How to Engage Your Community as an HOA

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

HOA Board Having a Meeting

How to Engage Your Community as an HOA

Are you wondering how to engage your community as an HOA? One of the benefits of living in a neighborhood or community with a homeowners association (HOA) is that residents have opportunities to be connected and engaged. HOAs work best when you foster a sense of community.

However, many people who live in HOAs live as though they are on their own little "islands" instead of seeing their properties as part of a bigger picture. This frustrates HOA board members and those tasked with managing and overseeing HOAs. When HOA residents are engaged, this leads to increased volunteerism, safety, and quality of life! Everyone is happier when there's a stronger sense of community. That's why SERVPRO® works so hard to help local HOAs build a strong sense of pride for residents. We want to share seven proven tips for boosting resident engagement in your HOA.

1. Get on Social Media for Regular Communication

Helping residents connect online can help them connect in real life! It's up to you to decide whether to make your social media presence public or private. If you choose public, this could look like a Facebook or Instagram page. If you prefer a more guarded online presence, consider creating a private Facebook group for community members only. A private page offers a place where moderators can make announcements and share important community information. Additionally, residents can share photos and talk about the community. If you don't want to be dependent on social media to get residents connected, consider having a professional website that features a member portal. Residents can use login information to access postings and chat features.

2. Host Family Movie Nights

If your HOA has a clubhouse or outdoor common areas with lots of space, this creates the perfect opportunity to host family movie nights once a month. Invite residents to bring lawn chairs and snacks for a night of old-fashioned fun. The key here is to choose films of all ages that everyone can enjoy. If your community has a large shared outdoor space, consider moving the movie outdoors for the summer. Put a film projector in the budget for next quarter to start enjoying "films and fireflies" on gorgeous summer nights. If movie night succeeds, use the momentum to form a social committee to plan card nights, game nights, formal dances, and more.

3. Create a Community Volunteer Program

Consider creating a volunteer squad to help with everything from setting up HOA events to lending helping hands to neighbors during struggles. The truth is that people feel more invested in their community when they know they are needed. A volunteer squad allows residents to use their time and talents to improve their community. In addition, residents will see that they are part of a strong, vibrant community when they see volunteers working hard for the betterment of everyone.

4. Form a Book Club

Consider creating an official book club for your HOA to increase community engagement. The group can meet at a community space within the HOA or allow different members to host at their homes. A book club allows members to bond over a shared experience. It is both a social and intellectual pursuit.

5. Form Sports Leagues or Clubs

Wondering how to engage your community as an HOA in a fun, healthy way? If your HOA has a pool or pickleball/tennis court, consider introducing the idea of tournaments or competitions. Members can even form fun leagues. This is a great way to help members strengthen bonds while enjoying the health benefits of training for some friendly competition. Even HOA members who don't participate can still enjoy the fun of watching from the sidelines. If your HOA doesn't have amenities that support this type of thing, consider introducing a walking club that gives residents opportunities to stay active in a group atmosphere.

6. Create a Welcome Committee

Does your HOA have a welcome committee? If not, you're missing an opportunity to build a strong community by helping residents feel engaged right from the start! Welcome each new resident with a basket of muffins, some wine, or other goodies. It's also very important that the welcome letter accompanying the basket lists upcoming events happening in the community that everyone is encouraged to attend! Don't forget also to include an invitation to the next board meeting.

7. Make Your Homeowners Association HOA a Place People Can Be Proud to Live

Attempts to encourage active participation among community members won't go far if homeowners don't feel good about where they live. That's why keeping an HOA properly managed is the best way to increase community engagement. That means using long-term planning to create financial stability for the association. It also means providing clean, safe, and well-maintained spaces. Nothing hurts a sense of community like buildings that are falling apart. If residents have complained about the state of things, make sure you're doing an architectural review to ensure that everything is sound.

The foundation for engaging your community as an HOA is simply creating a place where people can feel safe and take pride in their homes. That's why any structures damaged by weather or age should be taken care of by a company offering commercial building restoration services. Don't let problems linger. Call for restoration today!

Fire Safety Tips for Property Managers

12/8/2024 (Permalink)

Fire extinguisher inspection

Fire Safety Tips for Property Managers

Maintaining fire safety in residential and commercial properties is not just a legal obligation but a crucial responsibility for property managers. Whether ensuring fire equipment is in working order or educating tenants on best practices, fire prevention can save lives and protect investments. The following fire safety tips will help property managers minimize the risks and prepare a building for the unexpected.

1. Regularly Inspect Fire Safety Equipment

Fire extinguishers are critical components of a fire safety system, including sprinklers, smoke detectors, and fire alarms. Regular inspections ensure these devices are functional and ready for emergencies.

Ensure fire extinguishers are also easily accessible and properly mounted. Employees and tenants should know where extinguishers are located and how to use them. The fire alarm system should also undergo inspection and maintenance by certified personnel at least once a year, as early detection is crucial in controlling fires. Test smoke detectors monthly.

Installing and maintaining systems for fire suppression, including sprinklers and fire-resistant doors and walls, is critical. Property managers should work with fire safety professionals to confirm that these systems are functioning properly and up to code. Adequate fire suppression can contain or extinguish a fire before it becomes uncontrollable, potentially saving lives and property.

Property managers should replace faulty equipment immediately to comply with safety regulations. They must also keep detailed records of maintenance, checks, and repairs related to fire safety equipment.

2. Keep Emergency Exit Routes Clear

One of the essential fire safety tips for property managers is keeping clear emergency exit routes, a cornerstone of fire safety. This action can make all the difference in ensuring a safe, efficient evacuation during an emergency.

Property managers should frequently perform walkthroughs of every evacuation path to confirm that all exits are fully operable and free from obstructions like debris, storage items, or misplaced furniture. It’s equally important to ensure that all emergency exits are marked with illuminated or reflective signs that occupants can easily spot in well-lit and low-visibility conditions.

Post clear maps in lobbies, hallways, and other common areas to guide occupants to the nearest exit in an emergency. These maps should be regularly updated to reflect structural changes in the building. Lastly, it’s essential to train staff to enforce rules about keeping exit routes clear and to ensure they understand the significance of these regulations for the safety of everyone in the building.

3. Provide Fire Safety Training and Education

Educating staff and tenants on fire safety is critical. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports that approximately 74% of residential fires are caused by cooking.

Property managers should circulate information about common fire hazards, prevention actions, and proper use of fire safety equipment to tenants. Clear guidelines on evacuation procedures should also be provided.

