Emergency repairs are a landlord's nightmare. One moment, you think you're making modest returns on your investment portfolio, the next you're barely breaking even due to unexpected repair costs. The good news is this terrible scenario is avoidable.
Through effective maintenance coordination, you can significantly reduce the chances of needing emergency repairs on your property. Still not convinced you need to take maintenance coordination seriously? Read on to learn more about this important topic.
Challenges of Maintaining Historical Buildings
Savannah, GA is home to some important historical architecture. While these historic buildings significantly contribute to the character of the local area, they can also cause maintenance problems that impact property management efficiency.
For example, if you live in a historical building, you can't just bring in any old contractor. You can only hire knowledgeable workers who understand the unique needs of historical buildings. This could make maintenance coordination difficult.
Weather Risks
Wear and tear to buildings is inevitable no matter what the climate. Savannah's coastal location means local buildings are particularly vulnerable to weather-related damage. It's possible for the area to experience both hurricanes and flooding.
In the event of such a disaster, maintaining property management efficiency is difficult. If everyone has damage to their roof after a storm, expect delays in hiring contractors.
Preventive Maintenance
One of the biggest maintenance coordination tips is to focus on preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance is when you proactively look for problems. Small signs like cracks in a wall could indicate significant problems.
In the near future, a small crack could grow, eventually causing significant structural damage requiring expensive emergency repairs. By recognizing the signs early, you can fix the issue while it's still inexpensive and easy to address.
Preventive maintenance is an art, and you need to have a good eye for detail to notice potential issues. If you own property in Savannah, coordinate with local contractors to get regular inspections.
Preventive maintenance is one of the most effective maintenance strategies because it can save you a huge amount of time and money in the long run.
Involve Your Tenants
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a landlord is not getting your tenants involved in the maintenance process. Given that your tenants are the only ones seeing the property every day, they're well-positioned to notice potential maintenance issues.
By having tenants involved in your maintenance coordination efforts, you'll get prompt information about issues that might need your attention. There are many reasons tenants might not bother reporting this kind of thing.
For example, if you're not attentive in responding to issues, tenants might think there's no point in reporting things.
The Best Maintenance Coordination Efforts Need a Professional Touch
Staying on top of maintenance is one of the biggest challenges in real estate investing. If you always need to do emergency repairs, it can quickly eat up your investment returns.
The best maintenance coordination solutions usually involve local professionals. Local property management companies often have close relationships with contractors in the area, enabling them to coordinate things quickly.
PMI Savannah Metro has a tried and tested reputation in the area for helping landlords deal with all kinds of maintenance issues. Contact us today and let's discuss how we can make your property maintenance schedule more efficient and effective.
