Volume 125 Issue 75
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
ISAN
kansan.com
VANT/KANSAN second half 81-71 win.
SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB
A HANDY WAY TO AVOID THE FLIU
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MAINTENANCE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18. 2013
On-site maintenance can improve apartment living
HANNAH PIERANGELO editor@kansan.com
That hectic time of year has come around again - apartment hunting. College students looking to move from their current situation are scouring the city for the perfect living space.
Maintenance is an extremely important aspect to consider when deciding where to live.
There is a lot more to think about when looking for a new home than simply location, price and comfort. All are important things to look for, but it is equally important to think ahead. What should you do when the breaker blows in your apartment? What if the sink clogs, or something breaks?
The first thing to decide is what type of maintenance you will need. Will you call a professional, or do it yourself? The DIY trend grows every year, but sometimes it may be more beneficial to leave repairs to the experts.
residents try to fix the problem themselves.
Most apartment complexes have on-site maintenance crews available to help with a wide variety of problems during the week, and on weekends for special emergencies.
"If there is an easy fix, I will advise and try to help the resident to try and fix it, but if they can't, it's not problem. We can get it fixed just as easily," said Tate Vobach, the leasing professional for The Reserve Apartments.
Most issues are small and can be handled easily, however, tasks involving electricity and plumbing should always be left to a professional.
"There is always someone on call. We have 24-hour maintenance, and we pretty much take care of anything," said Macy Hundley, the leasing consultant for Hawks Pointe Apartments.
Many apartment complexes share the 24-hour feature during the week. If having someone on hand for any maintenance needs is a requirement, be sure to ask about it when looking into apartments.
For those feeling handy or up to the task of DIY repairs, some apartments don't mind if
MACY HUNDLEY
Leasing Consultant, Hawks Pointe
For those who wish to handle maintenance themselves, living in a house might be the better option. One should also keep in mind the added costs of hiring maintenance when repairs are too big to tackle alone.
Anyone interested in personalizing their apartment by painting and doing minor modifications should also speak with consultants. Some complexes like Hawks Poine Apartments allow residents to paint the walls, as long as they are painted back to the original color when they move out. Not all complexes are as lenient, so
Edited by Laken Rapier
be sure to double-check for permission.
"I don't necessarily experience a lot of maintenance problems with my apartment specifically. I think The Reserve deals with their maintenance problems on a quick basis; they are certainly responsive in a timely manner," said Macy Amsden, a sophomore from Wichita.
Many apartment complexes have a maintenance staff on site. This will save money instead of calling local businesses to fix apartment problems.
In general, maintenance in apartments will probably not be a major concern for the duration of a residents lease. But if something should happen, you'll be glad you thought ahead.
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
Home repairs like fixing a broken toilet call for an expert. Unless you have the know-how to make big fixes, consider living somewhere with on-site maintenance staff.
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
entirely, Iowa and Bob Billings will be reduced to one lane. Commuters should expect delays during construction and are recommended to follow detours or avoid these streets while access is limited.
TREY CONRAD/KANSAN
"Jayhawk Boulevard is a centerpiece of the new KU historic district," said Paul Graves, Deputy Director with the University's Office
The city's streets won't be alone in construction. The University will begin its own construction of Jayhawk Boulevard this summer, breaking the project up over four summers until 2016.
According to conceptual designs, 60 canopy trees will be planted, paying homage to when Jayhawk Boulevard was lined with American elm trees that were decimated by Dutch elm disease.
Finally, the construction has been designed to be as consistent as possible with the University's
ramps meet current accessibility standards.
While the streets are unpaved, water lines will also be replaced in order to update to current standards, and storm water drainage will be installed in all areas.
"The pavement will be smoother and more durable so, whether walking on the sidewalks, bicycling down the street, riding a bus, it's going to be a safer and more convenient trip," Graves said. "Ultimately, it will also have a nicer appearance. With time, as the additional trees mature, it will be more shaded and more pleasant to walk along, especially in the heat of summer."
levard will never be entirely closed down.
— Edited by Paige Lytle
KNOW WHEN THERE WILL BE CONSTRUCTION ON WHICH ROADS:
SUMMER 2013
MAY TO AUGUST
NOW TO DECEMBER
MARCH
CLASSIFIEDS 7
CROSSWORD 5
CRYPTOQUIPS 5
OPINION 4
SPORTS 8
SUDOKU 5
(II contents, unless stated otherwise), © 2013 The University Daily Kansan
Don't forget
Check out West Side Story tonight at the Lied Center at 7:30 p.m.
Today's Weather
Sunny. Zero percent chance of precipitation.
Wind NWB at 16 mph.
HI: 39
LO: 14
Cold and dry.
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