Commercial Property Maintenance: Tips to Keep Your Building in Top Shape

Do you own a commercial property? If so, you know all too well how difficult it can be to keep it in a tip-top shape. It takes an incredible amount of time and energy (not to mention money) to ensure the pillars are strong, the glass is clean, windows are openable, and HVAC systems are running efficiently. We get it. So, if you’re looking for some tips and tricks to help you manage your commercial property maintenance with ease, you’ve come to the right place.

Today’s post will outline some tried and true techniques to help keep your commercial building in top shape. We’ll cover how to boost the performance of your HVAC system, how to maximize the lifespan of your windows, and how to make sure your glass panels stay clean and clear. Ready to learn more? Let’s get to it!

Commercial property maintenance typically includes services such as landscaping, exterior cleaning, parking lot sweeping, and building maintenance services. Depending on the specific needs of the property, other additional services may be required.

Managing the Maintenance of a Commercial Property

Managing the maintenance of a commercial property is no easy feat. Owners must balance potential repairs, upgrades, and preventative care checks, in order to keep their building in top shape. Even when prioritizing necessary projects, creating a budget for maintenance can be a tricky affair.

On one hand, it is important to not put off essential upgrades or repairs that could wind up being very expensive in the long run. On the other hand, spending too much on quick fix repairs can be wasteful and inflate an owner’s overall maintenance budget without yielding substantial improvements to the property.

Owners should develop a comprehensive strategy and plan out their budgets accordingly: recognizing time limits, scrutinizing costs associated with repair materials and labor, and anticipating future expenses so they do not incur unexpected expenditures down the line. Additionally, owners are advised to acquire multiple bids from different contractors and compare them objectively before making decisions on who to hire; this ensures that they are receiving services at competitive prices as well as getting quality workmanship.

By managing the maintenance of their commercial properties responsibly and strategically, owners can ensure their buildings stay in top condition for many years ahead.

Keeping regular cleaning and upkeep schedules is an integral part of any property management routine; this will be discussed in more detail in the next section.

Regular Cleaning and Upkeep

Regular cleaning and upkeep of a commercial property is essential to maintain its value and appeal. General maintenance tasks including dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and wiping down surfaces should be carried out on a regular basis to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. Investing in high-quality cleaning equipment can help reduce cleaning time and ensure thoroughness. Regularly cleaning carpets, fabrics, air vents, air filters, bathrooms and other frequently used areas is equally important.

Many commercial owners opt for professional services like janitorial or maid services to handle their facility’s maintenance needs. This can be a great option if proper vetting is put in place. However, the cost associated with such services may outweigh the benefits depending on the size of the building and frequency of service needed. Outsourcing allows owners to focus on more pressing tasks while providing peace of mind that the job will be done efficiently each time.

On the other hand, property owners who hire in-house staff or use a volunteer program will have more control over quality assurance, cost management, safety protocols, staffing schedules and more. While this approach does require an investment of time and energy from the business owner, it often translates into greater cost savings in the long run due to less manpower being involved.

No matter what route you choose, one thing is clear: how well a property is maintained contributes significantly to its success. Regular cleaning and upkeep provide numerous benefits that could save money and extend the life span of the property, in addition to keeping it appealing and safe for staff and customers alike.

Now that we’ve addressed regular cleaning and upkeep of commercial properties, let’s take a look at another important factor – the costs associated with commercial property maintenance.

• According to IBIS World, the global commercial property maintenance market was estimated to be worth over $25 billion dollars in 2019.
• A survey by the U.S. Department of Commerce found that nearly 75% of businesses report spending an average of 5% or more of their annual revenue on property maintenance.
• According to a survey conducted by the National Business Research Institute, 95% of customers agreed that regular and proper commercial property maintenance increases its value and appeal.

Most Important Points

Regular cleaning and upkeep of a commercial property is essential to maintain its value and appeal. Cleaning equipment and professional services like janitorial or maid services can help, but hiring in-house staff or using a volunteer program also have benefits. Property owners should consider the costs associated with commercial property maintenance when planning for regular cleaning and upkeep.

