Start with how the property is used
A full-time home, an occasionally occupied property and a vacation rental can have different maintenance priorities. Describe how often the home is used, who can provide access and what you already know needs attention.
A maintenance plan should define actual tasks. “Look after the house” can mean very different things to an owner and a service provider. Distinguish inspection or reporting visits from cleaning, servicing, repairs and any separately managed work.
Organise the property by areas and materials
Create a simple inventory of the spaces that matter: roof and drainage, exterior surfaces, doors and windows, timber elements, metalwork and outdoor living areas. Identify product or equipment instructions you already have so future care can follow the appropriate guidance.
Exposure is an important part of the conversation. Covered and uncovered areas, coastal conditions and the way water moves around the property may affect the attention an area needs. Inspection findings should determine a task list and frequency rather than a universal calendar.
MAKE A MORE INFORMED CHOICE.
Care that fits the way you use the property.
Try a direction. See what makes the first conversation useful.
Living here
List recurring care and occasional repairs. Describe what you handle and what you would like help coordinating.
Bring a little context: A care list, priorities and preferred coordination method.
Agree what is checked and what is reported
If you are away, discuss what information you need after a visit. A dated checklist, photographs of agreed areas and clear notes about issues can help you make decisions from a distance. The reporting approach should be part of the agreed service.
Clarify how new repair needs are raised and approved. A maintenance visit does not automatically authorise every additional job that might be identified. Keeping reporting, approvals and the work scope clear helps everyone understand the next action.
Separate home care from full property management
Maintenance is not automatically the same as rental management. Guest communications, bookings, payment handling and other management tasks are distinct services. Be specific about which responsibilities you are requesting.
The same applies to specialist equipment. Record what needs attention and let the scope identify which work can be provided and where an appropriate technician is required. The brief is a starting point for that discussion, not a blanket service agreement.
Build a plan around priorities you can explain
List known concerns, existing service arrangements and the areas you most want help with. Tell Harrison whether you are planning a one-time visit, an assessment or an ongoing arrangement. Include your preferred timing and contact method.
Use the planner to save a property-care brief, then attach useful photographs. A defined service proposal can follow a conversation about the property, access, reporting expectations and the work that is actually required.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR HOME
A few helpful details.
A photo or two, a rough measurement and the changes you have in mind. Share what you have.
- How the property is occupied
- Known issues and existing service providers
- Areas and equipment to include in an assessment
- Who can provide access
- The reporting and approval process you need
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
A few good questions.
Can I request care while I am outside Costa Rica?
Yes. Explain your circumstances and access arrangements. The scope should define communication, reporting and how additional work is approved.
Does maintenance include rental management?
Not automatically. Include the responsibilities you want to discuss so maintenance and any management requirements can be distinguished clearly.
How often should maintenance visits take place?
Frequency should follow the property, agreed tasks, exposure, occupancy and assessment findings. The planner records preferences rather than prescribing a universal schedule.