Your property is an asset as long as it is in good condition. Be it a residential or commercial building, regular maintenance avoids costly repairs, gives an aesthetic appeal to your property and, of course, increases its value.
That being said, building maintenance is not an easy task, especially in places with harsh weather conditions, like in Dubai. If you’re having trouble getting started, Najmat Al Miraj is here to help you with a complete guide to year-long building maintenance. Plus, we’ve also added a FREE building maintenance checklist that you can print, so that you won’t miss out on any step.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Year-Round Building Maintenance
- What are the Common Maintenance Issues for Apartments?
- Creating a Year-Round Maintenance Plan
- Essential Maintenance Tasks for Each Season
- Hiring Professionals vs. DIY Maintenance
- Cost-Saving Tips for Building Maintenance
- Conclusion
The Importance of Year-Round Building Maintenance
Building maintenance is important because it:
- Roof damage: leaks, mold, structural damage, fire hazards
- Foundation damage: uneven floors, cracked walls, doors or windows that don’t close properly, plumbing problems
- Water damage: mold, mildew, rot, electrical damage
- Pest infestation: health risks, structural damage, unpleasant odors
Creating a Year-Round Maintenance Plan
To prevent these common maintenance issues from affecting your property negatively, you need to create a comprehensive maintenance plan that covers all aspects of your property. Here are some steps on how to create a year-round maintenance plan:
- Run a thorough inspection of your property
Highlight any existing or possible concerns that need to be addressed.
- Prioritize the most urgent and important tasks
Based on the inspection results, determine which tasks need to be done immediately and which ones can be scheduled for later dates.
- Allocate a budget for each task
Estimate how much each task will cost you in terms of materials, labor, and time.
- Hire professionals or do it yourself
Depending on the complexity and difficulty of each task, decide whether you want to hire professionals or do it yourself.
Essential Maintenance Tasks for Each Season
While you should do some maintenance tasks throughout the year, some are more suitable for specific seasons. Here is a breakdown of all the important maintenance tasks by season:
Spring: This is the time to prepare your property for the scorching hot months ahead. Some of the tasks you should do in spring are:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Check the roof for damage
- Repair cracks in the foundation
- Seal windows and doors
- Service air conditioning system
- Replace air filters
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Prune trees and shrubs
- Fertilize lawn and garden
- Power wash exterior surfaces
Summer: This is the time to keep your property cool and comfortable. Some of the tasks you should do in summer are:
- Inspect and repair siding
- Paint exterior surfaces
- Check irrigation system
- Mow lawn and weed garden
- Clean and maintain pool or spa
- Clean and repair deck or patio
- Inspect and repair fences
- Clean dryer vent
- Check for pest infestation
- Install sunshades or awnings to reduce heat gain
Autumn: This is the time to enjoy the mild weather and avoid the peak tourist season. Some of the tasks you should do in fall are:
- Clean and cover outdoor furniture
- Rake leaves and compost them
- Aerate and overseed lawn
- Mulch garden beds
- Service heating system (if any)
- Replace air filters
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Clean fireplace and chimney (if any)
- Insulate pipes and faucets (if any)
- Install storm windows and doors (if any)
Winter: This is the time to experience the coolest and rainiest months of the year. Some of the tasks you should do in winter are:
- Check roof for leaks or damage caused by rain or wind
- Repair any damage caused by rain or wind
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Check attic for proper ventilation and insulation (if any)
- Place new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Clean and organize closets, cabinets, and drawers
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY Maintenance
There is no definitive answer to whether you should hire professionals or do it yourself for building maintenance. It depends on your personal preference, budget, skill level, and availability.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you should hire professionals for tasks that require specialized skills, equipment, or permits, such as electrical, plumbing, roofing, or structural work.
You should also hire professionals for tasks that are too dangerous or difficult for you to handle, such as working at heights, dealing with hazardous materials, or removing pests. You can do it yourself for tasks that are simple, easy, or fun for you to do, such as cleaning, painting, landscaping, or decorating.
Cost-Saving Tips for Building Maintenance
- Plan ahead and create a year-round maintenance plan.
- Shop during the festive seasons for the best prices and deals.
- Do some maintenance tasks yourself.
- Use energy-efficient products.
- Recycle or reuse materials.
Conclusion
If you need professional help with any of your building maintenance tasks, don’t hesitate to contact Najmat Al Miraj, the leading building maintenance company in Dubai/UAE. We offer a wide range of services, such as cleaning, painting, landscaping, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and more.
Link to download the template:
