Investing in rental properties is a very good business decision. However, managing rental properties is a completely different story. The property always has some major or minor issues. And if you do not have a contract that clearly defines damage repairs with your renters, the repair and maintenance work can be a really messy business.
One of the most crucial repairs for a homeowner is the roof. The roof acts as the first line of defense, protecting the home from rain, heat, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions. As a property owner, the roof is costly to construct and even costlier to repair. You should maintain the quality and state of the roof to ensure the safety and convenience of the residents and the structural integrity of the house. Follow the steps below for convenient and cost-effective roof repair in your rental properties.
Inspection
Regular inspection of your roof is the first step toward maintaining your rental property's condition. The roof is prone to damage by the usual weather conditions as well as seasonal changes such as high winds, storms, heavy rainfall, hail, and snowfall. Vermin and pests can also damage the roof. You need to check for seasonal and other such damage regularly.
As roof repair is a technical job and a safety hazard, it is important to get professionals involved in the inspection as well. They can properly inspect the overall roof for issues such as:
The interior of the roof should be checked for:
- Dark spots
- Sagging
The exterior of the roof should be checked for:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Issues with the gutters and downspouts
- Loose materials
- Cracks around chimneys and vents
You want to ensure that there is no breach of any kind and the damage has not reached the ceiling or the structural frame of the house. As the owner, make sure all these aspects are regularly inspected so you can avoid expensive and extensive repairs in the future.
Dealing with the Tenants
If you discover an issue during an inspection or are informed by the tenants, your first step should be to communicate clearly with them. As residents of the house, the tenants will be the ones who are most affected by any roof damage. From foul smells and unregulated temperatures to structural damage, roof damage greatly affects their daily lives.
Based on the issue, you might need to repair or replace the roof, which will obstruct the lives of your tenants. You might need to schedule the repair according to their daily routine and, in severe cases, even move them to another location for safety. You should maintain clear communication about the issue and then decide on the remediation with them.
Consider the following while dealing with your tenants:
- Keep a clear and consistent communication system.
- Respect their lives and privacy, and make sure the repair doesn’t disrupt their daily lives.
- Offer to make their life easy and convenient during the repair.
- Connect the tenants with the repairmen so they can discuss the schedule and other important details.
- If the tenants are inconvenienced or even agitated, try to diffuse the situation by discounting or waiving their rent for a certain period.
- Be understanding of their situation and try to complete the repair on time and as smoothly as possible.
Selection of Roof Repair Service
If you find simple issues like clogged gutters or small leaks and cracks, you might be able to repair them on your own. However, any serious issue will require the expertise of professionals. Sometimes, what seems like a small issue to you could be a major issue that is only identified by the trained eyes.
No matter what the issue is, you should employ contractors that are best in the business. You want to find a reliable roofing company in your area that provides you with the best offers and solutions for your repairs. Ask for quotes from different contractors, and select the best one by considering the following:
- Experience
- License
- Referrals
- Warranty and Insurance Coverage
- Quotes (resources, labor cost, safety measures, and other important details)
- Availability according to your requirements
Once you choose the best contractor for the job, it is a good idea to meet them in person and discuss the issue and the remediation in detail. Make sure their plans and results meet your expectations. An experienced and reliable professional will provide the best solution for your issue and maintenance tips for the future.
Selection and Management of Repairs
Once you choose the right contractor, they will provide you with a more detailed estimate for the repair. It will include the resources, labor cost, duration, and all other aspects of the repair. Once everything is finalized, you can manage the entire project in the following manner:
- Make sure the roofing company understands the severity of the situation. They should be available immediately to address the issue and complete it in the given timeline.
- Schedule your roof repair in a way that is least disruptive to your tenants.
- Consider the weather conditions in your location. It is best to begin roof repair on a hot, sunny day so as not to cause further damage or annoyance to the tenants.
- Implement safety measures to ensure the safety of the house and the repairmen. You should ensure the repairmen are taken care of each day and protected from hazards like falling, sunburn, heat stroke, and dehydration.
- The roofing company should also have insurance for its workers as well as a warranty for the repair project. Make sure to ask for documentation before you begin the work.
Preventive Measures
Once you complete the repair and deal with the contractors and tenants, you want to make sure that the issue is not repeated in the future. As a costly investment that requires costly repairs, you should get your roof checked after spring and winter. You can ensure a good and safe roof with the following:
- Roof coating
- Regular inspection and maintenance
- Immediate repairs after storms and other weather conditions
- Ensure secure seams and joints, sealants, and flashings
- Clear gutters
- Ensure fans and vents are working properly
- Remove debris stuck in the valley areas, lights, and gutters regularly
- Address seasonal damages in a timely manner
Conclusion
The roof is an integral part of a house, and roof repair and maintenance are integral tasks for any homeowner. As a property owner, you aren’t just responsible for the home but also for the tenants, so you have to ensure that the roof is always in safe and good condition. You can ensure a safe roof by regular inspection, choosing the right contractors, and managing the repairs. You should also communicate properly with the tenants and take preventive measures to avoid the situation altogether in the future.