Organizing annual fire drills for residential and commercial properties helps reinforce evacuation procedures. Staff should receive additional training to recognize fire hazards and report them promptly. Encourage tenants to participate in fire drills for their safety. Digital communications or flyers with fire prevention tips can also be effective.

4. Property Maintenance Routines

Routine property maintenance is a crucial aspect of any comprehensive fire safety plan. Regular inspections and upkeep can help spot potential fire hazards before they become serious, providing a proactive approach to fire prevention.

One key area to focus on is the electrical system. Overloaded electrical panels and short circuits can cause fires, so the system must be inspected and maintained regularly. Any reports from tenants about faulty appliances, outlets, or wiring should be handled immediately to prevent dangerous situations from escalating. Neglecting these issues can increase the chances of an electrical fire.

In addition to electrical maintenance, it's important to schedule regular servicing of the HVAC system. A malfunctioning or overworked HVAC unit can pose significant fire risks by overheating or placing too much strain on the building’s electrical system. Routine HVAC check-ups will help ensure these systems operate safely and efficiently.

Property managers should also look for storm damage, which can expose electrical wires or cause other structural issues that might increase fire risks. It’s also essential to store flammable materials, such as mulch or other landscaping elements, well away from the building’s perimeter to reduce the chance of accidental fires.

5. Have a Fire Evacuation Plan

Every property should have a comprehensive fire evacuation plan that includes emergency procedures, locations of evacuation maps and fire extinguishers, and staff responsibilities. Assign fire wardens to assist with evacuations and ensure the plan addresses the needs of all occupants, including those with visual or hearing impairments.

Share the fire evacuation plan with new tenants upon move-in and employees as part of their onboarding process, and revisit it regularly to update it as needed.

6. Install Fire-Resistant Building Materials

Fire safety tips for property managers include using fire-resistant materials during renovations or new construction. These specialized materials can slow the spread of fire, giving occupants more time to evacuate and reducing property damage.

Fire-resistant materials include concrete, treated wood, and gypsum board, which can be used to enhance the safety of older buildings. Fire-rated doors can also slow the spread of fire. The property manager should conduct regular inspections to check for wear and tear of fire doors, and replacements should be made as necessary.

7. Implement Fire Hazard Policies

Creating fire-hazard policies is essential for protecting occupants in multi-unit and multi-story buildings at higher risk. Policies should prohibit using space heaters and open flames, like candles, in non-designated areas.

Tenants should also be restricted from storing gasoline or other flammable liquids on the property. Implement a reporting system so tenants can notify property managers of fire hazards and enforce strict penalties for violating fire safety rules.

8. Use Proper Signage

Proper signage is crucial for fire safety, and here's another fire safety tip for property managers: Install “No Smoking” signs in designated areas and use illuminated or reflective signage to mark evacuation routes clearly.

Evacuation maps and emergency procedures should be posted in visible locations like lobbies and next to elevators. Rooms containing fire safety equipment should be clearly labeled, and all signage must meet local fire code requirements for visibility and placement.

9. Keep Updated on Local Fire Regulations

Property managers need to keep informed about local fire safety regulations to ensure compliance and reduce legal liability. Review fire safety laws regularly for changes that could affect the property. Attend fire safety courses designed for property managers to stay up-to-date on best practices. Collaborating with local fire departments is also essential to address compliance issues promptly and effectively.

Fire Safety is a Great Property Management Habit

Fire safety is an ongoing commitment for property managers that requires regular maintenance, proper training, and adherence to local regulations. By staying proactive and implementing these fire prevention strategies, property managers can help safeguard their properties and their occupants. For support in fire safety measures and restoration after an incident, trust  SERVPRO® restoration to get the job done right. Contact us today!

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Water Damage

12/4/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage in the wall

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Water Damage

Although water is an essential part of life, it also has the potential to cause harm. Nowhere is this more true than when water invades your home or business. Whether due to flooding, a leak, a major spill, or another water disaster, water damage can cause all kinds of short-term problems, but the long-term effects of untreated water damage can cause harm.

Before you ignore that dripping faucet in the bathroom or leaky pipe under your home, consider the following potential consequences of long-term water damage:

Wood Rot

Wood is used worldwide in the construction industry. While it is a great building material for homes and businesses, it is susceptible to rot when exposed to sustained moisture. Wood's porous nature means it absorbs water like a sponge, and even treated wood can be at risk when exposed to enough water over time.

As wood becomes saturated with moisture, it loses hardness and becomes pliable. When this occurs, the wood structure breaks down, leading to wood rot. This rotting effect causes water-damaged wood to fall apart over time, often leading to the next biggest long-term effect of untreated water damage: structural instability.

Structural Instability

Structural instability caused by moisture damage and wood rot can be a serious concern, both for your property and your safety. To make matters worse, you must repair this damage and mitigate the problem if you plan to sell your property. Potential buyers are likely to shy away from a property with known water damage or ongoing problems with water mitigation.

The insidious thing about moisture damage and structural integrity is that this damage can create a domino effect. As structural pieces of a home begin to weaken, they can shift and place weight on parts of the structure not designed to hold.

For example, if your flooring has moisture damage and begins to buckle, the foundation of your walls can shift. When this happens, the foundation for your roof can shift. As the weight of the various parts of a structure begins to jostle, this shifting weight can upend the structural integrity of parts of a home or business that never even experienced water damage directly.

Mold Growth

Even if you don’t experience wood rot that leads to structural instability, mold growth is another one of the major long-term effects of untreated water damage. This is especially true if you have people in your home who have compromised immune systems or respiratory issues.

Although not all mold is dangerous, even a little can cause allergic reactions. As mold grows and spreads in moist, dark environments, it can take over interior spaces and lead to more serious health problems. So-called “black mold” is often cited as a serious concern, but for most people, black mold will not cause any greater harm than any other type of mold. For people with severe allergies, however, black mold can cause serious illness.

While some water damage is easy to see, mold can grow silently in cracks and crevices, inside porous materials, under flooring, behind walls, and elsewhere. This means that even if you clean up surface mold, you may still have a problem on your hands. To complicate things further, individual mold spores are microscopic, so you can still have mold spreading throughout your home after water damage, even if you’ve cleaned surfaces with visible mold.

Insects and Vermin

Moisture is also a primary driver of insects and vermin. Just like humans, bugs and pests need water to survive. The difference is that people use the sink or visit the grocery store for water. Bugs, on the other hand, invade spaces where water is found. If this is your home or business, guess what? You may have an infestation on your hands, including termites!

