Lecture Notes: Foundation and Door Issues in Property Management

Key Topics Discussed

• Foundation and Door Issues
• Responsibility and Protocol
• Possible Solutions and Actions

Understanding the Problem

• Door Issues
  • Doors not shutting properly.
  • Larry suggests trimming and sanding doors.
  • Concerns about doors fitting post-rainy season.
• Foundation Issues
  • Often related to water in the yard.
  • Need for pictures around the foundation.

Responsibilities

• Tenant Responsibilities
  • Supply pictures of the yard and foundation.
  • Use and maintenance of soaker hoses.
  • Watering the yard effectively.
• Property Management Responsibilities
  • Determine if fixing doors is their responsibility.
  • Ensure troubleshooting before assigning tasks.
  • Address exterior door locking issues immediately.

Protocols

• Urgency Levels
  • Exterior doors that cannot lock are a high priority.
  • Interior doors sticking is less urgent.

Solutions and Preventative Measures

• Water Management
  • Importance of using soaker hoses.
  • Mulch to retain water and slow drying.
• Foundation Maintenance
  • Monitor water direction to prevent excessive foundation movement.
  • Balance water to avoid too much foundation movement.
• Dealing with Drought
  • Be cautious about shaving doors during drought recovery.
  • Understand seasonal house movements and effects on doors.

Communication and Coaching

• Tenant Education
  • Provide tips for foundation care.
  • Importance of sprinkler systems and their schedules.

Decision-Making Process

• Collecting Data
  • Gathering visual data to make informed decisions.
• Avoid Unnecessary Repairs
  • Prioritize visual assessments and data over immediate physical repairs.
  • Consider sending educational materials before assigning tasks.

Long-term vs Short-term Fixes

• Short-term:
  • Shaving doors only after foundation stabilization.
• Long-term:
  • Comprehensive foundation repair before door adjustments.