Maintenance Company Settings

Sending out Broadcast Message to Property Owners

In Cottage Companion, property maintenance companies have the ability to send broadcast messages to property owners, ensuring efficient communication and timely updates. To create a broadcast message, follow these practical steps:

1. From the main menu, select "MaintCo Settings." You can find this option in the main menu.

2. In the MaintCo Settings menu, click on "Broadcast." This selection will take you to the broadcast message page.

3. On the broadcast message page, start by typing in a title for your message. The title should provide a clear and concise indication of the purpose or topic of your broadcast.

4. Next, compose your message in the provided text field. It's essential to be clear, informative, and to the point while communicating your message to property owners.

5. To select the category of property owners you want to send the broadcast message to, click on the appropriate checkboxes. You have the flexibility to send the message to multiple categories, such as full-service property owners, seasonal customers, or owners with ad hoc requests.

6. Once you have entered the title, composed your message, and selected the desired categories, click on the "Broadcast" button. This action sends your message to the selected property owners.

7. Property owners belonging to the chosen categories will now receive your broadcast message on their Cottage Companion app. This ensures that they receive important updates or information promptly and conveniently.

Remember, creating broadcast messages in Cottage Companion allows you to efficiently communicate with property owners, providing them with essential updates, news, or announcements.

Setting Up Work Order Types

Setting up work order types in Cottage Companion allows property maintenance companies to categorize and differentiate various types of work orders for efficient management. Follow these practical steps to configure work order types:

1. From the main menu, navigate to "Maint Co Settings".

2. In the Maint Co Settings menu, select "Work Order Types" from the available options. This selection will take you to the work order type configuration page.

3. On the work order types page, locate the blue "+" symbol on the right side of the screen. Click on this symbol to create a new work order type.

4. In the provided text field, type in the label or name you would like to use for this particular work order type. Ensure that the label accurately represents the type of work order you are configuring.

5. If you want to allow property owners to request quotes for this work order type, select the "Allow Quote" option. This enables property owners to request price estimates or quotes for the specific type of maintenance work. Otherwise, click on the "No Quote" option if quotes are not applicable for this work order type.

6. Once you have filled in the label and made the appropriate selection for quoting, click on the "Submit" button. This confirms and saves your changes.

Congratulations! The new work order type is now successfully set up and available to property owners.

Examples & Definitions of Common Work Order Types

As a property maintenance company using Cottage Companion, it's essential to understand and define the most common work order types to effectively manage and communicate maintenance tasks. The following are the definitions for commonly used work order types:

1. Weekly Property Checks: Weekly property checks involve regular inspections of the property to assess its condition, ensure security, and identify any maintenance needs. This type of work order focuses on monitoring and maintaining the property's overall well-being on a weekly basis.

2. Indoor or Outdoor Painting: Indoor or outdoor painting work orders involve painting or repainting specific areas of a property's interior or exterior. This includes tasks such as painting walls, doors, windows, or other surfaces to enhance the property's aesthetics and protect it from damage.

3. Seasonal Cleanup: Seasonal cleanup work orders are performed during specific times of the year to remove debris, leaves, or other seasonal items that accumulate on the property. This type of work order helps keep the property clean, organized, and visually appealing.

4. Dock Maintenance: Dock maintenance work orders are specific to properties with docks or waterfront features. These tasks typically involve inspecting, repairing, or maintaining the dock structure, ensuring its safety and functionality.

5. Garbage Collection: Garbage collection work orders involve the regular collection and disposal of waste from the property. This task ensures proper waste management and cleanliness.

6. Bubbler Installation/Removal: Bubbler installation work orders are related to the installation or maintenance of bubblers, which are devices used to prevent water bodies from freezing during winter. This type of work order is common in properties with ponds, lakes, or other water features.

7. General Landscaping: General landscaping work orders encapsulate various landscaping tasks, such as mowing, pruning, weeding, and maintaining the property's overall outdoor appearance. It includes activities that enhance the visual appeal and functionality of the landscape.

8. Grass Cutting: Grass cutting work orders specifically focus on the regular cutting, trimming, and maintenance of the property's grass areas. This service contributes to the property's overall curb appeal and ensures a well-maintained appearance.

9. Interior Cleaning Services: Interior cleaning services work orders involve deep cleaning, dusting, and maintaining the cleanliness of the property's interior spaces. These tasks ensure a healthy and pleasant environment for residents or visitors.

10. Snow Plowing: Snow plowing work orders are essential in colder climates where snowfall occurs. This type of work order involves clearing snow from driveways, pathways, parking areas, and other designated spaces to maintain accessibility and safety during winter.

Understanding these common work order types helps property maintenance companies effectively categorize and prioritize tasks within Cottage Companion.