Unfortunately, it may not be obvious initially, like mold, bugs, and vermin. Insects, mice, and more can squeeze through cracks and build nests in hidden places. While you think you’ve cleaned up water after a pipe burst, you may have a colony of bugs living beneath your floorboards, feeding off of leftover moisture in your wood.

In addition to being unsightly and uninvited, bugs and vermin can pose a health hazard to you and your loved ones. Health issues arising from insect and vermin infestations can range from mild to severe, and once pests make your home their own, they can be tough to get rid of.

Potential Future Damage

Lastly, future damage to your home or business may be risky due to water damage. Electronics and electrical systems that come into contact with water may not seem damaged at first glance, but water may corrode and weaken internal electrical connections. As water and electricity do not mix, a damaged electrical system may cause an electric shock or fire.

How to Prevent Water Damage Around Your Home or Business

Although it may not be possible to prevent water damage in an emergency, there are some steps you can take to prevent and deal with damage caused by moisture. First, look for signs of water damage. These can include discolorations on walls and flooring or the smell of mold in the air around your home or business.

Next, excess water should be cleaned up as soon as possible after damage has occurred. Addressing water damage quickly often offers the best chance to resolve and mitigate damage fully. However, remember that hidden moisture may lurk within your walls, carpeting, or other flooring, crawlspaces, basements, and attics.

Because water damage isn’t always obvious, you’re encouraged to partner with a restoration expert who specializes in addressing water damage if you’ve experienced a leak or flooding incident. A professional water damage company can clean up messes left behind and restore your home or business to its original condition. Restoration specialists also typically check for hidden damage to offer additional security and peace of mind.

Contact the Water Damage Experts at SERVPRO of Arcadia for Fast Relief

SERVPRO® is the team to call when you need the experts in water damage restoration Arcadia trusts. Our team specializes in removing moisture and restoring your home or business to its original condition. Still, we also mitigate damage from the water you may not see, including behind walls, under flooring, and more.

How to Improve Tenant Retention

12/3/2024 (Permalink)

Tenant with landlord

How to Improve Tenant Retention

High turnover costs make tenant retention important. Unit vacancies, marketing costs, and between-tenant cleanings all eat into your bottom line. That's why tenant retention is a hot topic among landlords and property managers. Ideally, you'll hang on to good tenants for as long as possible without needlessly "chasing them away" with how you run your property.

Of course, the truth is that no property manager can hold on to every great tenant forever. Tenants often leave for reasons that are beyond their control. However, high tenant turnover is avoidable. At a typical residential real estate property, the retention rate is around 50%. If you can get yours to 60% to 65%, your rental property will be ahead of most.

Here's a look at six tips for how to improve tenant retention.

1. Price Rent Fairly

Is high rent chasing tenants away? If you've noticed tenants renewing their leases at a lower rate than usual, rent costs could be blamed. You may have elevated your rental price at a faster pace than competitors. Analyze where your rent falls based on comparable properties in your rental market.

Tenants have more access to price comparisons than ever before. Even happy tenants won't stay if it means paying more for the same general location and square footage. While lowering rental rates often feels like a step backward, boosting tenant retention rates could make you money in the long run.

2. Incentivize Lease Renewals

Entice tenants to renew by offering perks for loyalty. It's common for property management to offer discounts when tenants commit to renewals by a certain date. This generally means allowing tenants to lock in the current rate instead of being subject to the new tenant rental rate. Getting an early commitment also helps you to plan accordingly based on whether you'll need to list the apartment on rental websites. The ability to start marketing a unit early if a tenant won't be returning can help you avoid "lost months" caused by unexpected vacancies.

3. Help Tenants Build Positive Credit

A quality tenant may be more likely to stay if they feel they're getting a long-term benefit beyond getting the cheapest rental rate or high-end amenities. The truth is that many renters are working their way to homeownership. However, it may be a few years until that happens. One win-win situation for the landlord-tenant relationship is a credit-reporting program. Under this arrangement, on-time rental payments are reported to credit bureaus to help tenants build their credit scores.

Why is this such an important perk? One of the biggest complaints among renters is that they don't get any "points" for paying rent on time. With rental payments often equaling or eclipsing mortgages today, this is frustrating. Most property managers and landlords don't report positive rental histories because they don't want to be bothered. This is what makes this such an underused tool for tenant retention.

4. Reevaluate Your Approach to Maintenance

If you want to know how to improve tenant retention, the key is making a rental feel like home tenants don't want to leave. Maintenance plays a big role in this. Unfortunately, the stereotype of the "landlord special" for most apartment upgrades and maintenance requests is true at many properties. It's common for good tenants to leave because they're frustrated by the state of a property.

Maintenance should be a priority instead of an obligation. Start with an orderly, clear process for submitting maintenance requests. Next, have a system for keeping tenants updated on when requests are expected to be completed. It's also important that you have a qualified, professional maintenance person or team available to handle repairs and upgrades at your property. Many property managers try to handle maintenance on their own to save money. However, fast and high-quality maintenance should be considered an important investment in the overall financial health of your property.

Of course, maintenance isn't just about reacting when tenants make requests. You must proactively ensure your property is free of pests, mold, water damage, and other underlying problems. Owners of damaged properties need to handle remediation before even allowing tenants in.

5. Learn Why Tenants Are Leaving

High tenant turnover rates may be unavoidable in your market. However, you may lose good tenants because of what your property lacks without even knowing it. This is why tenant feedback is such an integral part of good property management. There are several ways to handle tenant feedback. The first is to consider an annual tenant survey. A 10-question survey about general satisfaction, quality of life, and likelihood of renewing provides a look into the tenant experience. It can also help you anticipate tenants renewing their leases or vacating within the next 12 months. Be sure to leave an open space for tenants to suggest what they'd like to see improved at the property.

6. Consider Being More Flexible With Reliable Tenants

This tip for how to improve tenant retention requires some judgment calls. Anyone in property management for a while knows that some renters are autopilot tenants. They send their rent check in on time, they never make complaints, and nobody ever complains about them. They are simply responsible renters who are trying to enjoy a good quality of life at your rental. There may be times when these tenants make special requests. For example, they may want a cat even though the lease agreement didn't include pets. They may want to paint the walls in the living room because they're tired of drab white walls. There may even be a rare time when an unexpected circumstance causes them to pay their rent late.

In most cases, there's more to lose by being rigid or penalizing these tenants than by being flexible. Make a policy of pulling up a tenant's rental history before passing automatic "no" responses. Think of the benefit of retaining a tenant for an extra three to five years simply because you said "yes" to painting a living room green. Additionally, think of the bad blood that is created if you charge a late fee or make a report to a credit bureau just because a tenant was a few days late on rent one time after several years of consistency. There's a good chance the tenant will care much less about respecting your property afterward. They may also feel inspired to start browsing rental listings in the area.

Happy Renters Are Good for Your Bottom Line

Getting tenants to renew doesn't have to feel like pulling teeth. The "secret tip" for improving tenant retention is creating a space where people want to live. This starts with creating a safe, clean, and inviting space where tenants don't feel like they're at the whims of their landlord when it comes to enjoying things like maintenance and amenities. If you need to make updates or repairs to enhance the quality of life at your rental property, SERVPRO® is here to address all of your remediation needs for fire, mold damage, water damage, and more. Our teams offer unmatched expertise and professionalism for jobs of every size. Contact us today!

Best Practices for Water Damage Restoration

11/13/2024 (Permalink)

Fixing water damage with fans

Best Practices for Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can quickly grow from a minor issue to a major problem if not handled quickly. Taking immediate steps using the best practices for water damage restoration will help you prevent further complications like mold growth or structural damage.

1. Timing Is Crucial

When responding to an incident involving water damage, each passing moment could allow more water to seep under flooring, absorb into drywall or insulation, or saturate carpeting and furniture. The longer building materials and belongings remain wet, the more damage occurs, such as warping and swelling.

Mold, mildew, and bacteria may start to appear within 24-48 hours on wet surfaces. Immediately identifying the water source and stopping the flow is the best way to minimize further complications, damage, and repair costs. Quickly catching damage can also preserve valuable belongings that might otherwise become unsalvageable.

2. Put Safety First

Depending on the degree of water damage, affected areas could become a safety risk, which requires making them safe to inhabit before any restoration work begins. It is essential to be aware of potential fire damage and safety concerns. Best practices for water damage restoration begin with turning off the electricity to prevent dangerous fire hazards from wet wires or outlets. Take precautions to prevent electrocution and wear protective gear such as masks, boots, and gloves to avoid contamination from contact with bacteria and mold.

Before entering, assess the structure’s stability, considering ceilings, walls, and floors. If there is any risk of the structure collapsing, evacuate the building. Additionally, be cautious of sharp debris, slippery floors, and other hazards that may have been created due to excess water.

3. Locate the Source of the Water

When starting the repair and restoration process, it is critical to know the type of water and where it is coming from. Clean water from broken pipes has less associated risk but should still be handled quickly. Grey water from appliances is potentially more hazardous because it can contain bacteria or chemicals.

Black water is considered a biohazard, and it comes from sewage leaks and other sources that can pose significant health risks to building occupants. Stopping water flow is essential to prevent further damage and other issues. Identifying the source and performing needed repairs first prevents recurring water issues during the structure's restoration process.

4. Remove Standing Water

Any standing water should be immediately removed to limit damage inside a building. Water pumps are effective for large amounts of water, while wet/dry vacuums are often more effective for smaller areas. Quickly extracting water can significantly minimize damage, especially to wood floors, carpeting, and walls.

Remember that hidden areas, such as crawl spaces and basements, also need water removed. To prevent mold and mildew growth, be especially thorough and ensure all spaces are dried out.

5. Assessing the Damage

A comprehensive assessment is necessary for insurance claims and restoration planning. Before starting any restoration work, it is essential to document the damage by taking videos and extensive photographs of water-damaged areas. Be sure to record the extent of the water damage to understand its total reach and where repairs are needed.

Include documentation on materials that are too damaged to repair, such as warped flooring, drywall, baseboards, and carpets. While documenting, create a detailed list that includes all the affected items that need repairs or replacement for insurance purposes. Having this proper documentation will become critical for navigating insurance claims later on.

6. Remove Unsalvageable Materials

Depending on the scale of the damage, some materials will not be salvageable and must be discarded. For drywall, it is essential to cut out and remove water-damaged areas at least 12 inches above the line where the water level shows. Water can soak deep into the drywall, and the damage may be more extensive than it appears. If carpet is soaked, it must be discarded, especially if exposed to gray or black water, due to bacteria and other contaminants.

Inspect the building's insulation in the walls and attic because it can absorb water like a sponge. Even if the wetness does not show in the drywall, insulation can remain wet and harbor mold growth if not addressed. Flooring that has become weakened, damaged or warped must also be removed and replaced. It is also essential to evaluate the building's wooden structural components, such as beams and studs, for any signs of rot.

7. Drying and Dehumidifying the Area

Effective drying and moisture removal are essential to curbing additional damage and preventing mold and bacteria growth. Larger, industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers can quickly and effectively reduce moisture levels. Open the structure's doors and windows to increase airflow, speeding up drying.

Hidden spaces like walls, subfloor, and ceilings need special attention to ensure no moisture remains. Before proceeding with restoration work, use moisture meters to confirm that the building areas are thoroughly dried and ready for work. The drying could take several days, so continue with fans and dehumidification until all the materials are moisture-free.

8. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Clean and sanitize any areas that have been water-damaged to eliminate contaminants. Effective disinfectants must be used to clean surfaces exposed to gray or black water. Ensure that walls, furniture, and floors are cleaned and sanitized to remove bacteria and mold spores.

Focus additional attention on areas where bacteria thrive, such as kitchens and bathrooms. HVAC systems can also spread contamination, so remember to disinfect them and change the filters. Use safe and non-toxic cleaning solutions, especially for areas used by people and pets.

9. Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold growth is a vital step in restoration after a structure sustains water damage. Acting quickly to dry out all moisture is essential because mold thrives in damp conditions. Clean areas that sustained water damage with mold-killing products, wiping down all surfaces and materials that became wet.

Best practices for water damage restoration include using an antimicrobial spray to prevent mold growth in affected areas. Porous materials like drywall and carpet are susceptible to mold growth and should be removed and replaced. Additionally, although areas may seem dry, monitor water-damaged areas for signs of mold for several weeks after the incident.

10. Inspect for Structural Damage

Water leaks, floods, or pooling in a structure can compromise the building's integrity, necessitating an inspection and potential repairs. Check all load-bearing walls and beams for signs of weakness or indications of rot.

Inspect the building's foundation for any shifts or cracks that changes in water pressure might have caused. If water damage has weakened floors, walls, or ceilings, they may need additional reinforcement during restoration efforts. Replace any damaged electrical outlets or wiring that were exposed to water. Finally, it is a good idea to hire professionals to ensure the repairs and restoration work meet building safety standards.

