It may seem like we haven’t had much of a summer this year (particularly in comparison to 2022), but with Autumn upon us our teams have been busy preparing for the property management challenges the new season brings. With winter just a few months away this is a time for being extra vigilant particularly in relation to lighting, heating and hot water, doors and windows, gutters and downpipes and potential slip hazards.
As per our previous blogs‘
During early Autumn we may still experience warmer weather which will gradually decline, so frequent ground maintenance may still be required to tackle growth. Even when the weather does become cooler we will experience leaf out from foliage and trees within our developments and we're also likely to see strong winds causing debris to come onto our developments. Our teams will work hard to ensure this is all removed as quickly as possible to keep things clean and tidy.
During our visits our property managers will be assessing the condition of the gardens and open spaces, ensuring the schedule of works is being completed, debris is managed, grass remains maintained, cut backs and edging is undertaken, dead foliage removed, and soil / bark is topped up. This is all about maintaining well presented and accessible outdoor spaces.
For those developments that have play areas, sports pitches or equipment which will still be attracting visitors, continuing to maintain these areas will be essential in addition to undertaking regular inspections of facilities, making good any wear and tear or arranging renewals where necessary.
Autumn can present heavy wind and rainfall therefore any external works will be scheduled subject to the weather conditions making sure it is safe to undertake any required works to the structure of buildings and whilst being viable ensuring good quality workmanship that will last.
There are of course times when emergency works may be required or works are subject to insurance claims, again where affecting the external areas suitable weather conditions are preferred to enable completion.
As touched upon in our previous blogs, planning for major works forms part of long-term maintenance planning process years in advance. Through this planning and working with our clients and residents, it enables us to prepare for future years to enhance the condition and facilities of the developments within our management. Most importantly it prevents nasty surprises and large bills being received by our residents when the process commences.
Like in previous seasons we will continue to undertake regular site inspections to assess whether there are any blockages, damage or leaks to gutters, downpipes, and roofs – Autumn is often when blockages will occur due to leaf fall therefore keeping areas free from debris and arranging regular clearances and repairs where required will be essential.
This also extends to gullies, soakaways, drains etc. which can also become easily blocked or prevent flow of drainage due to the seasonal challenges.
Strong winds can affect boundary fencing, railings or gates and we will be looking out to make sure these remain intact and in good condition ready to withstand the colder weather.
We will continue to assess the condition of hard surface areas such as footpaths, cycle paths, decking, and car parks. This includes looking for damaged slabs or cracks, whether jet washing is required to remove mold and growth, algee treatment and whether the marked signage or lineage needs attention.
Footfall within the communal areas can result in debris being brought into the foyers and hallways, and we will continue to inspect the condition of any communal areas to make sure these remain presentable and clean.
Seasonal changes will see the days becoming darker earlier, therefore making sure communal lighting (internally and externally) is operating will be essential. Where developments have lighting controls these may require adjusting. Lighting is always assessed during our visits to ensure lights are working.
Keeping windows and doors clean will continue with routine window cleaning schedules (subject to specific maintenance regimes) to remove buildup of dirt and grime making sure these remain clean.
For developments with M&E such as gates, lifts, fire alarm systems, communal heating etc. all plant equipment whether in use or not, are known as the developments assets and require routine servicing and maintenance which are placed with specialist third parties, to enable these to be compliant and in working order. We also include the developments M&E assets within our long-term maintenance planning and collect provisions for when major works are required.
All our residents can register for our portal My Property Online where updates of routine, emergency and major works will be shared. We also communicate details of our site visits and general information, to keep our residents up to speed of their development’s latest news.
If you haven’t already registered you can do so here. It’s absolutely the best way to stay updated on what’s happening around your development.
Note: This article is intended as a general overview. Each development will have its own specific planned maintenance schedule which may impact the scope and frequency of services. Do contact your individual property manager if yu have questions about planned maintenance.
Covid remains part of our world and therefore we will continue to follow Government guidelines as required. Any changes which will impact services, resident access & usage, and lifestyle will be communicated as and when these arise.
