Areas You Should Keep Maintained At Your Commercial Property
Commercial property could be any number of spaces that bring in revenue for their owners. This includes retail, hotels, restaurants, apartment buildings, office buildings, and warehouses. These real estate investments can be a lucrative source of income. However, owning commercial property comes with a lot of responsibility.
There are three main issues owners need to be concerned with, including curb appeal, safety, and functionality. Neglecting any one of these areas can lead to headaches like costly repairs, failed inspections, decreased property value, and even legal action. It’s next to impossible for most commercial property owners to keep up with maintenance on their own.
Owners often employ the services of various commercial maintenance experts. This blog will explore some of the many aspects of commercial property that should be well-maintained to be successful. Read on for essential tips on property maintenance.
1. Elevator
If a building has elevators, they are an integral part of the commercial property running smoothly. Take, for instance, an apartment building. If the elevator is not working, it makes it difficult for people with health issues and disabilities to maintain their schedules. People cannot move furniture in and out, and deliveries can’t be made.
A nonworking elevator is considered a code violation in many states, so it must be well-maintained. The easiest way to do this is to have a regular maintenance schedule. Many property owners use commercial elevator service companies to inspect regularly and repair as needed. It’s also helpful for owners to listen to and act on reported concerns immediately.
Things like screeching, banging, shaking, and cold temperatures indicate the elevator has issues and shouldn’t be ignored. Another aspect of elevator maintenance is keeping it clean and sanitary. If your building employs a commercial cleaning company, make sure they don’t forget to clean and sanitize the elevator each day. Making minor repairs when needed, like fixing frayed wires, cleaning the pit, and lubricating the system, can keep everyone safe and save money.
2. Roof
Roofing is an issue that owners should never ignore at a commercial property. The main reason is that leaks can wreak havoc on your business. Imagine having expensive equipment, merchandise, or items that must stay refrigerated or frozen.
A big storm comes through, and water goes gushing through the roof. The electrical system could be short, and perishables would be ruined, as well as merchandise and stock items. That alone can end up costing you much more than a new roof.
Then there’s the aesthetics. An old, raggedy roof does nothing for the curb appeal of a building. It could actually make customers walk right by when they see it. The most important issue is safety. The last thing a commercial property owner wants is a soggy ceiling to come down on a customer’s head.
These are all reasons to maintain the roof and be proactive with repairs. Look for signs like light coming in through the top floor ceiling, missing or curling shingles, and moss and algae on the top of the roof. Owners can call several commercial roofing services for estimates. A professional will take a look and tell if repairs can be made or if a new roof will be needed.
3. Parking Lot
Any commercial property that wants to do well must start with a solid parking lot. It’s one of the first experiences most customers will have with a business, so it’s essential to have it in good condition. After all, people entrust their vehicles and personal safety to the parking lot. If they are confident, they’re more likely to be satisfied with the business.
To begin with, the parking lot should be large enough to accommodate all employees and customers. You’ll want to employ the services of a commercial paver to ensure the asphalt is thick and sturdy enough to withstand the type of vehicle traffic the lot will have. Next, make sure there are appropriate entrances and exits and signage directing customers. There’s also a need for painted outlines for parking spots, and arrows depending on the size of the parking lot.
Making sure the lot is safe is extremely important to ensure everyone’s safety, so be sure to consider lighting, pathways, and access for those with disabilities. Landscaping the parking lot is something else to consider. Not only does it make the parking lot look inviting, but it can help with drainage. Inspect the lot periodically for wear and tear, like potholes and debris, to avoid vehicle damage.
4. Windows
Ensuring the proper functioning and safety of commercial property windows is a vital responsibility of any property owner. Aside from the obvious aesthetics, there’s energy efficiency, comfort, and advertising. If it’s a retail space, windows need to hold displays while offering a peek at what’s inside.
Restaurants will want windows that offer privacy yet, in some cases, a view for patrons to enjoy. In these cases, an owner would like to consult with a professional that specializes in commercial glass store front designs. They can help choose the right type of glass for a business.
