How Commercial Property Management Boosts Profitability in Chicago

Investing in commercial real estate in Chicago presents a tremendous opportunity for property owners and investors. With the proper care, a commercial property can deliver a high level of profitability. However, maximizing profitability requires strategic management to optimize cash flow, reduce expenses, and increase property value. Professional Chicago commercial property management plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Here’s how expert property management increases a commercial building's profitability in the competitive Chicago market.

1. Maximizing Rental Income

One of the primary ways a commercial property management firm enhances profitability is by setting competitive rental rates and ensuring maximum occupancy. Professional Chicago property managers conduct thorough market analysis to determine optimal lease pricing while remaining competitive in Chicago’s dynamic real estate market. A good commercial management team will also implement tenant retention strategies to minimize vacancies and maintain a steady cash flow.

2. Reducing Operating Costs

Effective commercial property management focuses on cost efficiency without sacrificing quality. Property managers negotiate vendor contracts for maintenance, cleaning, and security services, securing the best rates through established industry relationships. By working with an experienced Chicago property management company like PRG Management, you can benefit from the extensive network of trusted vendors for a huge variety of situations. Additionally, routine property inspections and proactive maintenance help prevent costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of key assets.

3. Ensuring Compliance & Risk Mitigation

Chicago’s commercial real estate sector comes with its own set of various special regulations, including zoning laws, safety codes, and tax assessments. A professional property management team ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal laws, reducing the risk of fines, legal disputes, and liabilities. This proactive approach safeguards your investment while minimizing unexpected expenses that can arise from legal liabilities. PRG Management ensures our property managers are always up to date on local and federal changes so we can better serve our clients.

4. Efficient Lease Management & Tenant Relations

Just like residential investments, a commercial investment’s source of income is its tenants. Strong tenant relationships lead to higher satisfaction and long-term lease agreements, securing a stable revenue stream. Maintaining these relationships and efficiently handling lease negotiations, renewals, and enforcement requires expertise to protect the owner's interests. When there is no one to ensure tenant satisfaction you run the risk of losing their trust with larger financial pitfalls down the line. The property managers at PRG Management ensure leases are structured with favorable terms, enforce timely rent collection, and mitigate disputes. 

5. Enhancing Property Value & Preventative Maintenance

Well-maintained commercial properties command higher rental rates and attract quality tenants. This includes not only maintaining the grounds around the property but modernizing the property as well. A dedicated management team oversees renovations, curb appeal improvements, and energy-efficient upgrades, all of which contribute to long-term appreciation. An experienced commercial property management team will also perform regular preventative maintenance efforts that align with enhancing a property’s value. 

6. Leveraging Technology & Data Analytics

Modern property management companies like PRG Management, use cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to optimize operations. Predictive maintenance software, digital lease management systems, and real-time financial reporting provide transparency and efficiency, allowing owners to make informed investment decisions and maximize profitability. Clients who work with PRG Management get access to an app and dashboard that provides key statistics, documentation, and a portal for tenant communications.

Partnering with PRG Management for Chicago Commercial Property Management

PRG Management specializes in managing commercial and investment properties across Chicagoland, ensuring our clients achieve maximum returns on their investments. Our full-service approach includes tenant & lease management, financial oversight, and strategic property improvements tailored to the unique needs of each property owner and investment property.

By leveraging our expertise through years of experience, strong vendor relationships, and cutting-edge technology, we help investors and owners navigate Chicago’s commercial real estate landscape with confidence and most importantly, profitability.

Are you looking to maximize the profitability of your commercial property in Chicago? Contact PRG Management today to learn how our expert property management services can help you achieve your financial goals or fill out the form below to get a FREE management proposal.

Now Managing: The Seng Chicago | 869 W Blackhawk St

PRG Management is proud to announce our newest management assignment at The Seng, one of Northside’s new construction housing projects. Situated at the intersection of some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods, this 5-story, 34-unit building is one of the city’s new efforts to provide more affordable housing options for residents. This new service agreement between PRG Management and The Seng gives both parties the tools to provide our top-rated Chicago HOA management services such as preventative maintenance, janitorial services, financial services, and board meeting management. 

