We wanted to share some exciting initiatives with you that we have started during our down time. First, we have been going through each property performing our yearly pre-season maintenance inspections.
These inspections consist of a 100-point rental-ready checklist that includes:
We have also maintained frequent walk-thru inspections during the off season while properties experienced longer down times to ensure the safety of your home and to spot any inconsistencies.
While occupancy for properties is important, we feel that property oversight is equally, if not more important, to the longevity of your investment. This is the first of many additions to our Property condition initiative this year. Stay tuned for our newest addition to our suite of cutting-edge operations technology.
Another major initiative that we have just completed is our new Live The Gulf Coast Housekeeping Academy. We brought in each housekeeping vendor and inspectors to go through an extensive training program.
The program consisted of:
-Detailed instruction on preparing properties for our Guests
-“Follow the Wall” Technique explained below
– Standard Operating Procedures for securing homes
– Pest and Bed Bug recognition and Best Practices
– Recommended Cleaning Agents and Secrets of the trade
A major focus in the program was attention to detail in everything we do. Or as we call it “Sweep The Corners”. The program was well received by our vendors, and they will be required to re-certify each quarter throughout the year. We will also be assisting them in training their new staff as they gear up for season.
One of the foundational pieces of an outstanding housekeeping routine is the discipline to follow the wall. When we first learned this principle it was a professional, life-changing experience and I encourage you to try this in your own home to ensure a thorough clean, EVERY TIME.
This principle has served us well when we clean and when we inspect during a changeover. Essentially, it is just using the wall as the roadmap for the cleaning practice by literally touching the wall as you move through the property. It ensures that every part of the property is looked at in a systematic and orderly way, including the closets, cabinets, under furniture, and behind doors.
In the hospitality industry, both the housekeeper and then the inspector practice following the wall. When following the wall, either to clean the property or to inspect it, there are several things to remember:
Following this pattern creates a repeatable process that allows our team to consistently produce the right balance of quality and speed as the work is completed. If you have housekeeper recommendations and would like a Complimentary Admission to our next Housekeeping Academy, Contact your Property Manager today.
The reactive maintenance approach, or “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” is expensive and inefficient. Vacation rental property managers with this mindset wind up spending more time and energy repairing items in homes than they do inspecting and maintaining them. Some managers are even forced to vacate a home mid-season due to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system malfunctions, losing thousands of dollars in rental revenue every year. Servicing rental units routinely is the best way to ensure working order of all the mechanics and aesthetics of a luxury home.
Routine Monthly Maintenance Service consists of a bimonthly inspection, including but not limited to:
– A visual check of interior aesthetics
– Verifying operation of appliance and systems,
– Treatment of HVAC condensation lines
– Visual inspection of landscaping,
blowing off of courtyard and porches,
debris pick up of the grounds.
As needed, staff will replace:
– Light bulbs (cost of standard bulbs included) (cost of halogen, fluorescent, and so forth are not),
– HVAC filters (cost of filters included), and
– Batteries (cost of batteries included).
Not only is this department here to maintain the units but to assist the vacationing guest. Situations arise for which we provide on-call service 24/7 to respond and resolve issues. Also, we prepare and protect each of our homes for any harsh or inclement weather automatically, so you do not have to worry from afar about your investment. The maintenance department can also perform specific specialty tasks as requested by the homeowner like painting and minor remodeling. We pride ourselves in being a one-stop shop, so there is no job too big or small. If we do not handle it in-house, trusted contractors are standing by that we can coordinate anything with on your behalf. Ask your Property Manager how you can enroll today!
Since late January, LTGC has been monitoring the news stations and staying updated on precautionary measures due to COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus. Through our research, we wanted to share how we feel this will affect vacation rentals and wanted to share some of the information/links that we have found to stay up to date on recent happening and precautions we are taking to ensure your safety. Scroll Down to the Bottom for Links.
Our Housekeeping Team members clean and sanitize all hard surfaces of our vacation homes, including but not limited to floors, countertops, TV remote, doorknobs, window handles, taps, stair railings, light switches, kitchen appliances, etc.
The quality of disinfectants we use should remove 100 percent of the microscopic organisms on surfaces, and effectively stop the spread of disease and viruses. Our Bed linens and towels are laundered offsite at our linen facility. There is no evidence to suggest that this particular coronavirus will survive the wash chemistry and temperatures in the wash and dry process. All soiled linens are treated as if they are contaminated.
Our housekeeping staff is trained to use the best hygiene practices at all times. With the combination of these best practices, our employees, clients, and guests should be safe from the spread of coronavirus.
An added layer of protection is included in every stay with us as our mattress protectors and pillow protectors are required for all of our houses. These help in keeping our homes as sanitary as possible while not compromising on comfort.
By keeping our vacation rental’s clean to the highest standards, we feel confident that you’ll be impressed with the quality, ensuring a great all around experience and also to protect you and the property from coronavirus.
Although we feel extremely confident our quality assurance team will be ahead of the game in sanitation, some guests as an extra precaution may want to perform additional cleaning upon arrival.
The CDC recommends all households consider cleaning and disinfecting “high-touch” surfaces daily in shared household areas (e.g., tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks). As has been recommended by many authorities, wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
As we continue to monitor the situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand the uncertainty of it all. However, our area continues to be a Level-1 threat. Our Guest Services Agents are here to help you and answer any questions you may have regarding your reservation. Please feel free to call 850.898.1205 or email at reservations@livethegulfcoast.com.
Please review the terms of your policy carefully if you purchased travel insurance. If you need to make a claim or have questions about how your existing policy will cover you, please reach out to Generali Travel Insurance at 866-999-4018. Make sure you know your policy number before the call.
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