Maintaining a commercial building is a massive undertaking.
We have many years of experience working with commercial properties, so we know how much time and effort it takes to keep up with maintenance tasks.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about commercial property maintenance, from routine upkeep to preventive strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Professional property maintenance covers your HVAC system, electrical system, plumbing, building exterior, and parking lot.
- Regular preventative maintenance is the key to operating a safe, comfortable, and functional commercial property.
- Hiring professionals promotes safety, reduces the risk of emergencies, and enhances tenant satisfaction.
What Does Commercial Property Maintenance Include?
Commercial property maintenance covers a wide variety of tasks.
Exterior Maintenance
- Groundskeeping: Trim hedges; mow lawns; leaf removal; lawn fertilization.
- Roofing: Annual inspections; repairs; roof replacement.
- Parking lot: Fill cracks or potholes in the parking lot and sidewalk; ensure proper drainage; paving or repaving of parking lot.
- Facade: Window cleaning, exterior painting, pressure washing.
- Gutter cleaning
Interior Maintenance
- HVAC: Replace filters; clean drain lines and coils; monitor system controls; inspect gas or oil connections.
- Plumbing: Fix leaks; winterize pipes; septic or sewer maintenance.
- Electrical: Inspect panels and wiring; fix loose connections; replace outdated equipment.
- Elevator inspections and repairs
Safety and Security
- Install and maintain the security system
- Install, replace, and test door locks
- Fire safety: Install fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries; monitor the condition of fire extinguishers; ensure clear emergency exits.
- First aid: Maintain first aid kits in common spaces; install AEDs.
Cleaning and Sanitation
- Regular cleaning of shared areas
- Pest control
Emergency Repairs
- Repair burst pipes
- Respond to gas leaks
- Address power outages
- Fix roof leaks
Why Should You Prioritize Commercial Property Maintenance?
If you own or manage a commercial property, investing in high-quality professional maintenance services should be your top priority.
Here’s why:
1. Reduces the Risk of Costly and Unexpected Repairs
Although you may be tempted to skimp on preventative maintenance to cut costs, routine maintenance will almost certainly save you money in the long run.
Regular inspections and tune-ups will reveal minor issues before they escalate into major repairs.
It’s also far easier to coordinate preventative maintenance than it is to deal with an unexpected emergency.
This will result in less downtime for tenants, which will help you retain your rental income.
2. Improves Tenant Satisfaction
If your tenants have to constantly report maintenance issues, they may leave negative reviews or decide to move elsewhere.
Satisfied tenants will lead to better reviews and more referrals, which will help you attract new renters.
Additionally, happy tenants stick around, and less turnover means more consistent rental income.
3. Preserves Property Values
Keeping your property in good working condition is one of the most effective ways to prevent depreciation.
This applies both to the function and the appearance of the building.
Not only does the condition of the roof, parking lot, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems greatly impact the value of your property, but buyers will offer more for a building that looks clean and cared for.
4. Ensures Safety
Professional property maintenance isn’t just for appearances. It also keeps your tenants and visitors safe.
Your maintenance team will identify and correct potential safety hazards before your tenants are in harm’s way.
For example, they may spot an electrical issue that poses a fire risk.
5. Maintains Compliance With Regulations
Keeping your building up to code will help you avoid a lengthy, stressful, and costly battle with your municipality.
Professional maintenance providers are familiar with local codes and regulations, so they’ll ensure you stay in compliance.
Why You Should Rely on Professionals
While you may be able to manage some repairs and routine maintenance on your own, hiring professionals will lead to a better outcome.
Here are four reasons why working with commercial maintenance professionals is in your best interest:
1. Expertise With Complex Systems
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems all have complex, interconnected pieces.
Licensed professionals are closely familiar with these systems and can maintain them to the highest standards.
Professional maintenance will extend the lifespan of these systems and ensure safety and compliance to code.
2. Access to Specialized Equipment
Many maintenance tasks require specialized equipment that you may not have in your possession.
When you hire a professional, you don’t have to worry about purchasing or renting this equipment to get the job done.
For example, Betz Works has the equipment needed for parking lot striping, which will save you money and provide high-quality, durable results.
3. Quick Response Times
As a property manager, you have countless tasks to complete and people to respond to.
When a maintenance emergency comes up, you may not be able to address it right away.
Commercial maintenance crews are dedicated to providing fast and efficient service.
They’ll respond to requests quickly and minimize downtime for your tenants.
4. Proactive Approach
Professionals focus on preventative maintenance. They know how to keep your building in good condition, and they can spot the early warning signs that something is wrong.
Hiring professionals for routine inspections and maintenance will reduce the risk of unexpected repairs.
In Need of Parking Lot Paving or Maintenance? Look No Further!
Betz Works is proud to offer commercial parking lot maintenance services to property owners in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey Counties.
Whether you’re looking for minor repairs or a full paving job, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our paving services or receive a FREE estimate.
FAQ
How often should routine maintenance be scheduled for a commercial building?
Different tasks should be performed at different frequencies.
You should schedule HVAC servicing and plumbing inspections quarterly and electrical inspections once per year.
Cleaning, pest control, and groundskeeping should be scheduled biweekly or more frequently.
How can I reduce maintenance costs for my property?
Preventative maintenance is the best way to reduce costs.
By regularly inspecting and tuning up the systems throughout your building, you can avoid expensive and disruptive repairs.
Do I need a maintenance plan for a newly constructed property?
Yes! Even new systems and equipment need routine maintenance to stay in good working condition.
If you own or manage a new construction, partnering with a commercial maintenance provider is a great way to start off strong.
Are there seasonal maintenance tasks I should prioritize?
HVAC inspections should be performed with the changing of the seasons. Gutter cleaning is usually scheduled in the spring and fall.
We recommend scheduling driving or parking lot repairs in the spring or summer because the warmer temperatures allow for faster curing.