The Seng (34 units) + PRG Management

The Seng, along with the Chicago Housing Trust, have aimed their sights on making housing more accessible and providing a lower barrier to entry into homeownership. They offer units at below-market prices to those who qualify - applicants need to be certified by the Chicago Housing Trust team and cleared as ‘income-eligible’ and ‘mortgage-ready’ before placing an offer on a unit at The Seng. This provides a chance for families to attain stable homeownership in an area with expanding opportunities. By utilizing PRG Management’s HOA services the Seng can better focus on their mission of providing safe and affordable homeownership for Chicago residents.

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

PRG Management is responsible for managing The Seng Chicago by providing a wide range of HOA property management services, including but not limited to financial management, preventative maintenance, board meeting management, and administrative support. PRG Management will provide equitable and efficient management services in individual units, as well as the management of common elements such as the attached heated garage, bike storage, gym, and amenity roof deck. By meeting the unique needs of The Seng and its residents with custom management services, PRG Management’s Chicago HOA team will provide stability and confidence in the day-to-day operations of the building.

about prg management

PRG Property Management is a full-service property management company, home to a team of reliable and accomplished brokers, distinguished property managers, and incredible support staff. PRG Management offers a broad range of services for HOAs, rentals, investment buildings, and a wide range of commercial projects to effectively manage commercial and residential real estate in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. If you’re interested in stress-free property management contact us today for a free proposal and more information on our HOA & condo management services.

2024 Chicago Winterization Guide: Fall Checklist for Homeowners & Renters

2024 Chicago Winterization Guide: Preparing Your Home for Cold Weather

Winter in Chicago is both beautiful and brutal, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice that left unattended, can lead to some major problems when managing or owning property. First-time homeowners may be asking "How to winterize properties in Chicago?" Or "How do I winterize my Chicago home?" Whether you're a homeowner, a renter, or someone looking to sell your property, we have put together some expert recommendations from Fannie Mae and Pearson Realty Group to help you take the proper steps to winterize your home is essential for your comfort, safety, and even saving money. In this comprehensive 2024 update for our Chicago Winterization Guide, we'll cover the key areas you should address before the snow starts to fall.

Why Winterization Matters in Chicago

The Midwest, especially Chicago, is known for its extreme winter conditions—blizzards, ice storms, sub-zero temperatures, and wind chills that can make your home feel like an icebox if it's not properly prepared. Just a few years ago during the 2019 Polar Vortex homeowners and renters alike experienced what happens when you don't prepare for the worst. Taking proactive steps now ensures your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way, and it could save you thousands in potential repairs. Winterizing your home can help you:

• Improve energy efficiency and lower heating costs.

• Prevent costly repairs from frozen pipes or roof damage.

• Protect your home’s value, especially if it’s on the market.

• Enhance safety and comfort for your family.

Winterizing Your Home: A Checklist for Homeowners

1. Inspect & Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can cause heat loss, making your home less energy-efficient and increasing your heating bill. Properly sealed windows and doors can massively cut down on heat loss. Use caulking or weatherstripping products to seal any gaps that air can escape - you can always check for drafts by holding a candle or lighter near windows and door frames—if the flame flickers, there is an air leak. Homeowners should also consider upgrading to storm windows that offer an extra layer of winter protection with added insulation. When our partners at Pearson Realty Group work with Chicago REO properties during the winter months, this is often one of the first and easiest steps taken in winterizing a home.

2. Service Your Furnace and HVAC System

Your heating system is your first defense against the cold, so ensuring it’s in good working order is necessary. Many experts recommend keeping your thermostat set at a consistent temperature (around 68°F) to save on heating costs. It's also recommended you schedule a professional furnace tune-up to check for any issues and change the filters. Be sure to check your thermostat settings, and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to optimize energy efficiency. We recommend checking your HVAC systems and major appliances to ensure any pumps, hoses, cords, or any other connections are clear of obstructions and no water damage is present. This is also a good time to check to see if your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.

3. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which cause water to back up under your roof and potentially lead to leaks and structural damage. Remove leaves, sticks, and debris from your gutters and ensure your downspouts direct water away from the foundation to avoid water buildup and ice hazards that can lead to possible roof looks. This is also a great time to inspect the exterior of your home for pests, rodents, and any potential entryways they could use. When the winter finally kicks in, it's important to monitor for any icicles forming, as this can be a sign of heat escaping.

4. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Frozen pipes can burst, leading to costly water damage. One way to protect your pipes is to insulate exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the garage, basement, or attic. You might want to consider installing heat tape for pipes in particularly cold areas of the home. For other areas of the house, you can ensure your pipes' integrity by keeping the temperature at a consistent rate, even if you're not home, to prevent freezing. We recommend a constant temp of 68°F to prevent potential issues, but every home and owner's comfort needs will be different.  This can be especially important when Pearson Realty Group’s Chicago REO team is prepping unoccupied inventory for the winter season.

5. Prepare Your Roof and Attic

Heavy snow and ice buildup can cause roof damage or even collapse in extreme cases. Attic insulation can also help prevent heat from escaping, further lowering your energy bills. Ensure your roof is ready to bear the weight of a snowy winter by inspecting your roof for missing/damaged shingles and making repairs as needed. It's also a good idea to clear out your attic and make sure it's properly insulated to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. If you see any evidence of water damage, you should address this immediately. Preparing a roof and attic for the tough winter season is a significant portion of the preventative maintenance responsibilities PRG Management takes on for both residential and commercial spaces to ensure the building and its tenants are safe and sound.

Winterization for Renters: Essential Tips

If you’re a renter, there are still proactive steps you can take to ensure your home is warm and energy-efficient during the winter months. It’s also a good idea to check with your landlord about any shared responsibilities, like shoveling snow, salting walkways, or replacing filters to ensure you are doing everything you can to keep your home warm and comfortable. Here are a few renter-friendly winterization steps that we recommend:

• Ask your landlord to service the heating system and replace the filters.

• Use draft stoppers (or rolled-up towels) at the bottom of doors to prevent cold air from seeping in.

• Add thermal curtains to windows for extra insulation. Insulation Shrink Kits are another suitable budget-friendly solution.

• Reverse your ceiling fans to cycle warm air downward and circulate it more effectively.

• Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature, even when you're not home, to prevent pipes from freezing.

READ MORE: Apartment Renter Tips for Chicago Winters

Expert Tips from Fannie Mae

According to Fannie Mae, proper home maintenance during winter can reduce energy costs and help avoid damage that could affect the home’s value. Remember that you may need a professional to handle more advanced maintenance and repairs. Here are a few steps that not only save money but can also increase the overall comfort and safety of your home during the winter months:

• Review insurance coverage: Know what your policies cover—policy changes can’t be made during a disaster.

• Prepare an emergency kit: Include chargers, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid, water, and nonperishable foods.

• Use resilient materials: Opt for windproof windows, fireproof siding, and durable roofing when making improvements.

• Store valuables securely: Use weatherproof containers or safes for heirlooms and important documents.

Our partners at Pearson Realty Group's Chicago REO & Short Sale department utilize in-depth guides from Fannie Mae that provide efficient processes that allow them to winterize REO properties and REO winterization services in a timely, budget-friendly fashion.

Winterizing your Chicago home is not just an annoying task to cross off your to-do list—it’s a crucial step to protect your home and improve energy efficiency while keeping your family safe and comfortable throughout the winter season. Whether you're a homeowner or renter, taking proactive measures now will save you time, money, and stress once the snow starts to fall.

As you prepare for the upcoming winter, refer back to PRG Management's 2024 Chicago Winterization Guide to ensure you haven’t missed any crucial steps. With proper planning, your home will be ready to withstand even the harshest Chicago winter. If you plan on selling this winter, contact our partners at Pearson Realty Group today to get in touch with an experienced Chicagoland real estate agent who can guide you through the best practices for listing your home during the winter. Owners and investors looking for assistance in managing your building's winterization efforts, and beyond contact our Chicago property management team or fill out the form below for a free proposal.

New East Side Chicago Developments │ New Lakeshore East Condos

New East Side Developments In Chicago’s Lakeshore East Neighborhood

To a surprising number of Chicago residents, it’s a shock to find out that the city technically has an East Side. New East Side Chicago developments have been popping up all over the Lakeshore East neighborhood, located just north of Grant Park in Chicago’s Loop and just south of River North.

