Step Into Spring With These 5 Tips

Spring is officially here. For many people, that means spring cleaning. Maintenance professionals are no exception. Facilities and communities have, in many cases, been through a difficult winter and need a little freshening up.

Here are five tips to help you get a head start on the season.

1. Walk Through Your Property

Spring is a perfect time to do a full walk-through of your property. Doing this will allow you to catch details, both big and small, that you may have missed earlier. Make sure to inspect:

• Doors—Are the doors working properly? Any areas sticking or broken?
• Tile and Grout—Does the tile and grout look clean? Does it need freshening up?
• Countertops and Cabinets—Are the countertops clean? Are the cabinet hinges working?
• Light Bulbs and Switches—Are all the light bulbs operational? Are the switches functioning properly?

A detailed walk-through can give you an idea of how your residents and guests view your property.

2. Clean Your Flooring

Winter weather can be hard on your floors. Whether it's carpet, tile, laminate, or hardwood, it's probably time for a deep clean.

Shampooing your carpets will not only make them look fresh and clean, but it can help your residents and guests breathe easier by reducing the allergens in the air. If pollen is a major issue in your area, you may want to wait until the worst of pollen season is over before committing to a deep carpet cleaning.

Wood and tile floors can also use a cleaning. Get the grime off and add some shine by using some polish and floor cleaners.

3. Check Your Restrooms

Most public restrooms receive a daily cleaning, but there is an opportunity to go deeper in your walk-through. Are all restrooms' surfaces, fixtures, and plumbing functioning properly? Do you need to repair or replace any toilets or faucets? Spring is a great time to take a hard look at each unit, because a little time now could save you significant headaches later.

4. Service Your AC Units

Spring is a good opportunity to take a close look at your air-conditioning units to make sure they are ready before the hot weather arrives. Every year, you should perform maintenance on the filters and coils. Dust, dirt, and other debris can collect in the outdoor condensing unit and affect performance – and the comfort level of your residents. Neglecting routine service can also lead to higher energy costs and expensive system malfunctions. Practicing good preventive maintenance can help improve the life and overall performance of your condensing equipment.

Our preventive maintenance checklist provides the framework for HVAC maintenance.

5. Refresh Your Property

Spring is a great time to think about freshening up your property. There are some inexpensive ways to make a great impression. A fresh coat of paint in a unit or a common area can create a more attractive look for an aging property or keep a newer property in peak condition.

Grounds and parking areas are often the first things people see and can make or break their perception of your property. Make sure your outdoor spaces, entryways, and parking lots are safe and beautiful. You can improve your outdoor areas and make them more welcoming with a number of additions, like pet waste stations, signage, or benches.

With a little bit of planning, you can make your property shine during spring.