The Costs of Commercial Property Maintenance

When it comes to the costs associated with maintaining a commercial property, it is important to remember that regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. According to the Building Owners and Managers Association, 56% of managers feel like their operational costs have risen due to neglecting regular maintenance. In other words, cutting corners on necessary maintenance can end up costing you more in the long-run.

Due to the various types of commercial properties available, the cost of maintenance typically varies widely. For example, an office building or mall may require different levels of maintenance than an industrial warehouse or small retail shop. Depending on the size of the property and the nature of its occupants, some expenses may include: employee salaries, utility bills, taxes, insurance fees, security devices, pest control services and repairs for any damage caused by weather or regular wear and tear. Additionally, mandated upgrades for compliance with local laws and environmental regulations must also be taken into consideration when budgeting for property maintenance.

It is also important to understand that certain maintenance activities can be delayed without a significant change in performance over time – but only if done in moderation. For instance, there may be moments when budget constraints prevent a full painting job of a building’s exterior walls – instead, but only spot painting could be done to maintain its general appearance until funds are available. Nevertheless, proper management and budgetary planning will ensure that all necessary tasks are completed on schedule while limiting unnecessary costs as much as possible.

Of course, there’s always the debate between spending more now vs. later – but realize either way that costs are dispersed regardless. Investing in good property maintenance today could potentially save money over time by extending the life expectancy of specific components within your building. After all, proactive maintenance that addresses ever-changing needs puts you in a better position moving forward – so use this time wisely and consider how appropriate investments could add value to your property over time.

Ultimately, it is best to work with commercial property maintenance professionals who understand how much should be budgeted for each task and who knows what repair solutions should be prioritized first based on your criteria – this partnership allows you to find greater accuracy in your estimates and puts you in a better position for potential savings.

Now that we have explored the costs associated with commercial property maintenance, let’s focus our attention on exterior maintenance in the next section.

Exterior Maintenance

Exterior maintenance is an important part of keeping a commercial property in top shape. There are several key elements to consider when considering exterior maintenance. First, the condition of the building’s paint should be evaluated and periodically repainted if needed. Damage caused by UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes can cause paint to fade or peel off the walls. Additionally, protective coatings can be applied regularly to help protect the exterior from further damage.

Second, gutters and downspouts should be regularly cleaned and inspected for clogs or debris buildup that can lead to water damage. Drains must also be monitored for clogs caused by leaves or other materials, which can prevent rainwater from draining away from the building. Trim back any overhanging branches or vegetation that could block drains or cause other issues due to their growth next to the building walls.

Third, inspect siding, decks and patios for signs of wear and damage. Wood decks may need to be resealed or stained every few years, while older siding may need replacing due to age or cracking over time. Clean skylights and glazing regularly and repair any cracks in window glazing in order to maintain proper insulation levels around the building. If a building has HVAC units installed outdoors on the roof or ground level, these should be inspected annually for signs of wear and tear.

Finally, take note of areas prone to weed growth near your commercial property’s exterior and use weed control solutions such as sprays every few months to keep these areas free from pesky plants. Remember to do an overall review of your building’s outdoor spaces periodically so you can address any potential issues with repair work or replacement components before extensive damage takes place.

With careful maintenance of your commercial property’s exterior space, you can help ensure your building remains in top shape well into the future. The next section will look at common types of commercial property maintenance used by businesses today.

Common Types of Commercial Property Maintenance

Common types of commercial property maintenance include exterior and interior maintenance, structural repair and replacement, landscaping, and cleaning. Proper upkeep of a building’s exterior is important for creating a good impression on potential customers, vendors, or tenants. Exterior maintenance tasks may involve painting, repairs to masonry, plowing snow during winter months, power washing, sealing cracks or gaps in the foundation and walls, controlling weeds near walkways and entrances, or regular inspections of mechanical systems like the roofing system.