The past decade has seen an abundance of new construction projects that have continued success even through the Covid-19 pandemic. Easily accessible public transportation, shopping & food, and plenty of amenities make the Lakeshore East area one of the superior neighborhoods in the city.

New East Side Chicago buildings such as the Cirrus, Aqua, Shoreham & Tides, and The Parkshore are prime examples of the type of luxury condos you can find in this part of the city. Not only do you have the wonderful amenities in and around the building, but the welcoming community these buildings tend to attract as well. Just check out this video from the 47-story tall Cirrus Condos building showcasing their beautifully constructed skyline architecture and the surrounding area packed with life:

Cirrus Condominiums in Chicago from Cirrus Condominiums Chicago on Vimeo.

As you can tell from the promotional video, the courtyard-style park in the middle of all these highrise condos, appropriately named Lakeshore East Park, is a giant draw for these condo buildings. With the New East Side in such a densely populated area coupled with it being a high traffic area for tourists as well means privacy or a simple quiet walk are more highly sought after. Perfect for these residents this courtyard is surrounded on all sides by the condo buildings that have walkways and sidewalks directly from your building to the park. While many buildings will have a garden roof deck, for many a real quasi “private” park on the ground cannot be beaten.

One of the biggest challenges with these buildings is an obvious one, managing them. From regular & emergency maintenance, to negotiating with vendors, to simply collecting payments and much more in between; a lot of logistics and work go into managing just one of these amazing condo buildings. PRG Management specializes in working with Homeowner Associations at these types of buildings and has built up a reputation of one of the most trusted Property Management companies in Chicago, a rare feat. From the NEw East Side to the South Side and even the surrounding suburbs, we have an extensive track record of successfully managing buildings and helping them stay profitable.

Take a look at what services our property management contacts offer on the PRG Management Services page and contact us today to request your free management proposal today!

Chicago First Time Home Buyer Tips

As we quickly approach the Spring, the time to plan for your new move is now. Our Chicago First Time Home Buyer Tips Guide is everything you need to get started with confidence.

Find The Right Agent

Finding the right agent for your needs is a crucial first step in our Chicago first time home buyer guide. When shopping for agents, you want an experienced realtor that can answer any first-time buyer questions you have and that you can get along with well. You want to look for an agent that is familiar with the areas you are searching in - some inside knowledge of certain neighborhoods is invaluable in the home search process. Going to some larger reality sites such as Zillow or Trulia will automatically match you with an agent based on your search - useful but very impersonal.

This is where having a trusted network or community of people you can turn to for recommendations will pay off. Having someone's trusted word on an agent's experience and more importantly, goodwill & ethics will be invaluable in this process for a Chicago first time home buyer. Facebook neighborhood groups are a great place to start if you don't have many contacts in the area you are looking into - many business leaders and community organizers discuss things here and can give some great recommendations.

Our expert team at Pearson Realty Group of over 80 Chicagoland agents on staff is ready to help you through every step of the home buying process. Search all properties for sale on our buyer's search page and feel free to call us anytime, we have agents involved in all neighborhoods of the city and can find your dream home today!

Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions

There are no stupid questions, especially when it comes to purchasing your first home. Remember, this is your realtor's job - they studied the laws, they have the knowledge, and the know-how to get answers they don't have. When you're a Chicago first-time home buyer you can't be timid or nervous to ask redundant or simple questions, this is your hard-earned money and you deserve the best service when searching for such a serious purchase.

Put some time aside, write down a list of any questions that you think of, and make sure you are confident in the answers you receive. The Washington Post put together 8 important — and overlooked — questions to ask before buying a home, this is a great jumping-off point for brainstorming ideas for your specific property. Inquiring about the quality of schools, noise levels, monthly appliance/utility cost, traffic levels, are more than appropriate and expected behavior with serious buyers. 

A common complaint about bad agents is the inability or unwillingness to answer perceived "dumb" questions. This leads to confusion, distrust, and questioning the entire purchase process - an agent can either provide or take all the confidence in the deal for you. So very much like our advice to find the right agent, don't be afraid to leave an agent that isn't working out for you. While there are many red flags for dropping an agent, inability/refusal to provide properly requested information might be the largest one to look for.

