Give Your Inn A Little Love: Spring Maintenance

As the warmth of spring approaches, it’s easy to forget the damage that harsh winter weather may have done to your inn. A bit of spring maintenance now can prevent costly repair bills later and there is no better time to take a look around and see how best to beautify and protect your property from hazards. Review these tips for spring maintenance to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Property Exterior

Start by washing off the grime. As the seasons change, built-up pollen and dirt can accumulate on the surfaces of the property. As you pressure wash, check to make sure there are no big holes in the driveway or on the exterior of the inn. Clean the windows; it benefits not only the curb appeal but the view from inside the property. Take a moment to examine the windows and screens for damages. Small tears in screens can be fixed with clear nail polish.

If the property is in need of a facelift, stain the front porch, paint the shutters, or just completely paint the exterior. Change can be a good thing, and the paint color can even save you money on your air-conditioning bill.

Take into account the condition of the roof. Thoroughly inspect it for loose shingles, holes, or any other signs of damage. If it has not been replaced in the past 20 years, it may be time for an upgrade. If there is siding, paint, clean and repair any issues to prevent mildew or bugs from getting into the wood. As you inspect the roof and siding, clear debris from the gutters and downspouts. This will prevent water from overflowing and reduce the risk of water damage.

Tending the Grounds

As the weather starts to warm up, be proactive in planning your landscaping. Adding new mulch to give a fresh look to the flower beds or planting a few colorful bushes to greet guests is always a lovely idea. Planting a few trees to shield your property from sun and wind may help reduce cooling and heating bills. Don’t forget to inspect your pre-existing trees for damage or rot. Take the time to remove dead or unhealthy trees and limbs that could fall in heavy winds.

Keep in mind if you live in an area prone to wildfires, landscape your property with the three different fire zones in mind to help reduce the spread of one.

Electrical Systems

Take a moment to inspect your electrical systems for frayed wires, loose outlets or cracked plugs to avoid accidents such as your guests getting electrocuted. Make sure no cords or outlets are overloaded. Clean or replace your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters. A dirty filter will force your system to work harder, which can be costly and inefficient.

Don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and test them all to ensure they are working properly.

Outdoor Lighting

Adding lighting to showcase your inn will provide additional safety for your guests. A well-lit property can help travelers see the steps and sidewalks leading into the inn, thus preventing falls from poorly lit walkways. Added lighting behind shrubs and selected lights that highlight architecture or windows can warm your property’s appearance and welcome your guests back after an evening of exploring. Consider solar lights along the pathways for less maintenance upkeep. As always, make sure to replace bulbs as they go out.

Create a Maintenance Log

Maintaining a log of your inn maintenance activities will save you from major stress. A detailed and accurate log should include a record of the activities to be performed, who is responsible for completing the task, and when and how it should be completed.

Fall INN Love With Your Coverage

Remember, winter always turns into spring. Don’t face the challenges that come with the next season alone. Our team is always here to help. Connect with one of our CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance experts today!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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