Many business owners inadvertently let their commercial property slip since it can be tedious to deal with maintenance and repairs. If you want to protect your investment, property maintenance should be your top priority. A proactive approach will not only make your property well-kempt and functional, but it will also save you a lot of money in the long run. To make the process easier, we’ve come up with the ideal commercial property maintenance checklist.
What Should You Include in Your Community Property Maintenance Checklist?
Here are the items you should include on your commercial property maintenance checklist:
1. HVAC
Your heating and cooling units should be checked and cleaned regularly. Make sure to remove dust and debris from your air intakes and exhaust systems. The air filter also needs replacing at least once a month or as needed. Check if there are unusual noises or excessive vibrations. These may indicate that there is a deeper problem, and servicing might be needed.
Including your HVAC system in your preventive maintenance checklist will save you a lot of money. Repairs and replacements can cost upwards of $10,000. This can greatly inflate your annual repair budget. Regular cleaning and maintenance allow you to detect issues earlier, thus eliminating the need for costly repairs.
2. Electrical
Electricians highly recommend annual inspections of switches, breaker boxes, batteries, wires, outlets, and all other electrical components. Property maintenance services should check for signs of deterioration, cracks, or corrosion. Vent grilles, electrical storage areas, and circuit boxes should also be free of dust and debris. Proper maintenance will eliminate potential safety risks and costly repairs in the future.
3. Lighting
Inspect light fixtures at regular intervals. Check if all the lights are working. If there are burned out bulbs, you should replace them as soon as possible. It’s also good to have a group relamping schedule for a more efficient building maintenance process.
Preventive maintenance should check if lights, gaskets, cables, screws, and other hardware are properly installed. Make sure that lights have the same color temperature. You should also ensure that lamps and lens surfaces are dusted and cleaned for better performance.
4. Fire Safety
Fire safety equipment is an important part of your commercial property maintenance checklist. Not only are they essential for building maintenance, but having fire safety equipment is also a legal requirement for any establishment. Make sure that your smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms are all working properly. You should also have fully-stocked first aid kits located throughout your property.
Commercial properties should be up to date when it comes to fire and life-safety systems. This not only protects your property but also the people that work or live there. Non-adherence to the law can lead to massive fines and penalties.
5. Plumbing
Checking the plumbing system at least once a year. Water boosters, circulation pump systems, valves, water heaters, boilers, sewage pumps, sumps, and irrigation systems must be thoroughly inspected. There might be leaks or unusual noises. Some parts might need lubrication. It’s good to run wear-and-tear system tests to check if everything is working properly and if there are areas that need to be serviced or repaired.
Investing in proper plumbing maintenance can save you a great deal of money and energy. If you are leasing out your commercial property, regular plumbing inspections can also help retain tenants for subsequent lease terms. It’s not easy to tell if there are plumbing problems so regular maintenance allows you to address issues while they are still minor.
6. Kitchen and Bathrooms
Kitchen and bathroom inspections are important to see whether your commercial property needs maintenance. Inspect your tiles if there are cracks or missing groups. Make sure that hygiene protocols are in place, and that soap and paper towel dispensers are working. Check sinks, toilets, and showers to see if there are any leaks or other types of damage.
7. Interiors
Floors, walls, and ceilings should be regularly checked for any signs of damage or deterioration. Check if there are any leaks that need to be addressed. You also want to see if all the doors and windows are operational and if the locks and closures are working properly. Maintaining interiors is not just for aesthetics, but it also makes your commercial property functional.
8. Exteriors
Exterior maintenance not only boosts curb appeal but also your property’s value. You need to make sure that your exterior walls and surfaces are clean and well-maintained. Doors and railings should be working properly, and windows shouldn’t have any broken glass. Sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and other hardscapes should also be regularly cleaned.
In this commercial property maintenance checklist, we’ll discuss some of the maintenance services that you might need:
- Gum Removal
If your commercial property has a lot of foot traffic, you are bound to have some gum leftover. Over time, gum stains can make your space look dirty and less professional. Gum spots can also become a liability if injuries occur as a result of their presence. Your commercial maintenance strategy should have a budget for gum removal services if the need arises.
- Parking Lot Restriping
Freshen up parking areas by restriping from time to time. It’s not only important for professionalism but also for driver safety. Make sure to regularly re-stripe your parking spaces as it becomes necessary along with loading docks, roadways, and parking garages.
- Parking Garage Cleaning
Parking garages need regular cleaning of trash and other items. Having a clean parking garage not only leaves a positive impression on your patrons, but it can also prevent serious issues such as pest infestation.
- Loading Dock Cleaning
Loading docks are where the majority of your shipments are delivered. To maintain proper safety standards, you must have these areas regularly cleaned. It’s also important to have signage in this area so that employees know what safety standards to follow. Periodic inspections should also be conducted to avoid unnecessary injuries or product damage.
9. Roof
Roof maintenance has many components — all of which are crucial. You should have your roof inspected at least twice a year. Check the condition of your roof to see if it needs repairs or additional reflective coatings. Roof repair technicians can detect damage before it becomes substantial.
Roof pressure washing might also be needed to remove debris, grime, mold, rust, and stains from the surface. Your maintenance crew should check drains and downspouts to see if there is any blockage.
Importance of Having a Commercial Property Maintenance Checklist
As you can see, property maintenance can be very overwhelming. However, if you have a commercial property maintenance checklist, it will be easier to keep track of everything. For further organization, you can even have several checklists — a daily checklist, a monthly checklist, and an annual checklist. Being methodical and proactive allows you to address small issues and prevent them from ballooning and becoming major expenses. With a property maintenance checklist, you ensure that your space is clean, well-maintained, and functional.
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