Unpredictable summer rain can be a hassle, right? And this year we seem to be getting more than usual!
Rain showers, especially sudden ones, can be tough on our properties. They can cause leaks and floods, no matter how many times we’ve cleared our gutters in the autumn and spring.
Summer is a time of growth, which includes plants and grass sprouting in your gutters. This greenery can block the water flow during rains. If not addressed promptly, the overflowing water can cause structural damage.
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to look after your property and ensure tasks like gutter cleaning are handled efficiently. That’s where I come in. At Miller Independent Property Management, my comprehensive management service has got your back.
But, if you’re doing this on your own here’s a handy guide on how to manage gutter cleaning professionally and keep your tenants content.
- Search for Trustworthy Local Tradespeople
- Investigate: Use platforms like Checkatrade, Rated People, or TrustATrader to find professionals with top ratings and positive reviews.
- Recommendations: Ask your neighbours, friends, or family for referrals.
- Check Credentials: Ensure your chosen tradespeople are insured and certified.
- Ask for Quotes and Compare Options
- Reach Out to Different Providers: Contact at least three professionals for detailed quotes.
- Discuss Services: Inquire about gutter cleaning, minor repairs, and downspout clearing.
- Verify Inclusions: Make sure quotes include all necessary work, such as debris removal and clean-up.
- Schedule the Service
- Find a Suitable Time: Coordinate a time that’s least disruptive for your tenants, ideally during regular working hours. Good communication with the tenants is important to make sure you’ve got their schedule in mind.
- Access Details: Provide the service provider with details about accessing the gutters, like ladders or scaffolding.
- Notify Tenants: Inform tenants well in advance and assure them that the process will be quick and minimally invasive.
- Prepare for the Service
- Remove Obstacles: Make sure the access to the gutters is clear of things like vehicles or garden furniture.
- Safety Precautions: Ensure tradespeople will use adequate safety gear and follow safety protocols.
- The Day of Service
- Monitor if Possible: I’d recommend being there yourself so you can talk to the tradesperson directly, understand the findings and the result is of the quality you’d expect. If you can’t be, ask the tenants to take photos and follow up with a call with the tradesperson to get their view.
- Minimize Disruption: Remind tenants about the scheduled work and assure them that any disruptions will be short and minimal.
- After the Service
- Examine the Work: Ensure the gutters are clean and free from debris.
- Tenant Feedback: Check that the tenants were not unduly disrupted and are happy with the service.
- Prompt Payment: Pay the service provider promptly once the work is satisfactorily completed.
- Maintain Responsiveness
- Act Quickly: If tenants report issues like overflowing gutters or water damage, arrange another professional visit swiftly.
- Regular Maintenance: Set a regular gutter cleaning schedule (e.g., bi-annually) to avoid build-up and potential water damage.
Key Takeaways:
- Safety First: Avoid DIY gutter cleaning on tall houses; it’s safer to hire professionals.
- Reliability: Choose trustworthy local tradespeople for quality work and peace of mind.
- Minimal Disruption: Coordinate with tenants and schedule work at convenient times.
- Proactive Maintenance: Prompt responses to tenant concerns and regular maintenance can prevent serious damage and keep tenants happy.
By following these steps, you can ensure that gutter cleaning is managed professionally and efficiently, protecting your property and keeping tenants pleased.
If you prefer a hassle-free experience, Miller Independent Property Management offers this service as part of my comprehensive management package. I’ll handle the details, so you can enjoy peace of mind.