With fall here and winter surely on its way, there’s a few items you want to make sure are in order with your properties. If your property resides in a warmer climate such as Southern California or Florida then there are only a few details that are necessarily a concern. If your property resides in the colder states, where the winter consists of your tenants staying in with the heat on full blast, then there's quite a few things you should know. LLC Property Management is here to help you  maintain your investment property during the fall and winter seasons.

Here are a few pointers to help you cut down cost in the long run:

·         Attics: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.

·         Exterior Plumbing: Verify that the exposed pipes are insulated to prevent freezing, and drain outside faucets to prevent bursting in freezing temperatures.

·         Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathrooms of each unit on the property.

·         Filters: During your monthly or quarterly inspections of the property units check that the tenants are keeping the air ducts clean and clear. The heating and cooling vents should also be clean and clear from furniture and draperies.

·         Fireplace: Change the filter of the fireplace and dispose the ashes. If there is a chimney check for loose or missing mortar and have it cleaned professionally. Double-check that the damper closes tightly and check for carbon-monoxide leakage.

·         Gutters: Clean the gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. If you don't clean out your gutters, you run the risk of water building up in them during cold weather. This can cause ice damming. It is best to  install gutter protectors that keep debris, such as falling leaves, out of the gutters.

·         Heating System: Have the property’s heating system inspected to confirm everything is running smoothly.

·         Landscaping:  Keep your walkways to your property clear, prune trees and remove dead branches. If your property is in an area with a colder climate, stock up on items you will need if it snows such as shovels and ice melt. If you lease out a single family home, Remind tenants that it is their responsibility to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and steps on the property.

·         Lighting: As a result of shorter daylight hours in the winter all exterior lights should be functional.

·         Safety Equipment: Check all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers and confirm they are in working order. Do not assume that tenants are changing the batteries in their detectors being that most do not.

·         Sump Pump: Inspected the sump pump by slowly pouring water into the sump to check whether the pump turns on. You will need several gallons of water to complete this task.

·         Roofing: Inspect roof for leaks. Scan for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may leak during winter’s storms or from melting snow. Check and repair breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys, too. If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt and pebbles, rake or blow off fall leaves and pine needles, which hold moisture.

·         Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows and replace seals as needed. Also check the joints in window and door frames, too.

Landlords are always looking for ways to cut costs and save money. Here at LLC Property Management  our goal is to help increase the value of your home or investment property by keeping costs low with preventive maintenance for the Winter season.  Our experienced staff of professional maintenance crew can perform all of the preventative maintenance to your home to reduce your energy bills and prolong the life of your mechanical equipment.