Late Summer Improvement Projects for Your Rental Property

Late summer weather inspires ideas of relaxation and fun. All the sun, warmth, long days, and lingering evenings make it easy to find a spot by the river or a cool corner in the backyard and just soak in the atmosphere. But the warm, dry weather is great for something else. It’s the right time to inspect your property and get ahead on some important improvement projects for your rental property.

Work Now for Later Gain

Sweat equity is just that: hard work that pays you back in the end.  And, keeping up on summer improvement projects can pay you back in a number of ways, including:

1. Reducing large scale, costly repairs due to neglect and disrepair. You can avoid many large problems by completing routine maintenance.
2. Limiting the risk of liability for injuries occurring on your property.
3. Increasing the value of your property for the top rental dollar.
4. Improving tenant satisfaction. A happy tenant is more likely to stay on the property, treat it well, and provide stable rental income.

Check Your List

If you haven’t kept up on your property’s improvement projects, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. And, even if general maintenance has kept you busy throughout the year, the summer months can offer a time to catch up on maintenance items you may not have thought of. A checklist can help you keep the repair list under control without overwhelming your precious summer months. Consequently, approaching your summer maintenance by category will help you stay focused and productive.

Inspect the Building

Whether it’s a large problem or a small, easy job, ensuring your building structure is solid will prevent other problems from materializing.

• Check siding for loosening or rot.
• Repair cracked siding.
• Repaint exterior – siding, doors, windows.
• Examine door caulking and weather stripping. Replace doors as needed.
• Inspect roof – if you have to replace it, summer is when you want to do it.
• Check and clean the chimney.

Concrete Work

Winter weather is tough on concrete. Use the sun to highlight where maintenance is needed and the warm air to make the drying and hardening process fast!

• Check the foundation for cracks.
• Inspect sidewalks and driveways for cracks and damage from standing and freezing water.

Check Windows

Proper maintenance can help lower your energy bills for heating and cooling while reducing dust and noise, all of which make for happy tenants.

• Wash windows.
• Check for leaks and re-seal as needed.
• Replace any damaged windows or screens.
• Consider switching out metal framed windows for more energy-efficient models. You may even qualify for incentives from the state of Oregon.

Repair or Install Fencing

Not only does proper fencing improve curb appeal on properties, but it can also decrease noise, protect kids and pets, increase security, and protect landscaping.

• Check fencing for loose or rotten boards, protruding nails or screws, and gaps from soil erosion.
• Repair loose boards, fence posts, and sagging gates.
• Consider adding new fencing to a fenceless property.

Interior and Exterior Cleaning

A wet winter means lots of grime, debris, and dirt. Cleaning not only improves the look of the property but also increases the longevity of the materials.

• Empty gutters and downspouts to prevent overflow from the roof and flooding at ground level.
• Power wash and seal decks and porches to prevent rot and mold.
• Inspect attics, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of leaks, mildew, mold, and pests.

Examine Appliances

Regular inspection of your appliances will alert you to upcoming replacement costs, possible misuse by tenants, and avert potential safety hazards such as fire or flooding.

• Service air conditioning for optimal efficiency. Make sure that shrubs and plants are trimmed back to allow easy maintenance and proper functioning of the unit.
• Clean dryer vents to maintain efficiency and reduce fire risk. Replace plastic ducts with sheet-metal ducting, which is less of a fire hazard.
• Inspect washing machine hoses. A simple inspection can prevent a major flooding situation.
• Inspect furnace and replace filters.
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors.

Yard Maintenance

Overgrown yards can attract pests and reduce the appeal of your property.

• Update landscaping. Adding mulch in the beds is a simple way to improve curb appeal, reduce weeds, and help your soil retain moisture in the hot weather.
• Prune trees and shrubs to make sure none are rubbing or touching the house or roof.
• Inspect trees for loose or dead branches. Schedule a tree trimming to remove hazardous limbs before they fall and cause damage or injury.
• Protect the house from pests. Cover holes that are more than a quarter-inch wide, do away with sitting yard debris, and consider caulking as a way to keep ants and bugs at bay.

Preventative home maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in expensive repairs and can even help you save money on home insurance. Friendly weather and long summer days make needed home projects easier to spot and one can accomplish a lot with a checklist to prioritize needed repairs. Find a reliable inspection, maintenance, and repair method to make it easier to keep your home clean, safe, and easy to care for.

Partner With the Experts

Inspecting your properties or working through a long list of improvement projects may not fit into your busy schedule, and finding the right contractors to do the jobs may be just as daunting. But, there’s no need to do the work alone. Partnering with experts can help you shoulder the burden of wading through the details, lessen your stress levels, and increase the value of your properties. Call or text Darla Andrew today at 503.515.3170 to learn more about how we provide the support you need to confidently enjoy the rental process.