Take Your Time

Excitement tends to take over many first-time home buyers when seeing properties in person. While these feelings are absolutely warranted, it's important to keep your composure and not rush into things. This applies equally to every part of the home buying process. Revisiting properties, getting second opinions, and evaluating your agent's performance are just a few things you should spend some time on before pulling the trigger on any home.

Pre-Approved Is Better Than Pre-Qualified

While both of these are beneficial in planning your expenses and financial expectations for your first home purchase, they are drastically different in practice. A pre-approved loan essentially acts as a realistic but hypothetical loan process - it is all potential not guaranteed. You are provided with a lender, a summary of your financials, and an estimate on what you could potentially borrow. This is usually not preferred by sellers as it does not give them as much confidence in comparison that you will be able to complete the purchase.

On the other hand, a pre-qualified loan is on the opposite end of the spectrum. This process ends in you having a definitive loan amount guaranteed by a future lender. This is done with a hard credit check, a deep look at your financials, and a more in-depth application that covers much more than a pre-approved loan. The clear advantage of a pre-approval loan is that you are able to begin your home search with more confidence and realistic expectations. Another big difference is that pre-approval takes significantly longer than pre-qualified, although doing so will save you an indefinite amount of time, effort, and stress in the future.

Here at Person Realty Group, we have built up relationships with some extremely trustworthy lenders and services that make this process easy on you. Contact us today to speak to someone about finding your dream home today!

Check out the FULL guide for Chicago First Time Home Buyers at our sister company Pearson Realty Group!

City of Chicago Side Walk Repair Program

If you are a Chicago property owner or Chicago property manager and want to take advantage of free assistance to help alleviate the costs of your concrete sidewalk repairs, there is a program you need to sign up for this upcoming week. The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a great benefit to owners who want to share the cost of their sidewalk repairs with the City of Chicago.  Over thousands of Chicagoans have previously been a part of this great program and the city expects similar numbers this year as well.

Chicago property owners will have 24 hours to apply for the 2020 shared cost sidewalk program starting at 6 A.M. on Tuesday, January 7th and ending at 5:59 A.M. on Wednesday, January 8th.  This program highly benefits owners who have sidewalks that are within the public right of way and are not vaulted or custom. The cost per square foot that will be charged to the property owners is well below the price of a private contractor. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are also eligible for a 50% discount when using the program.

According to the city, costs for sidewalk repairs can range anywhere from $600-$1,500 for a standard job. This program will be a great service for owners who are wanting to cut those prices in half this year.

The number of participants the city will accept is based on the availability of funds. It is also a first-come, first served basis, so owners need to act quickly!

To submit an application for this beneficial program, you can apply online at 311.chicago.gov. All applicants should specify that they want to participate in the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program, if they are a senior or have a disability, and they need to provide the property owner’s full name, contact number, email, and the property’s full address. There are also other items you can ask for such as wanting a courtesy walk or landing step installed or if you are interested in removing and replacing your driveway apron (if applicable).

You can also apply by calling 311 or 312-744-5000. The city is expecting a high interest in this program and will have extra 311 operators on hand to field calls. Contact your Chicago property manager or contact our office if you would be interested in having our team submit the request on your behalf.

The city has put together a useful list of frequently asked questions and some more information on the program that you can view by going here: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/sdwlk/sharedcost/SCSP_FAQ_2019.pdf

Getting Ready for New Tenants

Even after the numerous tasks for listing a property have been completed there is still work to be done is order to be fully prepared for new tenants at your rental property. In order to properly welcome the new tenants there are a few things that should be considered.

The Search for a Tenants

First, screening the possible tenants. This can be a little awkward at times, but is extremely important because you want to find serious tenants that will not cause any issues with the property. The primary thing to do is to ask questions to determine how motivated the potential tenants are. People that are looking to move in the next few days or even the next day indicate that they are not good planners and are probably not the type of tenants you want. On the other hands, tenants that are looking to move in several months should also be avoided as they are not immediately motivated to begin renting. There is a sweet spot in between the distant future and the next day that you as the property manager need to determine. A good place to start to find that time frame is to check the potential tenants credit, background, and criminal records. No evictions, steady work, and a clean criminal record usually indicate a good tenant.

The next step after a tenant has been selected is to collect the first month’s rent upfront and a security deposit. From there the following measure is the leasing agreement. This is the best way to express rules for the property such as: whether or not smoking is okay, the amount of roommates that can be living there at any given time, or any specifics on how rent payments should be made.

