With crisp air, cooler nights, and colourful leaves, Fall can be a treat for the eyes and a refreshing experience for the mind, especially right after the hot summer months.
But it also brings some challenges for strata properties that can make it harder to ensure that strata buildings and common areas remain in top shape throughout Fall.
That’s why we’ve put together 4 essential strata property maintenance tips to help you prepare your strata property for the Fall and the colder Winter months ahead and avoid costly repairs and damage.
One of the most common problems caused by falling leaves is clogged-up gutters and drains, which can lead to water overflow, leaks, mould, and structural damage. This can not only make your strata property look unkempt but also affect the living standards of your fellow strata occupants.
To prevent this, make sure you have your gutters and drainpipes cleaned regularly by a professional strata building management service provider. Although you can do it yourself, you can save a lot of time and eliminate safety risks by working with a professional.
You should also check your roof for any cracks or holes that may need fixing before Winter. According to studies, having your gutters and drainpipes cleaned can save you up to $10,000 in repair costs every year.
Another way to deal with the excess leaves is to adjust your gardening services according to the season. You may need to increase the frequency of your green waste collection or ask your cleaning and maintenance team to visit more often to rake and dispose of the leaves.
On the contrary, you may be able to reduce the frequency of lawn mowing and watering as the grass growth slows down.
Always consult with your strata gardening company to find the best balance for your strata property’s needs.
Fall is also a good time to think about how you can save energy and money in your strata property. You can start by replacing old light bulbs with LED ones, installing timers or sensors for outdoor lighting, sealing any gaps or cracks around windows and doors, and adding insulation to your roof and walls.
You can also encourage your fellow strata residents to use less energy by turning off appliances when not in use, lowering the thermostat by a few degrees, and wearing warmer clothes instead of relying on heating.
According to Strata Community Association (SCA), the peak body for strata professionals in Australia, implementing these energy-saving measures can reduce your strata property’s carbon footprint by up to 30%.
As Fall closes to an end, you should also prepare for Winter. As the temperature drops, you want to make sure your plumbing and heating systems are working properly and efficiently. Otherwise, it can lead to many quality-of-life issues for your fellow residents.
You should inspect your pipes for any leaks or cracks that may cause water damage or burst in freezing conditions. Don’t forget to check your boilers, heaters, radiators, and thermostats for any faults or malfunctions that may affect your comfort and energy bills. If you don’t have time or the expertise to carry out these inspections, you can ask your strata maintenance company to do the inspection.
One benefit of working with a strata maintenance company is that If they find any issues during the inspection, they can help you procure the services of a licensed plumber or electrician to fix them as soon as possible.
Fall can be an exciting yet stressful time for strata committee members, as this season can bring several maintenance challenges.
But by following these strata property maintenance tips, you can keep your strata property in top shape this Fall and prepare it for Winter. You can also increase its value, safety, and appeal to keep your residents happy and attract potential buyers.
If you need more advice or assistance with your strata property maintenance, contact a reputable strata service provider in your area.