Maintenance and Repairs

April 26, 2024 Published by Eastern Ontario Chapter - By Bonnie Myers, Michelle Compton

Spring Maintenance Checklist for Condos: Getting Ready for Spring

From the Volume 37 issue of the CCI Eastern Ontario Condo Contact Magazine

It’s that time of the year again, time to tackle your Spring Maintenance Checklist for your condominium community

While many condominium corporations have a regular maintenance plan in place for spring, it’s still important to complete both interior and exterior inspections of your property to help identify any signs of damage or deterioration that could have occurred over the winter. These inspections will help give you an accurate picture of your condo community’s needs and assist in prioritizing your spring schedule.

Here are some critical tasks to consider for your Spring Maintenance Checklist, which may be tailored to your property’s specific requirements:

EARLY SPRING

Exhaust Shaft Drains
Now that the snow has melted it’s a great idea to inspect exhaust shafts to ensure drains are unobstructed by debris, preventing leaks and damage.

Garage Drains
In preparation for your building’s spring garage cleaning, check all parking garage drains to make sure that strainer baskets are clear and in good condition, as well as check for any signs that parking garage drains may be blocked or draining slowly as they may need rodding or flushing.

Sump Pump Pit Operation
Check to ensure your sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw.

Window Cleaning
Many Corporations have the exterior windows cleaned either annually or bi-annually. Prior to completing the window cleaning, you will need to ensure your roof anchors are inspected. Visual inspections are completed annually, and load testing is due every 5 years.

MID/LATE SPRING

Foundations
Complete an inspection and examine the exterior portion of your property’s foundation – check for cracks, signs of moisture, parging deterioration or damage.

Parking Lots & Walkway Inspections
As part of the areas to inspect, do not forget to complete a review of the parking lots and walkways to record any damage that could have occurred during the snow removal operations. It is important to also make note of any areas that may need to be patched and/or repaired to avoid further damage.

Parking Garage Drains & Sump Pump Pits Cleaning
An area that is often over looked for regular maintenance is parking garage drains and sump pump pits. Regularly flushing of parking garage drains, typically after cleaning your parking garage, can help prevent debris from hardening inside pipes. Taking into consideration that each property’s needs are different, having the Corporation’s plumber or mechanical maintenance contractor complete an inspection and regular cleaning of these areas will help to prevent costly repairs.

Parking Garage Membrane
Following your parking garage cleaning, completing an inspection of the parking garage membrane, as well as the ceiling underneath, may help to identify areas of concern. Any visible signs of deterioration in the membrane or water staining on the ceiling or around pipes will need to be further investigated for required repairs.

Eaves-Troughs & Downspouts
It is a great time to check for loose joints and/or crushed downspouts. During your inspection assess to ensure water is able to drain away from your foundation.

Roof Inspection
A visual inspection of your building’s roof to ensure drains are clear of all debris and draining, as well as no signs of damage, deterioration, or missing shingles.

Pools
If your condo community has an exterior pool, a visual inspection of the pool cover, all equipment, as well as signage is helpful for planning on any repairs and maintenance required prior to opening.

Courtyards/Gardens/Terraces
Many Corporations have courtyards or gardens in the common areas that are available for residents to sit and enjoy the warmer weather. Exterior drains located in these areas are often overlooked. Visual inspections as well as scheduled flushing will help to minimize blockages and ensure proper draining.

By incorporating some of these important tasks into your spring maintenance checklist, condo communities can ensure their properties are well-maintained and ready for the warmer months ahead.

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By Bonnie Myers & Michelle Compton – iCondo Property Management

Michelle Compton, RCM, is a leader at iCondo Property Management, known for integrating innovative technologies and fostering exceptional client relationships. With a Condominium Management Diploma from Mohawk College and an RCM designation from ACMO, Michelle’s educational journey lays the foundation for her extensive industry knowledge and is complemented by her active involvement with CCI-EO. Michelle has championed the establishment of client-focused online portals, enhancing communication and service delivery, to help the condominium industry evolve with the technological times. Her vision for iCondo’s future is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence, positioning the company as a trendsetter in the industry. Michelle’s leadership extends beyond technology; her commitment to staff training and her open-door policy exemplifies her dedication to building a collaborative and knowledgeable team.

Bonnie Myers serves as the Office Manager at iCondo Property Management Inc., where her expertise in customer service shines through her remarkable 15-year career in the property management sector. At the heart of iCondo, Bonnie plays a pivotal role in team support and development, dedicating herself to continual training and mentorship of team members. Her commitment to excellence is further evidenced by her efforts to introduce and implement new procedures that align with iCondo’s mission: “Managing Condos with Care.” Beyond iCondo, Bonnie is deeply committed to the condominium industry through her involvement with the Canadian Condominium Institute - Eastern Ontario Chapter (CCI-EO), where she contributes her knowledge and skills. Bonnie’s ability and dedication to forge deep, trusting relationships with clients and colleagues alike highlights her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the condo management sector.