Welcoming the Tenants

Once all the technical arrangements are made the final step in the process is creating a welcoming environment for the tenants. Flowers or a gift basket is a nice gesture. Another option as a welcome gift could be household essentials such as paper towels or bottled water; since moving can be frustrating, these little items are sometimes over looked. New tenants typically really appreciate the thought of a gift in general. An exceptionally nice gesture would be a nice bottle of wine or craft beer from a local shop in the neighborhood to show that the new tenants are welcome to the neighborhood.

Video Intercom Solutions: Chicago 13-Unit

Just Installed Video Intercom!

Intercom systems are evolving in a way that benefit tenants and managers in exceptional ways. Fixed intercoms are a tool of the past. The ButterflyMX intercom system is a product that has transformed the way that property managers maintain their properties. ButterflyMX offers state-of-the-art and dynamic ways for tenants to handle their home simply by using their smartphones. As technology becomes more and more advanced Two Blue makes every effort to keep with the times. Thus, Two Blue recently installed the ButterflyMX intercom system in a 13-unit property located in West Town and has seen how the system helps communication at the property.

Property Management Benefits

The system is easy to use and allows property managers to utilizes intercom features throughout the entire building through a user-friendly web portal. There is also a function that allows the property manager to contact anyone in the building through widespread messaging. ButterflyMX can be integrated into most existing property management systems and can update new information automatically to shrink data entry mistakes and to decrease time spent integrating new tenants. The system also promotes a new level of security for the building by tracking who comes in and out of the building by logging all entries and exits from the primary door. Lastly, ButterflyMX uses cloud based data storage to collect and store information on all building activities.

Tenant Benefits

Residents can also reap many benefits from the system. The mobile app is the control center for the tenant to completely govern access to their home. The touch screen intercom located at the front door allows visitors to contact tenants directly on their phone and allow access to the building remotely. There is also a virtual key function that allows for temporary electronic keys to be made and will expire at a given time to allow service personnel into their home. Tenants also have the ability to use multiple methods of messaging to contact visitors. Voice messages or texts can be sent to visitors even when the tenant is not home. There is also an electronic time stamp function for entries and exits from the building. Tenants can manage records of their guests as they let them in all within the mobile app. The smart phone interface allows for extremely easy communication with the front door as well as opening the door remotely.

Choosing The Right Salt This Winter

With the winter season approaching fast, we know that Chicago winters can be very unpredictable when it comes to winter weather.  Buildings and Associations should be preparing to get good pricing on snow removal and salt before the snow and cold sneak up on you.

An important decision for buildings every year is what kind of de-icer to use for the season.  Common walkways must be de-iced to ensure the safety and comfort of walking around your property.  Here are some comparisons of different snow-melting salt options PRG Management has reviewed to help you decide on property management in Chicago this winter.

·         Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride

o   Price scale: Medium

o   Fast acting and effective alternative to the commonly used rock salt.  Mostly safe for grass if used minimally to moderately.  Melts to -25 degrees F.

·         Magnesium Chloride

o   Price scale: Medium

o   Fast acting and effective alternative to the commonly used rock salt.  Mostly safe for grass if used minimally to moderately.  Melts to -13 degrees F, and has a higher chance of damaging asphalt or sidewalks.

·         Potassium Chloride

o   Price Scale: High

o   Safest Pet and Garden friendly alternative.  Melts to -25 degrees F.

·         Sodium Chloride/Rock Salt

o   Price Scale: Low

o   Basic rock salt.  Extremely cheap but toxic to pets, damages surfaces, and not garden-friendly.

·         Metal and stairs

o   Metal and stairs can be a hassle.  There are several options for melting ice on metal stairs to minimize, such as Urea based de-icers or using a brine (liquid de-icer) solution.  Another solution would be to use Sand.  Sand is not a de-icer, but if you shovel beforehand, sand can provide traction for walking on the stairs along with preventing new ice from forming on top of it.

These are the most common types of de-icer that we at PRG Property Management have worked with in the past.  As a premier Property Management company in Chicago, we are more than happy to help your building manage any upcoming winter woes to ensure a safe environment for everyone!