As a general contractor specializing in rental apartment housing, Sun Country becomes involved in most of the maintenance issues faced by asset and property managers during the first year or so following completion of construction. All too often, we see situations where a minor problem, most often plumbing-related, goes unreported and unrepaired for an extended period, turning a $75.00 problem into a $4,000.00 nightmare. We’ve all seen the minor plumbing leak, or clogged and over-flowing toilet in an upstairs unit damaging the downstairs unit, sometimes resulting in mold and expensive remediation.
I recently read an interesting article on e-mail maintenance reminders directed at home builders in the “for sale” market. Market rate home builders and developers are always looking for ways to minimize the ongoing liability and costs associated with post-construction repair and maintenance issues. The article suggested sending scheduled home maintenance reminders via e-mail, perhaps in conjunction with an e-newsletter from the builder/developer.
It occurred to me that such a program could be just as beneficial to apartment and asset managers, if not more so. Certainly, most residents are now “on-line” and e-mail literate, and when they aren’t, their children most likely are. Many, if not most, affordable housing complexes now have computer labs for residents and their children.
I pictured a periodic informational newsletter containing a maintenance and inspection checklist with an “easy reply” function. The checklist could lead the resident through a simple inspection procedure aimed at preventing future expensive repairs, minimizing waste of water, and allowing management to keep each unit in top condition. The checklist could include items such as:
• Leaky faucets, or slow draining sinks • Leaking, slow draining, or running toilets • Leaks under sinks • Non-operational switches or outlets • Heating and air-conditioning • Appliances • Inspection of bathroom ceilings (lower level units) for signs of leaks • Inspection of angle stops for leaks or corrosion • Inspection of ceilings in top floor units for signs of leaks following rain
This inspection could be completed by the resident in less than ten minutes, and would provide management with a periodic record of the condition of each apartment’s systems as reported by the resident. Side benefits include communication with residents through an e-newsletter which can cover a myriad of subjects of interest, not the least of which would be training residents on the importance and value of inspecting and maintaining their apartments.
Sun Country Builders would like to solicit your input and ideas about the value of such a program, how you might implement it, or information on such programs you may already have in place. We’d like to share your input and ideas with our other clients for everyone’s benefit in future issues of this e-newsletter. Please contact me at dmcfarland@suncountrybuilders.net, or call 760-630-8042.
