As the winter sets in, now is the time to prepare your property. In addition to getting ready for rain and shorter days, the end of the year is a good opportunity to examine the year’s expenses and make smart strategies for the future.

1. Prepare for Rain
Clear out gutters and sump pumps which become clogged with debris, such as leaves and branches. This preventative measure helps avoid back-ups and water intrusion. Also, repair cracked magnesite stairs and walkways, and repaint exposed wood. This prevents rain from seeping in and creating more costly damage to the underlying structure.

2. Adjust Lighting
For the shorter days of winter, reset timers for exterior and common area lights. This is also an opportunity to replace burned out bulbs. Proper lighting is a wise safety measure.

3. Check Landscaping
Rain and cooler temperatures mean less water is needed to maintain landscaping. Reduce watering times, and save on your water bill. Also, confirm that the watering schedule is in compliance with city rules. In Santa Monica, watering must be done before 10am or after 4pm, and the city actively enforces the rules and fines. In addition, winter is the time to apply fertilizer to lawns, and cut back bushes such as roses to promote healthy growth.

4. Review Repairs
Take a look at the repairs completed in the last year. If there are recurring issues, consider whether a new strategy should be employed to resolve the problem permanently. This could mean trying a different repairman or replacing fixtures rather than repairing once again. Also, look for opportunities to prevent problems. For example, repeated plumbing clogs related to the mainline may be minimized with semi-annual preventative clearance of the mainline.

5. Consider Systems Costs
Review building systems such as plumbing and roofing. To determine if it time to upgrade, consider their age, expected life, and the amount spent on related repairs in the last three years. Check with your tax preparer if there may be tax savings. Obtain at least two bids from reputable contractors and try to negotiate the price down. Then determine if this is a good time to make that investment.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at (310) 828-7525 or zina@roque-mark.com.