11. Restoration and Insurance

Once the structure has dried out and passed a safety inspection, it is time to begin restoring and replacing damaged contents. Ensure all salvageable items, such as furniture and appliances, are clean, checked for safety, and dried. If the building contained upholstered furniture or bedrooms sustained water damage and mattresses got wet, they most likely need replacement due to mold or other contamination.

If water damage has affected essential documents and photos, professional restoration services may help restore them or create copies. Partnering with professionals ensures the restoration process is effective and smooth. The insurance company may be able to provide a list of providers. Contact them early to begin a claim and get additional guidance on how to move forward.

Keep detailed records of all repair costs, including materials and labor expenses. For more extensive or complex jobs, work with a certified water damage restoration company. After speaking with the insurance company, ensure that contractors understand the insurance procedures to coordinate the project seamlessly. Regularly communicate with the restoration team and insurance company for updates and additional guidance or advice.

Stop Water Damage in Its Tracks

When you are dealing with water damage, time is of the essence. Taking quick action can limit the damage and prevent long-term problems. Proactive measures also prevent more minor issues from turning into costly projects. Start the restoration process quickly to protect your property and ensure the safety of your commercial building or home. Turn to SERVPRO of Arcadia when you need professional, experienced water restoration specialists. Call us for more information today!

Creating a Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Building

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

Evacuation Plan

Creating a Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Building

A comprehensive plan to handle fire evacuation is crucial for ensuring building occupants' safety during emergencies. You can establish an efficient and effective response strategy by following a series of steps to create a fire evacuation plan for your building.

1. Assess the Building Layout and Fire Risk

Before you can create an effective fire evacuation plan, it is essential to understand the building's structure and any potential fire hazards. Review the building's layout, including the location of stairwells, exits, and corridors with no exits. Identify common fire hazards such as cooking areas, electrical equipment, and storage rooms.

Additionally, note any flammable materials in the building and open areas that could allow fire to spread quickly. Consider other structure characteristics, like the number of floors and whether the building is a high-rise or has many large, open spaces. Ensure up-to-date floorplans or blueprints are available for analysis while building a comprehensive evacuation plan.

2. Designate Evacuation Exits

Establishing primary and secondary exits and marking them is essential to guide occupants to safety in a fire situation. Identify all usable building exits, ensuring each area has at least two routes. In the evacuation plan, prioritize exits that lead occupants directly out of the building to a safe location or assembly point outdoors.

Elevators are unreliable in emergencies, so prioritize stairwells in the evacuation plan. Consider the needs of occupants with disabilities, and plan to use evacuation exits accessible to everyone. Mark exits with lighted signage and ensures it can be seen from all angles.

3. Plan Evacuation Routes

Identifying detailed evacuation routes lays a foundation for creating a fire evacuation plan for your building. Planned routes ensure occupants know how to escape safely in an emergency. In addition to primary evacuation routes, identify alternate routes in case any exits become blocked during an emergency. Map out the routes for each building floor, with clear paths that lead occupants to the primary and secondary exits.

During a building exit, ensure that the evacuation routes do not take occupants through hazardous areas such as boiler rooms or kitchens. Additionally, if the building has had previous fire incidents, ensure the property has been inspected for visible signs of damage and mold, which could create issues for future evacuation efforts. Promptly addressing these issues ensures that all routes remain safe and usable for fire drills and emergencies.

Display maps of evacuation routes prominently, placing them in high-visibility areas like corridors, elevators, and lobbies. On the maps, mark designated safe areas inside the building where occupants can gather to wait for assistance if they cannot immediately exit the building.

4. Plan for Special Needs and Assistance

Not all occupants can evacuate from the building in an emergency without assistance or at the same pace, so build additional accommodations into the plan. Identify individuals needing evacuation assistance, such as pregnant women, disabled, or elderly building occupants. Assign trained evacuation monitors who know the exit routes and procedures to help those with mobility issues.

Identify and map out areas where those unable to use the stairs can wait for help. Some building occupants may have visual or hearing impairments. The plan should include sound-based alarms and tactile evacuation maps to accommodate them. To ensure occupants know how to work together in an emergency, conduct regular fire drills and simulate evacuation procedures for those who need additional help.

5. Assign Roles and Responsibilities

Creating a fire evacuation plan for your building relies on teamwork for its success, which includes having designated personnel to guide occupants and assist them during an emergency. Appoint a floor captain or fire warden for each building floor to guide people along the evacuation routes in an emergency. Assign additional people as backups if the primary floor captains are unavailable or affected by the fire.

Designate and train personnel to perform essential tasks during a fire, such as turning off utilities and closing fire doors. Ensure the team knows the building’s layout and evacuation plan procedures. Develop a clear protocol for communication between the floor captains or wardens, building management, and fire emergency response personnel.

6. Establish a Fire Alarm and Notification System

Time is critical in an emergency response plan, and rapid notification ensures prompt evacuation with less confusion during a fire. Install fire alarms on each building floor, ensuring they are loud enough for occupants to hear throughout the building. Include strobe lights or other visual alarms for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Set up an automated alert system to ensure occupants receive emergency notifications. The system should transmit emergency alerts via phone, text, or email. Install fire alarms that can be activated manually in areas near fire exits or by equipment such as fire extinguishers or hoses. Design the alarm system to automatically alert the local fire department in case of a fire emergency.

7. Establish an Emergency Communication Plan

In emergency situations, clear, consistent communication is essential to let everyone know where to go and what to do. Develop a method for announcing evacuations over loudspeakers and create pre-written scripts to prevent confusion or panic under pressure.

Ensure a mass communication system, such as text alerts, is set up to establish lines of communication with security, building management, and emergency responders. Additionally, emergency communication devices like radios or phones should be included and kept accessible to floor captains and other evacuation team members.

8. Designate Assembly Points

Designate assembly points that are safe from the building and other potential fire hazards. Set up several for larger buildings with many occupants. Assign personnel to take headcounts and create a plan to locate missing individuals who are not present at assembly points. Promptly relay headcount information and coordinate with emergency responders to ensure all occupants are safe and accounted for.

9. Implement Training and Fire Drills

Conducting regular fire drills is an essential step in creating a fire evacuation plan for your building. Schedule drills at least twice annually, using different scenarios and times. During drills, instruct occupants on safety protocols, evacuation routes, and assembly points.

Provide training on how to use fire extinguishers and where to locate additional fire safety equipment. Simulate a genuine emergency and debrief afterward to review how the drill went and what needs improvement.

