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August 10, 2024

Annual Check-Up: Why Your Property Needs One Too

Delve into the importance of property health and why doing an annual check-up is critical for property longevity.

Most people understand the value of annual health check-ups to catch potential issues early and maintain well-being. Similarly, your property requires regular assessments to ensure it remains in top condition. Neglecting these evaluations can lead to costly, preventable problems down the road.

Extend Asset Lifespan and Reduce Repair Costs

Proactively identifying and addressing property issues not only extends the lifespan of your assets but also significantly reduces repair expenses. For example, a small flashing failure on a roof penetration can allow water to seep into underlying layers, causing rot in the decking, insulation, or structural components. Left unchecked, this minor leak can escalate, necessitating a complete roof replacement.

A 15-year study by Firestone Building Products and ProLogis found that implementing a proactive roof repair program reduced repair costs from 25 cents per square foot to just 14 cents. Additionally, the roof's lifespan was extended from 13 to 21 years—an eight-year increase translating into substantial CapEx savings. For a 25,000-square-foot roof installed at $175,000, a proactive repair program can save approximately $236,750 in repair costs over 21 years, equating to $11,274 saved annually. The math makes a compelling case for proactive maintenance.

Similar Benefits in Pavement Maintenance

The same principle applies to pavement care. A University of Connecticut study illustrates how proactive repairs can significantly cut costs. The green line in the study's graph represents a proactive repair approach, typically costing between $0.50 and $1 per square foot. In contrast, pavement rehabilitation—often required when issues are ignored—can cost between $4 and $5 per square foot.

For instance, a low-severity alligator crack enables moisture penetration, weakening the support structure beneath the surface and accelerating pavement deterioration. By investing in two rounds of proactive repairs totaling $1–$2 per square foot, you can reduce repair costs by 50–80% compared to a single round of pavement rehabilitation costing $4–$5 per square foot.

Graph: Concept of proactive and reactive repair approach (both condition-based)

The Critical Role of Regular Assessments

Whether it's your pavement, roof, or any other property asset, a proactive assessment and repair program is crucial. Regular inspections allow you to track and monitor the condition of your assets, ensuring that any issues are addressed before they reach a point of no return. We recommend at least an annual check-up for each of your properties to maintain their optimal condition.

Take Action with Examen

Finding issues on time is critical to a successful proactive repair program. That's why at Examen, we've made it our mission to deliver best-in-class, affordable property condition assessments. We leverage drones and AI technology to evaluate your property portfolio at a cost that's over 50% less than traditional service providers. By making assessment programs highly accessible, we aim to reduce repair costs nationwide and promote a culture of proactive maintenance among property owners and managers.

We challenge you to embrace proactive assessments. Don't let minor issues escalate into major expenses. Invest in regular property evaluations and secure the longevity and value of your assets. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how Examen can benefit your portfolio, please reach out to us at help@examensolutions.com.

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