Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Residential Properties: Protecting Your Investment Year-Round

The first frost just hit Columbus last week, and I watched my neighbor scramble to disconnect his garden hose before it froze and cracked his spigot. A $15 mistake can easily turn into a $500 repair—something we see far too often at Swiss Property Management Group when managing 100s of units.

Owning rental property in Columbus means facing four distinct seasons, each bringing unique challenges to your investment. Those Ohio weather swings can take a serious toll on your property if you’re not prepared.

Spring (March-May): Springing up Your Property

• Roof and Gutter Inspection: Winter can be harsh on roofing. Look for missing shingles and clean those gutters of debris and leftover fall leaves.
• HVAC Maintenance: Schedule professional service for your air conditioning before summer demand hits.
• Lawn Care Startup: Seed bare patches, fertilize, and ensure sprinkler systems are functioning properlycorrectly.
• Exterior Washing: Power wash siding and clean windows to remove winter grime and salt residue.

At Swiss Property Management Group, we’ve found that spring maintenance prevents the majority of emergency summer calls, particularly related to cooling systems that haven’t been serviced.

Summer (June-August): Extreme Heat and Storms

• Window Seal Checks: Ensure weatherstripping is intact to keep cool air in and hot air out.
• Deck/Patio Maintenance: Inspect wooden structures for splinters or rot and consider resealing if needed.
• Tree Trimming: Remove dead branches that could become hazards during summer storms.
• Pest Control: The Columbus bug population booms in summer—preventative treatments save headaches later.

One Columbus property we manage saved nearly $2,000 in cooling costs after we identified and sealed significant air leaks during routine summer maintenance.

Fall (September-November): Preparing for the Cold

• Heating System Check: Have furnaces professionally inspected and filters changed. We are big on replacing filters often, every 1-2 months.
• Chimney Cleaning: If your property has a fireplace, annual cleaning prevents fire hazards.
• Gutter Cleaning (Round Two): Remove fall leaves before they freeze in place.
• Exterior Pipe Protection: Insulate exposed pipes before the first frost hits.

We’ve implemented this fall checklist across all Swiss Property Management Group properties, reducing winter emergency calls by over 30% compared to previous years.

Winter (December-February): It’s Freezing out!

• Snow Removal Planning: Establish clear responsibility for sidewalk and driveway clearing.
• Roof Snow Management: Monitor ice dam formation, especially on older Columbus homes.
• Interior Insulation Check: Examine attic insulation levels and address drafty areas.
• Holiday Vacancy Precautions: For units empty during holidays, maintain minimum heat settings (never below 55°F).

With this proactive approach we have been able to prevent tens of thousands in freeze damage for our owners over the years.

The Swiss Standard: Year-Round Vigilance

At Swiss Property Management Group, we believe consistent maintenance is the difference between a property that appreciates and one that becomes a money pit. Our Columbus-based team brings local expertise to every property we manage, understanding exactly how our Midwestern climate affects different building types and materials.

Don’t wait for problems to find you. Our professional property management services include these seasonal maintenance protocols as standard practice, protecting your investment through every season Ohio throws our way.