Managing the cost of property maintenance

When it comes to managing the cost of property maintenance keeping repair costs down is only one half of the battle. Whether you’re a property manager or caring for a property in your own portfolio, you need to ensure that property maintenance is not only cost effective but is done in a way that helps retain the value of a property. Our latest blog shares our insider tips on keeping costs down whilst retaining high standards.

Tenant-proof your properties
If the property in question is currently unoccupied, or there is renovation or repair work to be done think proactively about they type of tenant the property and area is most likely to attract. Selecting durable materials and practical finishes will reduce the need for property repairs in the near future.  For example, if the property in question is likely to house students or a family with young children you may want to opt for wipeable paint and steer clear of cream carpets. Reducing the need for repainting or re-carpeting once the tenants move out.

Understand individual property requirements
When it comes to property maintenance it’s important to have realistic expectations of what needs to be done based on the age and type of property. Listed or character properties may not cost more when it comes to regular property maintenance, but can become costly if there are unforeseen structural issues. To help stay on the front foot when it comes to property repairs we recommend regular property inspections. This can help identify any issues before they get out of hand, assisting with the management of any associated costs.

Undertake proactive property maintenance
We’ve previously discussed the benefits of offering a regular property cleaning service. Although this may seem like an added cost, professional cleaners will tackle areas that are often overlooked by tenants. As well as being on hand to identify any areas of concern (tenant carelessness or property damage), avoiding the buildup of dirt, dust and grime can also prolong the life of carpets and appliances. Additionally, as regular cleaning services are beneficial to tenants the cost of regular property cleaning can often be included as part of the rent.

Choose the right property maintenance partner
Here at GMC we’ve been providing nationwide property maintenance services for over 25 years, and understand the areas of property maintenance which have the greatest impact on property value. Every one of our clients is allocated one dedicated account manager, who will get to know your budget, property requirements and give you guidance on the most cost effective way to manage your property maintenance.

To discover more about the services we have to offer click here, or give one of the GMC team a call on 01903 721020 to discuss your property maintenance requirements.