It is easy for those managing a block of flats or apartments to fall into a cycle of reactionary repairs. This can lead to reductions in property value, resident satisfaction and a decline in general health and safety.
Proactively maintaining the cleanliness, decorative state, safety features and structural integrity of your building is crucial. Effective maintenance plans have a positive effect on property value and resident satisfaction as well as reducing overall costs.
This article explores how investing in consistent upkeep can prevent expensive repairs, reduce insurance costs, attract happy residents and boost property value.
Cleaning
This is likely to be top of the list for your residents in terms of their day-to-day experience. Living in a clean and welcoming environment will be important to them in terms of hygiene as well as giving a sense of pride when inviting guests to visit.
In this post-covid era, hygiene is of upmost importance and any shared facilities should be thoroughly cleaned. Visual records of regular cleaning can reassure residents too.
Beyond the looks and hygiene of the property, cleaning can prevent more serious issues developing simply due to the property being closely examined regularly:
- It can lead to early detection of leaks, damp and mould.
- It can prevent slips and falls.
- It can mean that maintenance issues are picked up on and resolved more quickly.
- Pest control issues can be spotted in the early stages.
Regular cleaning not only creates a healthy, pleasant living environment for residents but also contributes significantly to the long-term financial health of the property.
Internal and External Decorative Upkeep
Decorative maintenance in common areas is required for the satisfaction of current residents and to attract potential leaseholders who view the property. A run-down, out of date interior are not indicative of effective building management and can send the wrong message.
Externally, the property should be well maintained and well-lit for the sake of safety and curb appeal. Regular upkeep for the external walls will also mean early intervention for blocked gutters, creeping damp and graffiti.
Any grounds should be well kept by an experienced gardener. If residents are paying for a garden facility, then it should be accessible to them all year round. A professional gardener can make the most of what you have throughout the seasons and ensure they get value for money. Gardeners also provide another pair of eyes to spot external issues with broken pathways, weak walls, problematic trees and damaged fences.
Safety-Focussed Maintenance
It goes without saying that health and safety is of vital significance – first and foremost to protect the safety of residents. Effective maintenance in these areas also protects the building’s integrity and the investments of freeholders and leaseholders alike.
Regular maintenance of sprinklers, fire alarms, entry systems and emergency lighting etc also shows insurers that you are doing what you can to mitigate any risks. With sufficient evidence of your efforts, this can lower the cost of your policy.
Structural Maintenance
Looking out for indicators of structural weakness or subsidence can make a huge difference to the cost of rectifying any issues that arise.
Be on the lookout for:
- Cracks of 3mm or more that are visible on both sides of the wall
- Cracks near doors or windows
- Cracks that are wider at the top than the bottom and run diagonally
- Doors or windows becoming jammed
- Crinkling wallpaper
Regular visual checks and making residents and contractors aware of what to look out for can help you spot issues early and minimise the impact and cost of repairs.
Planned Maintenance Programs
A planned maintenance program (PMP) can keep you ahead of the game and prevent reactive repairs becoming necessary.
Your PMP should include everything from regular day-to-day cleaning through to major projects such as re-pointing or re-roofing. With everything mapped out across the year, you will reduce your chances of nasty surprises in terms of expenditure, complaints and accidents.
The plan for your block of flats should be reviewed regularly with adjustments made as circumstances change. While it may evolve, the plan should not be adjusted by moving major projects further and further down the line for financial savings. You may find yourself with a list of hugely expensive tasks to do within one financial year and out yourself at risk of deeper problems developing as a result.
Overall, proactive maintenance will reduce costs, keep residents happy and maintain the value of the property. Reactionary repairs will of course sometimes be necessary, but staying ahead of the game with a planned program of checks and maintenance is always the best approach.
