Preventive maintenance tips for your building: Everything you need to know

What is preventive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance is the ongoing practice of inspecting, servicing, and repairing building systems before they fail. In Nevada, preventive maintenance is especially important because the desert climate places unique stress on properties. Intense heat, low humidity, and sudden storms can all accelerate wear and tear. Preventive maintenance focuses on keeping your residential building’s structure, mechanical systems, and safety equipment in reliable condition year-round.

Rather than waiting for something to break, preventive maintenance involves regular attention to HVAC systems, plumbing, roofing, fire safety devices, and exterior materials. By scheduling these tasks in advance, property owners and boards can plan expenses, avoid emergencies, and extend the lifespan of every major asset in the building.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members and owners should consult their attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

Why is preventive maintenance important?

Preventive maintenance is important because it protects the physical and financial health of a property. Regular inspections and service visits reduce the chance of sudden breakdowns, which are often more expensive and disruptive to repair. For Nevada communities, preventive maintenance also helps maintain consistent comfort inside buildings where HVAC systems work harder than in cooler climates.

A well-executed preventive maintenance plan:

• Reduces costs by avoiding emergency repairs and replacements.
   
• Extends equipment life by keeping systems in good working order.
   
• Improves safety through consistent testing of fire and electrical systems.
   
• Maintains property values by preserving the appearance and reliability of shared assets.

Neglecting preventive maintenance can lead to costly issues, from roof leaks during summer monsoons to HVAC failure in triple-digit heat. In managed communities, this can also strain budgets, delay projects, and create frustration among residents. A proactive approach helps boards and property owners keep communities running smoothly while minimizing unexpected expenses.
 

Who is responsible for preventive maintenance?

The responsibility for preventive maintenance depends on the type of property and the governing documents that define who manages which areas.

In a high-rise or HOA, the board of directors is typically responsible for preventive maintenance of common elements like roofs, exterior walls, elevators, and landscaping. Homeowners are generally responsible for maintaining their own units or lots, while property management companies can coordinate vendors, inspections, and maintenance schedules on behalf of the association.

In rental buildings, the property owner is usually responsible for structural and system-level maintenance, while tenants handle basic upkeep within their units, such as changing air filters or reporting leaks promptly.

Regardless of structure, successful preventive maintenance depends on clear communication and a well-documented plan. Management teams that track tasks, schedule recurring services, and keep detailed records make it easier to stay compliant with Nevada building standards and association bylaws.
 

Seven preventive maintenance tips for your building

1. Inventory the equipment.

   To keep your equipment in good condition, it's important you have a maintenance plan. The first step of this process begins with inventorying what you currently own and checking against manufacturers’ schedules or other documentation, such as repair orders, warranties, etc., so that any issues can be addressed before they arise to prevent an emergency which might require more costly repairs later down the line.
    

2. Inspect your building exterior regularly.

   A strong preventive maintenance plan in Nevada starts from the outside in. The desert’s heat, sun exposure, and sudden windstorms can wear down exterior materials faster than in milder climates. Regular inspections help catch cracks in stucco, fading paint, or loose roof tiles before they become expensive repairs. Walking the property after heavy rain or wind can reveal early signs of damage around the foundation or drainage areas. Cleaning exterior surfaces a few times a year keeps dust, sand, and mineral buildup from aging materials prematurely. Consistent attention to the building’s outer shell protects against costly structural deterioration over time.
    

3. Test your safety and electrical systems.

   Electrical and fire safety systems need consistent oversight to stay reliable. Preventive maintenance in this area includes testing smoke detectors, fire alarms, and emergency lighting on a set schedule, and having professionals inspect fire extinguishers annually. Boards and property owners should also arrange for periodic electrical system reviews by licensed contractors to check for loose connections, overloaded circuits, or signs of corrosion. These checks help reduce fire risks, prevent outages, and maintain safe operation of essential building systems. Routine testing turns safety into a predictable, manageable process rather than a reaction to emergencies.
    

4. Drain and clean the cooling tower.

   Since it is a vital component to the overall operation of your air conditioning system, engineering experts suggest beginning your maintenance plan with an inspection of the cooling tower. The tower should be drained, and the baffles cleaned to support adequate airflow. Most towers, if your crew has been spraying them down, will look clean on the outside but still have a lot of buildup in the coil restricting the airflow. They should be flushed out and the cells should be cleared for maximum airflow.
   
   This is also the perfect time to scrape the pans, check for leaks and reseal if needed. Greasing the fans and checking amp draws are additional considerations. Checking the amp draw will let you know if a motor is pulling too many amps that may cause a failure in the middle of summer. Vibration over the long term can cause looseness and damage. Check and tighten all the bolts on the tower and motors. Once you have cleaned and greased everything, it's time to fill the tower back up. Check the float and water levels. Again, it’s much easier to replace or repair items now rather than waiting until it breaks at the worst possible time. Once the tower is in top shape, check the other components.
    

5. Check for buildup in the chiller system and check your water chemical program.

   Chiller service is quite important, but most fail to dig deep enough. The vanes should be clear, with no buildup present. Topping off the Freon levels, greasing moving parts, and checking all bolts are good practices here as well. Some buildings have rack systems with multiple compressors. Checking for leaks, burned or bad wires/connections and overall cleanliness helps to keep operations efficient and reduce the chance of failure. Taking amp draws on the chiller compressors and motors also can predict future issues for repair now instead of finding yourself with downtime at a critical point in the summer season.
   
   With closed loop water systems, the pumps should be cleaned and serviced, strainers are cleaned, and water treatment is optimized. Always confirm that the make-up water system is working properly. This is a perfect time to check your water chemical program and confirm that everything is clean and that the current settings and formula are giving the desired result.
    

6. Maintain your landscaping and control pests.

   Landscaping and pest management are critical parts of preventive maintenance in Nevada’s residential communities. Improper irrigation can lead to soil erosion, foundation issues, or overwatering that attracts pests. Regularly testing and adjusting irrigation timers can help balance water efficiency with plant health. Preventive pest control should also be part of the maintenance schedule, focusing on areas where insects or rodents might enter the property. Clean landscaping, clear debris, and routine inspections help protect both the community’s appearance and its infrastructure from unnecessary wear.
    

7. Document your maintenance.

   Preventive maintenance only works when it’s tracked. Keeping organized records of inspections, repairs, and service visits helps boards and property owners monitor progress and identify recurring issues. Documentation also supports future budgeting and compliance with Nevada building standards. Using digital tools or maintenance management software makes it easier to store records, set reminders, and communicate with vendors. Consistent documentation transforms preventive maintenance from a checklist into an ongoing, measurable part of property operations.

How FirstService Residential can help

At FirstService Residential Nevada, we specialize in preventive maintenance planning for communities of every size and style. Our local teams bring decades of experience managing desert climate challenges, from HVAC efficiency and roof maintenance to water conservation and pest prevention.

We help boards and owners:

• Develop and manage customized preventive maintenance schedules.
   
• Coordinate inspections, vendor contracts, and recurring service.
   
• Track maintenance costs and integrate them into long-term budgets.
   
• Communicate clearly with residents about upcoming maintenance.
   
• Access collective purchasing programs that reduce vendor costs.

To learn more about how FirstService Residential can serve your community, contact us today.