Summer might feel like an easy, breezy season – no frozen pipes, no liability related to ice or winter storms, and no heating-related emergencies or complaints.
For property ops teams, summer can be one of the highest-demand seasons of the year. Cooling systems are stress-tested to the max, amenities open and expand, and grounds need constant attention. Not to mention, May to November is seen by many as peak leasing season.
The teams that are able to breeze through summer are the ones that planned for it. That said, it’s never too late to get your seasonal routines up and running. Here’s what your team can zero in on coming into the Summer:
Focus on HVAC & Cooling Prep
Emergency HVAC calls in July can cost multiples of what a Spring tune-up would have. Still, any emergencies related to Summer’s biggest priority can be avoidable:
- Set up a filter replacement cadence to make sure things are running smoothly (every 30 – 60 days, or whatever’s needed for your devices)
- Schedule condensate drain inspections and clearings
- Review energy use and monitoring, especially in line with any local law requirements
Ramp Up Amenity Management
Pool season may be your author’s favorite time of year, but it’s not without its stressors and challenges. Here’s how you can minimize them:
- Use in-app education to instruct seasonal hires on how to perform pool tests and checks
- You can also post Smart Stickers onsite so team members can scan and go for key routines
- Set multiple inspections for daily, weekly, and monthly pool routines
- Set reminders to stock your supplies throughout the season so you’re not impacted by delivery delays or other issues
- Snap photos of all required gate locks, safety signage, and fences – and make sure follow-ups are triggered automatically for any gaps (literal and figurative)
- Include outdoor spaces and furniture checks in your monthly property walks
- Don’t forget to send out comms to residents about amenity requests, rules, and policies
Step Up Your Curb Appeal
Peak leasing season overlaps with peak growing season, meaning grounds may need more TLC than other times of year. Deferred winter tasks/damage (gutters, downspouts, etc.) may also become more visible.
- Fine tune your mowing and landscaping schedule
- Don’t forget the walkways if you’re power washing – it can help prevent slips from summertime growth
- Address any winter holdover tasks before fall
Most importantly, make sure your routines are specific. The more you track (hedges trimmed, branches cut, etc.), the more information you’ll have to reference going forward.
Combat Peak Pest Season
Reactive pest control is exponentially more expensive than preventative measures. Putting your checks into official routines can help save you time and money down the line:
- Checking and repairing window screens as needed
- Reviewing and sealing any exterior gaps
- Early treatment for mosquitoes or other invasive pests
- Sharing education for residents on trash disposal, food storage, and more best practices
Seasonal maintenance isn’t a one-time project – it’s a system. And when your system lives in InCheck, you can make sure Summer is set to work the way you do.
Make it your best season yet – let us know if you have any questions about setting up your seasonal Workflows!
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