What You Should Know About Deck Repair

There are many aspects to deck repair that you should be aware of. It is your responsibility and cost to maintain your deck’s structural integrity. You can learn more about the responsibilities of a homeowner in this article. Continue reading to learn about deck maintenance and repair. Your deck is an extension to your home! A deck can provide more outdoor living space for you and your family, as well as enjoyment for your friends and family.

Structural integrity of a deck

It is extremely important to check the structural integrity of your deck periodically. If it has seen better days, you should call in a professional deck repair company to assess the deck’s safety. Even if your deck is a new construction, you should have it inspected every year, or at least twice a decade, to make sure it’s in good condition. It is simple to inspect your deck and save money in the long-term.

Start by inspecting the posts and piers of your deck. Dig as far as you can to inspect the bottom of each pier or post. If you find a gap, it’s likely that you have loose screws. Make sure that all screws and pier connections have been tightened. This will prevent rot and support your deck’s structural integrity. Also, keep in mind that decks should never sit on concrete pyramids, and they should be at least 42 inches below grade.

Deck maintenance

The proper maintenance of a deck is crucial for its health. While some maintenance may not be visible, it is still important to keep an eye out for rotting wood or structural members. It is time to replace any weak spots. Corroded fasteners could also be a problem. It is crucial to replace them as soon and as quickly as possible. You don’t have to be an expert to replace them. Here are some tips to help ensure your deck lasts many years.

You should first sand down your deck. To smoothen the surface, use an 80-grit sander. Replace any protruding nails with longer deck screws. You shouldn’t pound them out, as this could cause serious damage. If you need to, you can use a scrap wood as a fulcrum to pull your nails. You should also apply exterior-grade adhesive to cracks and unevenness.

Homeowner’s responsibility

When it comes to deck repairs, there are many factors to consider. The guidelines for the complex or condo association will guide homeowners in maintaining their decks and balconies. These guidelines may vary depending on which condo complex you live in. However, you can expect some routine maintenance and repairs. Some condo associations may allow certain improvements beyond the complex, such hot tubs or raised gardens.

Your home insurance policy may cover repair costs if the deck is attached. Your insurance policy may contain limitations or exclusions if your deck is located outside of the home. Your policy will also cover a traditional deck at the back of your house. You can find more information about homeowner’s insurance coverage by reading the fine print in your policy.

Cost of repairing a deck

It is possible to wonder about the cost of repairing wood decks, whether you are building a new deck or repairing an existing one. Minor repairs don’t require permits. However, larger renovations might. The city or county may require a permit for certain items, such as a new deck substructure or railings or stairs. They may also send an inspector to assess the safety of the project. Permits can increase deck repair costs. Although permit processing is not something that contractors enjoy, it can add hundreds of thousands to the total cost.

A damaged deck can prove to be dangerous regardless of its cause. Whether due to general wear and tear or a single incident, a compromised deck surface can cause serious injuries. It’s possible to make a deck look good again if it’s necessary. When choosing a material for your deck, however, it’s important to consider the various looks of wood and other materials. The materials and labor needed to repair the deck will be your responsibility.

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Property owners often hear about property management companies and wonder what they are, in so much as how they benefit a property owner. There are many misconceptions regarding how property managers work and their responsibilities, as well as what sort of properties property management companies can be hired to maintain.

Let’s go over the ins and outs of property management and find out if it’s a service you can benefit from.

What is Property Management? 

Property management means hiring a third party as a property manager to oversee the daily responsibilities of residential, commercial, or industrial properties. Generally, the property manager will ensure the day-to-day repairs, maintenance, and upkeep are taken care of and is usually tasked with caring for investment properties.

What are the Property Manager’s Responsibilities?

The essence of property management is being delegated work that the owner or developer has no time to handle. These responsibilities can range from handling tenants to ensuring the property is properly maintained, specifically, a property manager’s job can include:

• Screening potential tenants
• Signing, drafting and renewing leases 
• Collecting rent from tenants
• Arranging for repairs for the property
• Creating and adhering to property maintenance budgets
• Preparing vacant units
• Advertising the rental property
• Handling lease agreements with tenants
• Rent adjustments
• Supervising property employees
• Handling evictions and move-out processes
• Handling tax for the property
• Ensuring property compliance with the law
• Property record keeping

While this list isn’t exhaustive, it gives a good and rounded impression of what type of responsibilities you can expect property managers to take on. 

Types of Property Management

There are four types of properties that property managers are likely to work and care for:

Residential Real Estate Property

Residential properties can fall to a property management firm usually when it’s a rental space and can include:

• Single-family homes
• Multi-family homes
• Townhouses
• Apartment buildings
• Manufactured homes
• REO properties
• Vacation rentals

Commercial Property

Commercial property is commonly associated with property management companies and can include a wide range of spaces, including:

• Co-working spaces rented by the day or hour, commonly used by freelancers and contractors
• Office properties, such as doctor’s offices or large buildings with multiple offices and levels
• Retail properties, such as malls, restaurants, gas stations, and big-box stores
• Accommodation properties, such as hotels, motels, and resorts. 

Industrial Properties

An industrial property often has more responsibilities for the property managers than the other categories due to the nature of the work performed in these spaces, such as bidding for vendors and compliance with industry codes. Some of the types of properties that fall under property management companies’ purview include:

• Distribution facilities
• Warehouses
• Food packaging plants
• Automative plants
• Steel mills

Special-Use Properties

Special use, or special purpose property, means a property that is designed for a specific use and often translates to property managers needing specific skills to successfully manage them. A special-purpose property includes:

• Schools
• Colleges and universities
• Places of worship
• Resorts
• Sports arenas
• Theaters
• Senior care centers and facilities

Benefits of Having Property Management 

No matter the type of real estate property you own, there are a host of benefits to hiring a property management company, including:

Screening out problem tenants: likely the biggest headache for any real estate owner. Due to a property manager’s experience, they have the insight to see red flags and spot good qualities in a potential tenant, making the screening process more efficient and having better quality tenants long-term.

Decreasing turnover: piggybacking off the first advantage, lower turnover means stable property income and happy tenants. 
Avoiding legal issues: an experience property manager knows the housing and landlord-tenant laws: being able to navigate them while having good relationships with lawyers who specialize in these types of disputes. Some companies will also take care of fees associated with evictions or property damage issues.

Saving money on maintenance and repair: Like being connected with lawyers, an experienced real estate property manager usually works with a maintenance company that due to their professional relationship can benefit from discounted work without losing on quality. They can also stay ahead of repairs by having the time for regular inspections, reducing emergency repair costs.

Property Management For You

Now that you understand what property management is and the common responsibilities they have, along with what type of real estate they handle; do you think you’d benefit from hiring such a company? 

Here at Goodale & Barbieri, we do just this. As one of the largest developers, property managers, and a leading real estate firm, we understand what to look for with tenants and the nuances of managing a property. Since 1937 we’ve handled properties of all sorts and currently over 4 million square feet of commercial property. Discover more about working with experienced experts by following the link below.

To learn more information about this topic, please check out Property Management