10. Maintain and Update the Fire Evacuation Plan Regularly

An evacuation plan needs to be revisited and updated to reflect building and occupant changes; otherwise, it will become less effective over time. Review the plan each year or after any significant occupancy or building changes. Integrate feedback from previous fire drills to refine and improve the plan.

Inspect all alarms, evacuation signage, and emergency lighting regularly to ensure they work correctly. Meet periodically with fire wardens and other personnel on your safety team to review roles and procedures. Finally, brief new tenants or occupants on the fire evacuation plan when they move into the building.

Ensure a Safe and Successful Evacuation in an Emergency

Creating the right plan for an efficient fire evacuation requires thoughtful planning, thorough training, and regular updates. By preparing for different scenarios and ensuring clear communication channels, building occupants are better protected in emergency situations. If your building has mold or water damage, our SERVPRO® restoration professionals can handle it before it becomes an emergency. Call us for more information today!

How to Identify Mold in Your Property

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

Woman discovers mold at home

How to Identify Mold in Your Property

Mold: An Unseen Problem in Your Home

Mold is a type of fungi commonly found in areas with sufficient moisture. It thrives in environments with excess humidity, oxygen, and organic material to feed on, such as wood or drywall. While mold is a natural part of the environment, when it begins to grow indoors, it may indicate a moisture problem that needs to be addressed to prevent long-term damage.

Is Mold Dangerous?

While mold is a naturally occurring organism, its presence indoors often signals a moisture issue that can impact your property. Uncontrolled moisture exposure can cause wood rot, compromising the integrity of structural elements like walls, floors, and ceilings. Additionally, areas of your property with ongoing mold growth often indicate underlying issues such as plumbing leaks or ventilation problems, which may require further investigation and remediation.

Although the term “black mold” is widely used in media and by the public, it’s more effective to focus on identifying and addressing mold growth, regardless of color or appearance. All types of mold can contribute to material deterioration in the presence of ongoing moisture, making early identification and remediation critical for maintaining the safety and stability of your property.

Common Signs of Mold Presence

Identifying mold early is key to preventing widespread damage. Here are some common signs that may indicate mold growth in your home or business:

Musty Odors in the Air

One of the earliest indicators of mold growth is an earthy or musty smell. This odor may be subtle or strong, depending on the extent of the growth. Many describe the scent as similar to damp wood, old paper, or wet socks. This scent is often caused by releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as mold colonies grow.

However, tracking mold by smell alone can be challenging. Musty odors do not always reveal the exact location of mold, as the scent can permeate through walls, floors, and other materials. A large patch of mold hidden behind drywall or under flooring, for example, can create a pervasive smell throughout an entire section of a house. Professionals use specialized tools to pinpoint and address the source of the scent, making it essential to involve experts when a musty odor is persistent.

Visual Indicators of Mold Growth

When identifying mold visually, it’s essential to recognize that mold can appear in many forms and colors, not just the familiar black or green patches. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, mold growth can appear as spots or streaks in shades of white, yellow, orange, brown, or even pink. Moreover, the same area may display multiple colors, making it crucial to regularly inspect areas of your property prone to moisture accumulation.

Mold spores are microscopic, meaning you may not notice mold growth until a significant amount has accumulated. To catch mold problems early, it’s important to periodically check high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and crawlspaces. Don’t forget to look under sinks, behind toilets, around windows, and in corners, as these places often harbor small but growing colonies.

Increasing Allergy-Like Symptoms

Residents of homes with mold might experience more frequent allergy symptoms, particularly in spaces with high humidity. While seasonal changes and environmental factors may also play a role, persistent symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or eye irritation may indicate mold, especially if they occur or worsen in certain rooms or locations.

One challenge of identifying mold based solely on physical symptoms is that other factors, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, can cause similar reactions. Nevertheless, if symptoms are more severe in particular rooms or coincide with periods of high humidity, it’s worth considering a professional assessment.

Where to Look for Mold

Knowing where to look for mold is just as important as knowing what to look for. Mold thrives in dark, damp environments, so targeting these areas during routine inspections can help catch mold before it spreads. Here are some key areas to monitor:

Basements and Crawlspaces

Due to their location and relative lack of sunlight, basements and crawlspaces are particularly vulnerable to mold growth. Poor ventilation and high humidity levels create an ideal environment for mold to thrive. If your basement or crawlspace has experienced past water damage, mold growth may be especially likely.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Bathrooms and kitchens are notorious for mold and mildew growth because of their wet environments. Water from showers, sinks, and cooking activities can lead to damp surfaces and excess humidity, providing a fertile breeding ground for mold. Pay special attention to areas around caulking and grout, as gaps allow moisture to seep in and remain trapped.

Window Sills and HVAC Systems

Window sills often collect condensation, resulting in mold development, particularly in older windows with compromised seals. Mold can also thrive inside HVAC systems, circulating air throughout your property. Regular window cleaning and HVAC maintenance are key preventative measures to stop mold from taking hold.

Mold Growth After Fire or Water Damage

In addition to routine checks, you should be extra vigilant after any incidents involving fire damage or water damage. Even after the initial damage has been addressed, lingering moisture from water used in fire suppression or from leaks can create a breeding ground for mold. Be sure to inspect affected areas thoroughly after such events to catch potential mold growth early.

How to Reduce the Potential for Mold Growth

Preventing mold from taking hold on your property requires vigilance and proactive measures. While no prevention strategy can guarantee that mold will never develop, you can take steps to reduce the risk.

Clean Spills Promptly

Because mold thrives in wet environments, it’s crucial to address spills quickly and thoroughly. This includes spills on carpets and rugs, which can harbor moisture beneath their surface. Even small spills, if left unattended, can lead to mold growth over time, so clean and dry any affected areas as soon as possible.

Keep Bathroom and Kitchen Areas Dry

Bathrooms and kitchens are often prone to mold because of their wet conditions. Regularly inspect these areas and ensure caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks is in good condition to prevent moisture from seeping into walls or flooring. Wipe down surfaces regularly, use fans to improve air circulation, and consider installing exhaust fans if humidity levels are consistently high.

Use Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers help control humidity levels, making it harder for mold to grow. Depending on the size of the space, these devices can be installed as portable units or as part of your home’s HVAC system. In areas like basements, where humidity levels can be particularly high, a dehumidifier can be a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of mold growth.

For properties with recurring mold issues, whole-house dehumidification systems can be installed by an HVAC professional to maintain optimal humidity levels. Additionally, homeowners dealing with crawlspace issues might consider encapsulation, which creates a barrier to inhibit moisture from entering these vulnerable areas.