Internal maintenance is equally important as the exterior of a structure; businesses need to ensure that its facilities are comfortable and usable by employees or customers. This means replacing air filters regularly to improve air quality, ensuring all plumbing fixtures are in working order, checking smoke alarms and other safety features like handrails or emergency exit lighting, and attending to any other necessary repairs.

Structural repair and replacement should be considered whenever a facility experiences damage from weather events or shifting foundations. Employees should also be alert to signs of decay such as water stains on walls or buckling wood floorboards. Common repairs include replacing outdated HVAC components with modern energy-efficient appliances, repairing any doors that have lost their seals, or smudging walls with mold remover products.
On the grounds outside a business facility, landscaping can help create an inviting environment for customers entering the building or prospective tenants who are considering renting out space inside. Adding flower beds around the perimeter of the building can add color to an otherwise plain facade and create a pleasant atmosphere for passersby. Establishing tidiness around entranceways is also essential for making positive first impressions; having a reliable exterior cleaning service and setting up proper drainage systems can prevent hazardous conditions from occurring on icy winter days.

Lastly, commercial properties require regular cleaning both inside and out. Cleaning staff should dust surfaces frequently throughout all areas of the building, including offices and communal spaces (hallways). Additionally, carpets in high-traffic areas may need to be vacuumed more often than usual as dirt particles can accumulate quickly here or in places with lots of foot traffic, like classroom buildings. Exterior window sills should be wiped down as well, since these tend to accumulate dust over time if left unattended.

Proper commercial property maintenance is key for creating a safe work environment for employees and visitors alike while presenting an inviting atmosphere to potential clients. By taking the time to tackle these common types of maintenance tasks, one is investing in their business’ longevity as well as its overall attractiveness in market value.

To ensure that their property remains in top shape, it is important for owners to stay diligent about visiting all components with routine checks. As we move onto our next section about interior maintenance, you will learn more about how business owners can keep their premises in a tip-top shape on the inside!

Interior Maintenance

Interior maintenance should not be neglected when creating a commercial property maintenance plan. For all businesses, the interior of their building is one of the first and lasting impressions customers can have. Keeping the inside clean and in top condition is paramount for maintaining a good customer experience and reflects positively on the facility.

The interior of a commercial building can consist of many elements that may need to be routinely inspected and maintained. Floors, walls, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, furniture, cubicle walls, janitorial supplies and restrooms are all items that require regular attention.

Floors – Floors wear down over time, so routine inspections and polishing should be done to ensure they are in good shape. Signs of wear and tear like scratches or discolored tiles should be replaced as soon as possible. Special floor cleaners should be used periodically to keep the floors looking clean and shiny.

Walls – Dirt and grime buildup on walls should be immediately wiped away. Periodic painting may be necessary depending on the age of the building and the type of paint used. Any cracks or holes that may appear should also be quickly filled in to maintain an attractive appearance.

Plumbing Fixtures – Routine maintenance should include regularly checking all plumbing fixtures such as sinks, faucets and toilets. Additionally, it is important to check all pipes running along the walls to make sure there aren’t any leaks or problems with water pressure.

Doors & Windows – Regularly check all doors, frames and windows for drafts or air leaks that could lead to air conditioning issues or higher energy bills. Inspect all locks for proper functions to make sure unauthorized individuals cannot enter the building or access certain areas. Sliding glass doors should also be regularly checked for proper operation.

Furniture – All furniture pieces must be inspected for any damage including stains or tears in upholstered furniture pieces. Make sure to organize workstations accordingly to keep a professional appearance. Broken office chairs should also be replaced promptly if needed.

Cubicle Walls – Cubicle walls need just as much attention as permanent structure walls because they are often seen within customer-occupied areas such as reception rooms or lobbies. Grease smudges from hands must be removed quickly before they attract dust particles and filth . Cleaning solutions can make this task easier, but caution must be taken not to damage fabric paneling while doing so.

