Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of Our Maintenance Team
- Adriana Siler
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
When you walk through a freshly maintained park, or strolling on a trail cleared of overgrowth in the morning, you're seeing the quiet but essential work of the Klahanie maintenance team.
From early-morning prep to last-minute emergencies, this crew of three covers a lot of ground, quite literally. Maintenance Manager Steve Durr and Director of Operations Chris Siler have graciously provided us with some insight into what it really takes to keep Klahanie running behind the scenes.
Setting the Stage
Steve’s goal each morning is simple but impactful: “I want the main office staff to walk in and be ready to work, not distracted by taking out trash or wiping down counters.” One member of the maintenance crew typically arrives before the rest of the office, ensuring the building is clean, bathrooms are stocked, and the day starts off on the right foot.
From there, the team checks overnight messages, homeowner maintenance requests, and priorities from the Community Manager. “Resident needs always come before our to-do list,” Steve notes.
Seasonal Shifts
With each season comes a new set of responsibilities. In the fall, the crew proactively clears drains of leaves to help prevent flooding. In winter, they’re out early spreading de-icer across sidewalks and parking lots. If it’s still dark, Steve drives the Boulevard to check the monument and street lights, replacing bulbs as needed.
Summer brings its own unique challenges: overgrowth on trails, increased trash and vandalism in parks, and higher wear on amenities with kids out of school. The team patrols common areas 1–2 times a week, documenting issues, removing graffiti, and addressing safety concerns quickly. “This is the first time Klahanie has had three maintenance techs working at once,” Steve shares. “It’s given us more eyes on the ground, and it’s made a difference.”
From Calm to Chaos: Every Day Is Different
Even with a detailed plan, the unexpected is part of the job. As Steve puts it, “Contractors change their schedules at the drop of a hat. A sprinkler line breaks. A coyote or bear gets spotted near a trail. Suddenly, our whole day pivots.”
One major example? The Bomb Cyclone windstorm. “It took everything off the table. We had to document downed trees, check damage, and coordinate cleanup across the neighborhood.”
Smart Solutions, Big Savings
The maintenance team isn’t just boots on the ground; they’re also problem-solvers who think critically before green-lighting expensive fixes. A recent example is the Mountainview drain line repair project. Initially, a contractor recommended a full reroute of the drainage system under the building, a plan that would have involved cutting concrete and asphalt at a steep cost.
Instead, Chris sought a second opinion and worked with another contractor to try a more targeted solution. The team successfully removed a root blockage and restored flow to the system, all for $6,893.75, a fraction of the original estimate.
The Human Side of Maintenance
Both Steve and Chris agree: the best part of this work is the people.
“I’ve worked with dozens of different teams over the years,” Steve says. “But here, it feels like family. We work closely, we laugh, we support each other, and we care about the residents we see every day.”
Chris echoes that sentiment: “It’s a privilege to work alongside this team and be in a role where I get to interact with residents regularly. There’s also something deeply rewarding about improving our amenities. That’s where people gather, celebrate, and connect, and when we update those spaces, it has a real impact.”
One standout project? Chris recalls visualizing and helping execute the Lakeside stadium seating stairs and ADA ramp. This was a transformative improvement that still serves the community today.
The Unsung Work of Community Care
From leveling sidewalks and repairing pool decks to driving Bobcats and scaring off wildlife, the maintenance team’s job is equal parts routine and unpredictable. Some days, they’re replacing signs and sweeping up glass. Other days, they’re helping decorate for Halloween, building trails, or helping stage a Star Wars Day celebration.
Even the repetitive tasks have meaning. “I like the comfort of repetition,” Steve admits. “Over time, you get better at it, faster, more precise. And when that work improves someone’s day, it’s worth it.”
Say Hello, Stay Connected
The next time you see a maintenance team member out on the trails or working at one of the pools, feel free to wave hello! They just might be your first interaction with the HOA. And if you have a maintenance request, you can submit it through info@klahanie.com or visit our office.
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