Regular Inspections and Mold Testing

If you’re concerned about the potential for mold growth or have experienced repeated issues, consider scheduling routine inspections with a professional restoration company. Experts can identify areas of concern and provide tailored solutions based on your property’s specific needs.

In some cases, you might also consider using mold testing kits, which can detect the presence of mold spores on your property. Although these kits provide a basic indication of mold, they are not as reliable or comprehensive as a professional inspection. If mold is found, it’s best to work with a trusted restoration company to address the problem.

Mold Spores Can Be Hidden Inside Porous Materials

Mold growth isn’t always on the exterior of surfaces, at least not in an obvious way. Porous materials, such as drywall and wood, can harbor mold spores inside their cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect without proper tools and techniques. Even if you’ve cleaned and dried the exterior, mold can still grow internally, so consulting a professional is crucial.

When to Contact Professionals

If you suspect mold growth in your property, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent the problem from escalating. Contacting a professional restoration company, such as SERVPRO®, can ensure that all affected areas are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and remediated. Professionals use specialized equipment to detect and remove mold safely and effectively, reducing the risk of recurrence.

SERVPRO of Arcadia: Your Mold Remediation Experts

If you’re dealing with mold growth in your home or business, don’t take risks—contact SERVPRO of Arcadia for fast and reliable fire damage restoration Arcadia and mold remediation services. We’re equipped to handle moisture problems and ensure your property is safe and secure. In addition to mold remediation, SERVPRO provides comprehensive fire and water damage restoration services, helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Planning HOA Community Events on a Budget

10/11/2024 (Permalink)

Connected House Models

Planning HOA Community Events on a Budget

HOA community events help homeowners feel like they are a part of their community and that they’re getting real value out of their HOA fees. Using some of your HOA budget to help foster and build a greater sense of community in your residence with fun, interesting, and engaging HOA community events, you can help attract the right homeowners and retain them for the long term.

The trick is to select affordable events that adhere to your HOA budget and organize these activities without detracting from other critical responsibilities like maintenance, repairs, and improvements.

Here are some of the most effective tips for planning HOA community events on a budget. These tips allow you to unite your community while retaining enough HOA funds to apply to those other essential items.

Consider Low-cost Community Events

HOA community events don't have to be extravagant and costly. In fact, some of the most successful activities don't cost much to offer at all. For example, you can hold events and activities like the following without making much of a dent in your HOA community budget:

1. Community yard sale
2. Charity events like auctions or runs/walks
3. Holiday celebrations
4. Community Garden
5. Outdoor movie nights or concerts
6. Farmer's markets
7. Yoga and fitness classes
8. Cooking competitions

Some of these events can even generate extra funds to pour back into your HOA budget. Others can help generate food for community members to enjoy, which helps them save money on their own budgets. Still, others cost very little to offer beyond initial set-up expenses. And if you find people in the community with talents to put on display, you can hold performances and festivals without needing to pay booking fees to hire talent for the events.

Enlist Volunteers

Speaking of volunteers, encouraging your community members to volunteer to help organize events helps save you the cost of utilizing paid staff or hiring out for those same services. Many of the homeowners in your community might possess some of the very skills and resources you need to set up a particular type of HOA community event.

What's more, many of the tasks in setting up a successful event don't require special skills but rather simply the interest and availability to participate. Therefore, before committing to paying or hiring anyone to help put on a given event, tap into the resources you already possess in the pool of folks most directly impacted by the success of these events: your HOA community members.

Good Planning

The more diligently and further in advance you plan for the community events you offer, the less likely you are to encounter unexpected costs as the event approaches. Last-minute expenses can be some of the costliest in an event budget, so taking the time well enough ahead of time to make sure you'll have everything you need on the day of the event is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the event takes the littlest bite possible out of your HOA budget.

Planning ahead can ensure the largest turnout possible at events and that you don't double-book or schedule events when other attractive alternate events are also taking place elsewhere in the area. Giving yourself enough time to prepare for an event helps get the most people involved and avoids potential challenges. Encouraging community involvement in event planning helps build community cohesion and ensure your events run as smoothly as possible, encouraging further participation in future events that continue to strengthen and build your community.

Take Into Account Community Interests and Considerations

The more members of your community attend the events you organize, the more value those events can provide to your overall community and, therefore, the fewer events you may need to organize to provide such value to your community members.

One way to attract the greatest proportion of your members to attend any event is to solicit suggestions of the types of events your community members would be most interested in participating in and attending. For example, you can take a survey to discover events that would appeal to the largest number of HOA members and give yourself the best chance of attracting a large turnout.

Shop Around

When you need vendors or suppliers to help set up an event and make it run right, you don't have to go with the first ones you find who happen to offer what you want on the date you desire. With extra due diligence, you can economize these costs to keep more of your budget available for other community wants and needs.

Shop around for the best vendors and suppliers at the best prices to serve your needs. Solicit estimates from multiple providers or encourage providers to bid on your project. Conduct your homework to find those providers who offer the greatest value for the lowest cost. Seek referrals from other local HOAs or community members.

Charge a Small Fee

While your HOA community is already paying regular dues for such benefits as community events, there are some events or aspects of events for which people may be willing to pay a small bit extra. For example, if offering child care services during an event can help enable more community members to attend an event, see if the parents in your community, or even your community, will be willing to contribute a small fee to cover those child care costs. The same goes for transportation or promotional costs, to suggest just a couple of others.

Employ Technology

Technology tools can help you plan HOA community events on a budget in several ways. You can use accounting and money-management software to help you budget your events, communication software to help keep all your participants and community members in the loop and participating in the planning and success of the events, and scheduling software to help organize the events at dates and times when the most number of community members will be available to participate.

Health and Safety of Community Spaces

When planning HOA community events on a budget, you need to consider where these events are to take place and ensure that those spaces are clean and safe for people to gather. That includes taking care of any necessary tasks, ranging from remediation of water and mold damage to repairs and reconstruction.

SERVPRO® can help ensure the health and safety of all your community spaces by providing essential amelioration services, including fire, water, and mold remediation and structural reconstruction. Make every HOA community a success, no matter your budget.

Whether it’s certain repairs, improvements, or water damage restoration Arcadia HOA members need to hold successful, affordable events, and SERVPRO can help. So, contact us today and start fostering a greater sense of community in your HOA.

