Learn to better manage properties
- Interiors and exteriors
- Construction from masonry to carpentry
- Landscapes, and more
Modules
Note that each module in the Foundation Diploma in Property Management is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
LEARN TO CHECK AND ATTEND TO BUILDING MAINTENANCE
With proper and routine maintenance buildings remain both safe and useful. Neglect will result in a decline in the scope of activities which a facility may be used for; and a significant increase in the risk of accidents.
The following are the sorts of issues you will learn more about as you progress through this course.
These are all issues that should be checked regularly in any buildings (and their surrounds):
Windows
Check for breaks, chips or cracks & replace damaged windows Breakage of glass in full height windows is very common often due to stones thrown up from lawn mowers. A sill of 1 metre in height will minimise accidents. 
Anodised aluminium frames appear to offer the best resistance to corrosion and damage.
Walls
Check for damage to or holes in walls (Plastering up a hole may be necessary)
When choosing a sealer, undercoat or paint consider the best type for the job and follow the manufacturers instructions precisely.
Locks
Check all security locks (including padlocks & door bolts) function properly.
Anything loose should be attended to before it deteriorates further.
Painting
Walls roofs and other surfaces will need repainting periodically. Consider a self finish for brickwork eg. face brickwork instead of a painted finish. This will minimise the long term cost of maintenance and becomes significant saving over the life cycle of the building if you consider painting is usually required every 8-10 years.
Floors
Timber floors may require polishing, and sweeping. Tiles will require washing (and perhaps disinfecting to stop growth of mould). Carpet requires vacuuming, and periodic cleaning (eg. Shampooing).
Pipes
Check water and gas pipes for leaks. Check drainage pipes for blockages, or breakages.
Tap washers
Check taps turn off properly, if not, replace washers
Toilets
Check for leaks, check they flush properly
Doors
Check that they close & lock properly
Outdoor Paths and Car Parks
Surfaces of gravel, asphalt or concrete need to be checked for damage, lack of drainage etc. Patching may be necessary.
Gutters and Down pipes
These should be cleaned regularly; the frequency dependent upon the litter which collects in them (eg. If there are a lot of over hanging trees, they may need cleaning every couple of months).
Rots and Dampness
Structural damage can occur if these problems are not attended to. Problems can occur both inside a building, below floor boards and in the ceiling, Drainage and ventilation is important below floor boards. Ventilation may be important in the roof, and inspecting the roof every year or two should be carried out for damage, loose roofing etc.
Pests
Animals (eg. rats mice, birds, possums etc), may enter and perhaps inhabit buildings, seeking shelter, warmth or food.
Insects and other small animals can be a minor or major pest problem Pest control becomes a particularly serious issue when the pests are either causing structural damage to a building, or a hygiene problem (eg. rodents, flies, cockroaches etc. which transmit disease).
Buildings need to be inspected for pests periodically, particularly in areas where particular pests are prevalent.
Vandalism
If vandalism looks like being an on-going problem it may be necessary to plan ahead taking preventative measures. For example there is considerable vandal damage to metal down pipes at recreational facilities the use of P.V.C. down pipes are more resistant to impact damage.
Electrical Maintenance
It is important to look at the long term total cost of an alternative rather than just the initial cost. Often the cheaper initial alternatives result in higher running and maintenance costs.
Break down and Repairs
Things breakdown and require repair; sometimes because of inappropriate components, or perhaps due to poor workmanship.Inappropriate components can be an issue. Cheap and low quality materials can cause premature failure. Eg. For high temperature applications, electrical wiring should have appropriately rated insulation that is able to withstand the high temperatures without deterioration. The insulation could become brittle and then detached from the conductor leaving bare live conductors which , an electrical and fire risk.
Expendable Components need routine replacing. Many electrical components have limited life spans. Eg. lamps, heating elements to hot water units, cookers, batteries. These have to be replaced at regular intervals.
Sometimes fittings may be abused eg. Incorrect use of electrical equipment and vandalism can be a major problem especially of external light fittings.
Preventive Maintenance is best planned for replacement and servicing of all electrical equipment. Some electrical systems require regular servicing in order to continue giving optimum output. Eg.Battery back up power systems, Emergency lighting systems, Lift systems, Fire alarm systems.
Some electrical equipment contain components that may fail and require replacement. After some years the spares may no longer be available. In this case consideration must be given to replacing the whole item as sudden failure of other parts of the equipment could cause severe damage.
