©2013 Institute of Real Estate Management. This document was prepared for your use by the IREM® Knowledge Center. Links to resources were active at the time of publication.

Top10BuildingSystemstoInspectNowMaintenance on major systems such as roofs, HVACs, and life safety systems comprise a significant portion of the property’s operating budget. Not to mention that these components have the greatest potential for risk in terms of malfunction, loss, and expense. Proper, quality maintenance can help reduce this risk. What should a property manager look for? Review the top 10 building systems to inspect and their most common maintenance issues below.

CommonRoofingIssues

Ponding water

Flashing failure

Clogged scuppers or downspouts

Conduit not elevated on blocks

Separation of single-ply roofing

Bubbles on built-up roofs

Exposed felts

Pitch pan issues especially around HVAC units

CommonHVACIssues

Dirty filters

Dirty coils

Dirty vents

Loose belts

Residents or commercial tenants covering vents to limit the amount of heat or air conditioning coming through

CommonIssuesforPavedSurfaces

Pot holes

Expansion joints

Alligatoring

Clogged drainage catch basins

Cracked/uneven sidewalks top the list

©2013 Institute of Real Estate Management. This document was prepared for your use by the IREM® Knowledge Center. Links to resources were active at the time of publication.

CommonPlumbingSystemIssues

Leaks

Rusted pipes

Stains or calcium deposits on and around pipes

Running urinals or toilets

Dirty or overflowing grease traps

Retention ponds that are overgrown or filled with debris

Electrolysis, or copper connected to lead

CommonElectricalSystemIssues

Trash or storage in an electrical closet

Extension cord plugged into another extension cord

Burn marks on the wall above the baseboard or heater

No GFCI by sink

Uncovered junction and/or circuit breaker boxes

Overloaded duplex outlet

CommonFireandLifeSafeySystemIssues

Disconnected fire alarm system

Leaking or missing eschelons

Locked out/tagged out equipment

Lack of signage on mechanical or laundry rooms

Improperly installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

CommonEscalatorIssues

Stopped escalators

Gaps on the sides of escalator stairs

Loose/broken belts

©2013 Institute of Real Estate Management. This document was prepared for your use by the IREM® Knowledge Center. Links to resources were active at the time of publication.

CommonElevatorIssues

Dirty elevator room

Trash in elevator pits

Missing signage (load, permit, contact information)

Missing or non-working emergency communication system inside the elevator

Uneven leveling of the elevator floor

Doors not closing completely

Electronic eyes in elevator doors not working properly

Dirty elevator tracks

CommonIssuesForSwimmingPoolsandFountains

Missing signage around the pool

No screen or filter around the pool, pond, or fountain

Broken rails on swimming pool ladders

CommonLandscapingIssues Poor curb appeal

Tree limbs near windows

Plants overlapping pedestrian walkways

Improper snow removal