Hurricane Helene Donation Drive

10/9/2024 (Permalink)

Hurricane Helene Donation Drive

Hurricane Helene Donation Drive

SERVPRO of Arcadia, Pasadena North, and Alhambra are joining forces with Baldwin Movers in a community-wide effort to support the victims of Hurricane Helene. This devastating storm has left many families in urgent need of essential supplies. We are reaching out to our community, inviting you to contribute and positively impact those affected by the disaster.

The donation drive runs through October 31, 2024, and all donations will be shipped to local organizations in the affected areas. Your contributions will bring relief and hope to individuals and families facing tremendous challenges.

We are accepting donations at several convenient locations. Please see the list of most needed items below and find a drop-off location near you. Every donation can make a big difference in helping those in need recover and rebuild.

Most Needed Items:

• Clothing (all sizes)
• Blankets
• Toys and stuffed animals
• Hygiene products (new)
• Shelf-stable foods and canned goods
• PPE and contractor trash bags

Drop-Off Locations:

SERVPRO of Arcadia, Pasadena North, and Alhambra
1848 Evergreen St, Duarte, CA 91010
Office: 626-447-4111
Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM

Baldwin Movers
13326 Elliot Ave, Chino, CA 91710
Office: 888-974-0002
Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM

Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
388 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Office: 626-447-2159
Tues, Wed, Thurs: 9 AM – 5 PM

We invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene. With the power of community, we can bring comfort and aid to those in need.

Effective Marketing Strategies for Property Managers

9/19/2024 (Permalink)

Computer with Graphics | Effective Marketing Strategies for Property Managers

Effective Marketing Strategies for Property Managers

Your expertise could turn empty storage space into a thriving apartment complex. Unfortunately, Google tends to bury your site at the bottom of the results, and you're struggling to break 5,000 Instagram followers. Try these effective marketing strategies for property managers to reach clients and add more success stories to your portfolio.

Answer Frequently Asked Questions

A frequently asked questions (FAQ) page answers your most common questions so that visitors don't have to send an email and wait for a response, giving them plenty of time to reconsider their purchase in the meantime. Instead, they find answers within minutes and take the next step toward discussing a partnership.

Review your call logs, social media profiles, and chat history to find your most frequently asked questions. Then, assemble the questions and answers on a FAQ page. Add a reminder that customers can reach out to you if they don't find the answer. Serious buyers may have personalized queries that require a discovery call.

This also gives you a bite-size post for your content calendar. Periodically, highlight one of your FAQs on social media to provide insight into your operations.

Reduce Website Clicks

Grab a stopwatch and see how long it takes to perform essential actions on your website. These may include signing up for an account, logging in, finding your FAQ, learning about services, and finding contact information. Once you're done, ask yourself how you can reduce clicks to make your site clean, accessible, and convenient.

For example, do visitors have to click a drop-down box to find your "Services" page? Eliminate a click by linking that page directly in your header. Remove non-essential text that clutters your site, and delete pages that don't benefit the user. Every element on your site should have a clear, distinct purpose, making visitors linger as long as possible.

Make Yourself Easy to Reach

Sometimes, a purchase is a split-second decision. Your website needs to hurry the customer through the sale before they have time to change their mind.

One of the easiest and most effective marketing strategies for property managers is spotlighting their contact information. Clients don't have to dig through forms or talk to a chatbot for ten minutes. They simply call the number listed at the top of every page.

Browse your website and social media profiles, and ask yourself how you'd reach your company if you were a client. Is your contact information clear and easy to find, or do you have to search for help? How long does it take to receive a human response? A few seconds means the difference between a sale and a loss.

Host a Blog

Why are you reading about marketing on a cleanup and restoration business's website, anyway? Our site doesn't just sell our services--we support the community with insightful blog posts that draw traffic from all around the web. You can multiply your conversions when you start uploading your library of entertaining, introspective, and educational articles.

Most of your posts should relate to your industry to help you close sales. After all, a recipe won't inspire you to buy insurance or lumber--but if you find a delicious soup recipe on a cookware website, you might decide to order new utensils to go with your meal.

This blog offers effective marketing strategies for property managers, who are some of our clients. Think about your customer base and what they need to know. What are their pain points? What do their Google searches look like? How can they get the most out of your service?

Popular topics include:

1. Community news
2. How-to guides
3. Tips and tricks
4. Industry updates
5. Interviews

Before logging into ChatGPT and generating a few articles, consider writing your posts or hiring a freelancer. It's more work, but AI-generated content has a distinctly artificial voice that people can detect without software. Real writers have a genuine human touch and understand your audience in a way that machines can't.

Offer Gifts

A potential client stops by the bank and sees a tray of mints wrapped in plastic bags with your business card attached. They grab a bag of mints and think fondly of your company as they enjoy a treat. Later, since they already have your business card, they decided to call you to discuss their property situation.

When you offer gifts, people reward your generosity. Visit local institutions, such as banks, libraries, stores, bakeries, and parks, and ask if you can leave free branded items on the front desk. These might include pens, stickers, magnets, notepads, coasters, or bagged sweets. You'll reach people you never would've met in person.

For more reputation management, learn how to navigate tenant/manager relations in crises, such as water-related damage.

Optimize Your Website

What would you type into the Google search bar if you were looking for a property manager? You might search for "property manager near me" or "large property management company." Websites with those keywords rank higher in the Google search results, increasing those companies' leads.

You can perform some quick keyword research now by typing "property manager" or "property management" into Google and reading the predictions that appear. Search engine optimization (SEO) experts have special tools for performing intensive research and incorporating the top keywords into your site. Periodically, they might refresh your content to reflect the current trends.

Attend Community Events

Check the local calendar for concerts, fairs, festivals, and conventions where you can advertise your services. Once you've secured a space, you can greet customers at your booth, hand out flyers and business cards, offer branded gifts, and discuss first-time discounts.

You'll also get the chance to network with fellow businesses and take pictures to share on social media. Show your neighborhood that you're an active community leader who truly understands its needs.

Maintain a Clean, Safe Facility

Property owners and tenants rely on you to handle building damage. In emergencies, the units might be unlivable until the restoration team arrives. SERVPRO® operates 24 hours a day to remove mold and restore units after fire, water, or storm damage, including weekends and holidays.

Our services include:

1. Disaster response
2. Mold Remediation
3. Carpet and furniture cleaning
4. Structural drying
5. Sewage removal
6. Odor elimination
7. Fire and smoke restoration

We start with a damage assessment, then take steps to prevent further damage and discuss the recovery process. Our team undergoes rigorous training to ensure that we comply with Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

Call SERVPRO for 24/7 hour emergency service, or request assistance online.