Janitorial Supplies – Janitorial supplies can mean anything from mops and brooms to window cleaning solutions and vacuum cleaners; these supplies should always remain readily available as needed for routine cleaning throughout the facility’s use time period.

Lastly, restrooms are essential in providing a clean and well-maintained interior atmosphere; experts suggest doing routine inspections every hour between normal business hours during peak usage times; checking frequently for clogged drains , cracked tiles or broken fixtures that need immediate attention . Also, keep toilet paper stocked in each stall at all times, along with foam hand sanitizers on each sink .

Now that we’ve gone through tips on how to maintain your commercial building’s interior, we’ll discuss how you can create a comprehensive commercial property maintenance checklist in the next section!

Creating a Commercial Property Maintenance Checklist

A necessary step in ensuring the longevity of your commercial property is the creation of a comprehensive maintenance checklist. You’ll need to identify areas that require additional attention, prioritize tasks, and create an on-going plan for maintenance. Here are some tips for developing an effective checklist:

• Start by reviewing all major heating, cooling, and electrical systems. Make sure all systems are up-to-date and running properly, so you can avoid costly repairs and disruption of service.

• Inspect all common areas, such as stairs, hallways, and parking lots. Look for any surfaces showing signs of wear and tear and make sure the pavement is free from hazardous materials. Check security lights, railings, fire escapes, floor mats, etc. to make sure they are in good condition.

• Educate yourself on budgetary strategies that can help you save money and plan ahead for future expenses. Consider researching expense tracking software that can help manage costs related to maintaining your commercial property.

• Develop an action plan for addressing important tasks as well as long-term projects or goals. This should include a timeline and budget for completion of each task or project.

• Take into account seasonal changes such as heavy rain or snow that may affect the landscaping or other parts of the building. Prepare a schedule for routine inspections to ensure the building remains in good condition despite drastic weather changes.

Creating a full maintenance checklist takes time and effort but is essential for keeping up with routine maintenance needs and staying ahead of bigger issues before they cause more damage or lead to downtime. Regularly examining your checklist will ensure that nothing is overlooked when it comes to proper upkeep of your commercial property.

Heading into the next section, we will look at preventive maintenance approaches that can be implemented around public areas of your commercial property to further reduce stress on maintenance routines over time.

Preventive Maintenance for Public Access Areas

Preventive maintenance is an essential practice for any commercial property and particularly important for public access areas. Fast response times to minor issues and regular upkeep can greatly reduce the risk of larger problems occurring over time. Working preventatively also helps to ensure that important elements like accessibility remain up to standard – a must in any public access area.

In order to keep standards high, property owners should establish and follow a proactive maintenance schedule which includes regular inspections from both staff members and outside contractors. This gives a full 360 view of the area, often uncovering potential issues before they become problems requiring emergency maintenance or disruption to visitors. Such routine inspections should include preventive measures such as drain cleaning and facilities checks, as well as aesthetic items like outdoor furniture and decor upkeep.

To further maximize efficiency in public access areas, property managers may wish to consider automated systems such as networked sensors that monitor environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light levels. Automated systems can provide invaluable real-time data on potential maintenance needs in public access areas without the need for manual inspection and can save time and money in the long run. At the same time, automated systems can also be costly, so it’s important that property managers weigh all the pros and cons when considering their implementation.

Property owners should also consider visitors’ expectations when it comes to public access areas. Establishing amenities such as free WiFi or charging stations could be essential for staying competitive within the industry and make it easier for visitors to enjoy their experience on the property. Keeping up with changing technologies, trends, and consumer expectations is essential for success in today’s market.

Regular inspections and safety checks are key to maintaining safety levels in public access areas. In the next section, we’ll discuss how these practices should be incorporated into your preventive maintenance strategy for optimal performance – and discover some tips that you can use to ensure your property remains safe, functional, and attractive at all times.

