Yard Maintenance: Should You Hire a Company or a Facilities Manager?

Being in the residential property rental industry entails many responsibilities. Whether you're a property owner or a manager, you need to maintain not only the inside of your properties but also the outside. And when it comes to the "outside" of your properties, the yard is a key component. It may be just a small, open area, but it's integral to a property's overall appeal and maintenance.

You have two main options: hire an outside company to do the maintenance or hire a facilities manager. Both can be effective solutions for keeping your property looking great, but which is best for your situation? Let's explore your options.

Why You Need Yard Maintenance

The yard is usually grassy and surrounds your property. It's what welcomes the people to your property or where they spend their time while visiting or waiting. It's also an area where kids can play. Some may even use it to barbecue. Whatever the use of your yard, it needs maintenance to attract and retain tenants.

Improving Air Quality

A well-maintained yard can improve the air quality of your property and neighborhood. A properly manicured landscape can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while limiting the amount of dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants.

Enhances Overall Well-Being of Tenants

Studies reveal that environments can either increase or reduce stress, which affects people's bodies and overall health. And because nature heals, a well-maintained yard can contribute to your tenants' well-being. It makes your property look more inviting and can provide a calming effect to those who spend time in it, making them feel good about their living space.

Reduces Energy Bill Costs

A healthy and properly mowed lawn can act as an effective insulator, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. A landscape can also protect windows and doors from harsh winds, keeping your property more comfortable. Even during hot summers, your yard will retain more moisture, cool the air, and provide good temperature moderation.

Increase Property Value

Ultimately, having lush green grass and manicured trees, bushes, and flowerbeds can add to the value of your property. It gives your rental a sense of sophistication! Keeping your yard in good condition shows you take pride in your property.

Essential Yard Maintenance Services You Need

It's always best to trust experts for yard maintenance. You need expertise, consistency, and cost-effective services. Professionals also ensure you avoid accidental damage.

Mowing

Regular mowing is essential to keep your yard looking neat and healthy. To stay lush and green, you must cut grass at the right height, frequency, and direction.

Weed Control

Regular weeding is also necessary to keep the lawn healthy and attractive. Weeds compete with your grass for light, water, and nutrients, so keeping them at bay is vital.

Fertilization

Fertilizing your lawn keeps it looking green and healthy. It helps grass maintain its strength, allowing it to tolerate heat and drought better.

Mulching

Mulch helps control weeds, reduce soil erosion, and improve the overall appearance of your yard. It can also help retain moisture and add beneficial nutrients to the soil.

Services for Trees and Flowers

Not only do trees and flowers add beauty to a property, but they also provide shade that helps keep the temperature cool on hot days. Regular trimming and pruning help them stay healthy and attractive.

Pest Control

Pests are a common problem that can destroy your lawn, trees, and flowers. Using suitable pesticides to control mites, beetles, caterpillars, weeds, and other pests is a must.

Irrigation System Maintenance and Repair

Proper irrigation is essential for a healthy landscape, but it's more than just turning on a sprinkler system. Experts can help you design and install an irrigation system.

Yard Maintenance Company vs Facilities Manager

Property owners or managers with an extensive portfolio of rental properties should only trust professionals regarding yard maintenance. It's an investment, and your two options are to hire a facilities manager or a yard maintenance company. Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Yard Maintenance Company

Many businesses focus on providing yard maintenance services. They often offer comprehensive packages tailored to the property owner's needs and can be a cost-effective option in the long run. A company can provide all the essential yard maintenance services mentioned above. However, their scope is limited to the tasks they are hired to do. Property owners manage their yard maintenance contracts and ensure proper scheduling.

Property Management Facilities Manager

What does a facilities manager do? Facilities management is a comprehensive service that goes beyond yard maintenance. It encompasses other aspects of property management, from pest control to safety and security systems. Their scope doesn't solely focus on the yard but on other property areas. Property owners can benefit from reliable, consistent services tailored to their needs and budget.

Hiring a yard maintenance company is an immediate, short-term solution to keep your property looking great. However, if you’re looking for a long-term commitment, investing in a property management facilities manager can be the most cost-effective and efficient solution in the long run!

What Does a Facilities Manager Do?

A facilities manager focuses on tenants' well-being, resolving any issues and guaranteeing everyone a safe environment. They supervise a property's exterior and interior, being on top of the following tasks:

• Scheduling and planning of maintenance and repairs
• Handling legal matters with tenants and third-party suppliers
• Providing tenants with the proper and well-maintained amenities and equipment
• Providing measures to improve property efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Planning for the property's future needs and requirements
• Supervise hired teams
• Dealing with emergencies
• Managing budget
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety, standard, and government regulations
• Working on space management to keep tenants happy and safe
• Guaranteeing secure property surroundings
• Drafting maintenance reports

Excellent facilities managers are strategically and analytically-minded and people-focused. They solve problems, regardless of where they are on the property. Therefore, you may not explicitly see "yard maintenance" in their job description, but it is included in the scope of work a facilities manager does.

Facilities managers are all-around property experts and valuable assets to your team. Property owners and managers should consider the advantages of hiring one before deciding which option suits their needs.

Maintenance Tasks in Property Management

Owning or managing a property requires you to be on top of different maintenance tasks. Property maintenance ensures your inside and outside space is in optimum condition. You do safety checks, garbage disposal, asset repairs, cleaning, rodent and pest control, gardening, and other tasks such as the following and more:

• Fixing Leaks. It's almost always inevitable to have a leaky pipe or faucet on your property. You must check the plumbing system occasionally and ensure no leaks or clogged pipes.
• Proper Drainage. Check the drainage systems and ensure they're functioning properly. Drainage systems can cause costly damage to your property if left unchecked.
• Regular Cleaning. Property maintenance requires regular cleaning, from general dusting and vacuuming to deep cleaning carpets and flooring.
• Property Walls and Ceilings Inspection. You should also inspect walls and ceilings for damage or signs of mold or mildew.
• Painting and Repainting. Property maintenance also requires painting and repainting tasks when necessary. Property exteriors will need a new coat of paint every few years.

There's just too much to do. It's best to have one point person to coordinate all the activities in a property than to hire different companies for each task! Each maintenance task matters as much as the other, so you will benefit from having a facilities manager who understands all your needs and can manage them for you.

ExactEstate: Property Management Software Made Easy

Property management is demanding, but with the right people and tools, you can stay on top of your daily operations and successfully maintain your properties! ExactEstate is a property management software that's a one-stop shop to streamline all processes into one. Whether you're a property owner or manager, you can use ExactEstate to track maintenance tasks and save time and money in the long run.

ExactEstate provides an array of features, such as property maintenance tracking, tenant management, financial reporting, online payments, lease management, and more. If you're looking for a comprehensive property management solution, ExactEstate is a perfect choice. Set up a demo now!