Maintaining a property’s systems is critical for both the safety and comfort of its occupants. However, damages can occur due to normal wear and tear or unexpected incidents. When such damages occur, it is crucial to report and repair them promptly to avoid further deterioration and prevent safety hazards. This blog provides valuable guidance on how to access and report damages to property systems, including HVAC, air conditioning, furnace, boiler, electrical, plumbing, sewer, water heater, and sub-pump.
By following these tips, property owners or managers can identify the necessary repairs or replacements and provide accurate bids to maintain the systems’ optimal functioning.
Preparing for Inspection
Before you begin inspecting the systems, ensure that you have the necessary materials, such as a camera, a ladder, wire, caps, gas line and oil caps, a wrench, Teflon tape, a flashlight, a screwdriver, an electrical tester, plumbing fittings of multiple lengths with different diameters, and plumbing supply lines such as copper PEX, CPVC, and various lengths and fittings of PVC plumbing waste lines.
Verifying Work Order
Verify the work order before starting any repairs. Check if an allowable is available or if you need to provide a bid. If the repair is beyond the scope of the work order, prepare a bid to ensure the necessary repairs are covered.
Identifying the Systems
Identify the systems present at a property and ensure they are functioning properly. This includes HVAC, air conditioning, furnace, boiler, electrical, plumbing, sewer, water heater, and sub-pump systems. If any of these systems are damaged or missing, it’s important to provide an estimate to replace or repair them to maintain the safety and comfort of the property’s occupants. Proper identification and assessment of these systems can prevent costly damages in the long run and ensure that the property remains in good condition.
HVAC system
- Check the ductwork and condensation hose.
- Include the tonnage size, location of the system, any special equipment needed, and any additional electrical or plumbing work required in the bid.
Air conditioning unit
- Check the condenser and air handler portion of the system.
- Include the tonnage size, location of the unit, any special equipment needed, and any additional electrical or plumbing work required in the bid.
Heating system
- Check the attached ductwork, tank, radiators, and baseballs.
- Include the BTU size, location of the system, any special equipment needed, and any additional electrical or plumbing work required in the bid.
- Identify if the system is electric, uses gas or oil, and whether the boiler is steel or cast iron.
Water heater
- Check for leaks and mold.
- Turn off the water supply if the water heater is damaged.
- Include the number of gallons the tank holds, any additional plumbing work required, and the type of material (electric, gas, or oil) in the bid.
Electrical system
- Check the electric meter, electrical mast, and electrical panel.
- Ensure all breakers and fuses are present and that outlets and switches are not damaged.
- Identify and address per client requirements, all exposed wires throughout the entire house.
- Include the amperage size, location of the electrical panel, any additional electrical work required, and the number of man-hours necessary to repair in the bid.
Plumbing system
- Check for signs of missing copper piping and open water lines.
- Identify and address per client requirements, all open sewer lines.
- Include the type of material the pipes and sinks are made of, the diameters of the supply lines, the locations of the needed repairs, the linear footage, and whether additional plumbing work is needed in the bid.
Summary of How to Access and Report Damages to Property Systems
Report and repair damages to a property’s systems promptly. You should inspect and identify the types of systems present in the property, such as HVAC, air conditioning, heating, water heater, electrical, and plumbing is essential before preparing a work order.
It is also necessary to include all relevant information, such as the size, location, type of material, and additional electrical or plumbing work required in the bid. By following these tips, you can ensure that you provide accurate bids and maintain the property’s systems effectively.
