Preventive Maintenance & Planning Ahead
When you think of a proactive person, you likely picture someone who plans ahead and manages their time effectively and efficiently. The kind of person who regularly brings their car in for an oil change —and even schedules a yearly physical. This person is great at organizing and prioritizing and getting things done. Now, when you picture a proactive community association, what do you see? An association with a preventive maintenance schedule, of course!
What is Preventive Maintenance?
A preventive maintenance fund, similar to the reserve study fund, is a financial tool to proactively maintain a community’s common elements. Preventive maintenance helps to extend the life expectancy of the common elements that require maintenance less than every year but still need upkeep. By setting the money aside now, Associations can avoid unexpected large repair costs later, reduce the frequency of special assessments, and ensure the community remains in good condition for the homeowners.
Investing in Upkeep
Some examples of preventive maintenance include interior painting, exterior painting, power washing, and gutter cleaning. Other common tasks are regular pool maintenance (such as cleaning and servicing pool equipment), applying concrete sealant, and staining or painting wood decks and fences. Performing these projects as recommended assures community members that their homes and common elements are being cared for. When an association takes on these projects, these improvements not only appeal to current owners, but also maintain, and can even increase, the value of the property.
Finding an In-Network Provider for Your Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Communities interested in developing a preventive maintenance schedule should contact a community association engineering firm or a reserve study company. These professionals can help prepare a maintenance schedule as part of the community’s budgeting process. Preventive maintenance schedules are generally prepared at the same time as a community’s reserve study. The reserve preparer and/or Reserve Specialist (RS™) will assess the common elements of the community and determine which components will require regular or preventive maintenance.
Being Proactive Pays Off
While preventive maintenance schedules are now required for new planned real estate developments under New Jersey law, a preventive maintenance schedule is a good tool for communities in all states. If a preventive maintenance schedule is in place, minor issues can be addressed before they become major issues and require a special assessment. Proper maintenance extends the life expectancy of the common elements, while proactively managing any community concerns that could lead to accidents within the community if not addressed.
Most importantly, preventive maintenance guarantees resident satisfaction. The community feels taken care of and secure. The community feels and looks like home. A well-kept community is also one that appeals to potential buyers and investors.
Associations interested in proper maintenance and community satisfaction should also check out CAI’s Best Practices on Community Association Maintenance. It’s the proactive thing to do!
Ensure the comfort, safety, and happiness of your residents and contact Kipcon today to request a proposal for your next reserve study and preventive maintenance schedule. Take the first step towards a secure and proactive future for your community!
Call Kipcon at (800) 828-4118 or click here.