance Survey Program

As a manager of residential property, it is imperative that you periodically check the unit. This can be accomplished by implementing a maintenance survey program. Notice I wrote "maintenance survey" rather than "maintenance inspection." There is a critical difference between the two. An inspection implies that the individual has certain formal qualifications, such as being a licensed homeowner inspector. Thus, a higher standard might be applied to the work performed by this person. A maintenance survey does not have this higher standard and thus is easily performed by a property manager.

Peter Meer is President/Broker of Meer & Company, Inc., 303-322-1550, which manages 150 single family homes and properties in Denver, Colorado. He holds the Master Property Manager (MPM) designation and the firm holds the Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). To learn more about Peter's Landlord solutions visit www.coloradolandlordsolutions.com website. Or visit Meer and Company website at www.meerandco.com.