Regular Inspections and Safety Checks

Regular inspections and safety checks are vital for any commercial property to remain in top condition. These inspections involve periodic assessments of the building’s condition, as well as testing and/or verifying that all safety systems (e.g., fire suppression, alarm, etc.) are in good working order. Regularly scheduled inspections minimise unexpected maintenance needs, enabling businesses to efficiently manage their repair-related costs.

Inspections should be conducted at least twice a year (depending on local building codes), looking for potential issues such as structural wear and tear, pest infestations, and general disrepair. Issues identified during these inspections can help inform a maintenance schedule for the property. Additionally, inspectors should verify that all essential safety components such as sprinklers and alarms are functioning properly.

Adequate training should also be provided for maintenance personnel to ensure they are qualified to conduct any necessary repairs or maintenance activities. Training in both the repair capabilities of the property, as well as applicable laws and regulations governing safe operation is essential.

During an inspection, managers should actively engage with the staff responsible for addressing the repair or replacement of any malfunctioning equipment. This will not only assure appropriate compliance with regulatory codes but will also provide additional reassurance that all necessary steps have been taken to maintain the property. In addition, it is vital to create an inventory list of property features so that future inspections will include consideration of all aspects of the building’s condition.

Finally, detailed records should be kept throughout any inspection process. This includes keeping track of whatever issues were discovered during the course of the assessment as well as any follow-up tasks that were completed or need completion in the future. Proper record keeping reduces confusion among staff members who follow up on tasks from previous inspections and gives managers more confidence in their ability to effectively monitor their property over time.

Regular assessments, adequate training, consistent communication between departments and proper record keeping are essential elements required to ensure commercial properties remain in top condition. An effective relationship between owners/managers and professionals who inspect and maintain buildings is essential for success in this area. Together they can be sure that a commercial facility remains compliant with laws and regulations while staying up-to-date with its maintenance requirements.

Common Questions and Explanations

What are the common commercial property maintenance tasks?

Common commercial property maintenance tasks include regular inspection, cleaning, and repair of the building’s exterior and interior. Inspections should focus on assessing the condition of both the structure and any landscaping surrounding the property. Common maintenance tasks should also include cleaning inside and outside of the building, particularly around areas like windows and doorways, as well as through sanitation and disinfecting areas that have a lot of traffic, such as retail displays and countertops. Repair tasks can include preventative maintenance such as sealing windows or caulking around joints, short-term repairs such as fixing minor plumbing issues or replacing broken fixtures, and long-term repairs such as repairing structural damage or replacing electrical wiring. Additionally, regular pest control may be necessary in order to keep away insects, rodents, and other creatures that can pose a threat to a commercial building.

What are the benefits of regular commercial property maintenance?

Regular commercial property maintenance offers many advantages to business owners.

First, it helps to ensure the safety of customers and employees. When a property is properly cared for, it reduces the risk of accidents caused by structural damage or hazards such as broken staircases or electrical wiring. In addition, well-maintained properties send a message that a company takes its responsibilities seriously and values its customers.

Second, regular commercial property maintenance can help to protect a business’ bottom line. By keeping up with preventative maintenance and repairs, businesses can avoid costly emergency repairs that may be necessary if left unchecked. In addition, a well-maintained property is likely to attract more customers and create a more pleasant experience for those who visit or work in the building.

Lastly, regular commercial property maintenance can also have an impact on employee morale and productivity. Workers are often more productive in an inviting, safe workspace, which implies their employer is committed to supporting them. Moreover, regular landscape upkeep can provide aesthetic appeal and make working in the area more enjoyable for everyone involved.

How often should a commercial property be maintained?

It is recommended that commercial properties be maintained on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to have maintenance performed at least once per month, or more often, depending on the size and intricacy of the building. This helps ensure that any potential problems can be spotted before they become too costly. Additionally, regular inspections help to identify areas where improvements could be made to increase efficiency and reduce costs over the long run. On top of this, regular maintenance helps with building safety and can extend the life of an investment property.