Regardless of the property type, there’s always a need for widows to provide proper ventilation while being insulated enough to help with utility bills. Some signs windows will need to be replaced include the age of the glass, cloudy or foggy appearance, cracks and dings, drafts, condensation on the inner part of the glass, and increased utility bills. Owners may also want to consider commercial window replacement if there are security issues.
Windows and glass are often the only things separating a building from outdoor hazards and dangers, so not only is choosing good quality glass essential but so is maintaining its proper functioning. Owners will also have to keep windows clean and in working order. If there is a maintenance or cleaning crew on staff, they will likely be responsible for street-level glass. But if it’s a larger building with several stories, a professional window cleaning company will need to be utilized to keep the windows clean.
5. Pipes
One of the first things an owner of a commercial property should do is find a reliable retail plumbing professional. Keep them on the speed dial because a property owner will likely need them often. Whether it’s an apartment building, office park, or retail establishment, the wear and tear on plumbing is more prominent than a private home.
Expect common issues like faucet leaks, drainage issues, leaking pipes, water pressure, odors, water heater issues, and murky water. Proper plumbing is vital for commercial properties, whether it’s a restaurant that relies on water for cooking or an apartment building where residents need water for hygiene, warmth, and sanitary conditions. It is to the owner’s benefit to have the plumbing inspected regularly.
Finding issues like corrosion and clogs early on can save money in the long run. It will also help keep everything up to code for state and health inspections. Plumbing is a basic human need and should never be ignored or skimped on. Be sure to employ a commercial plumbing professional.
6. Wires
If there’s one thing all commercial property owners need to inspect and maintain regularly, it’s the wiring and electrical system. Faulty wiring has been the cause of many fires and several tragedies. It is the responsibility of the owner to maintain safety for customers, residents, and employees.
It’s essential to research and select commercial electrical services when owning an investment building. The company can conduct preventive checks for things that line frayed or unprotected wiring, breakers that often trip, causing outages, blinking lights, dead outlets, and lightbulbs constantly burning out. These are all signs of electrical issues. So catching them early can prevent costly issues later.
Another wiring issue that must continuously be monitored is the number of people and electronics being used. Owners will need to work with their electricians to ensure enough power and outlets to support the building. Never try to solve electrical problems if you aren’t a licensed electrician.
7. Offices
Owning a commercial property that caters exclusively to professional office space comes with its own set of maintenance challenges. In addition to the usual upkeep of electrical, plumbing, and parking, office workers have specific needs that must be met. Offices can be located in various buildings, from skyscrapers to smaller storefronts.
Unlike other commercial buildings, employees will be working for a variety of companies while performing a multitude of tasks. Therefore, they need several components installed and maintained to be professional and productive. First and foremost, an owner must ensure the cleanliness of the building. A commercial cleaning company is usually employed to take care of routine cleaning.
Cleaners often come in at night after employees have left and vacuum, clean bathrooms, empty wastebaskets, and dust and polish. They may also mop floors and take care of break rooms and kitchens. Often they will ensure general organization as well.
Office building owners will also be responsible for maintaining carpeting, flooring, and the condition of the walls and office furniture. They will also need to ensure all bathrooms are in good working order and are up to code with the ADA. Insulation will need to be monitored to ensure noise reduction and comfort of office employees. Regular maintenance and cleaning of ventilation systems, such as air ducts, is also necessary to ensure systems are working correctly as well as the health of employees.
Property owners are also responsible for ensuring proper lighting and that there are enough outlets and extension cords for various electronic devices. Finally, as safety is always a concern, property owners must have an appropriate security system in place. Whether it’s a keyless entry system, alarm system, or key card, they must inspect it periodically and ensure proper functioning. This goes for fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishers as well.
8. Garage Door
Garage door maintenance is essential in a commercial property to ensure the safety and security of people and property. Commercial doors can be found at several businesses, including warehouses, storage facilities, large apartment buildings, and car lots. They’re usually made from heavy steel or aluminum so that they can withstand wear and tear. But that’s not to say they don’t need regular inspection and repairs.
If regular inspections and minor repairs are made, a commercial garage door can last up to 30 years. It’s essential to check cables, springs, and the motor. Make sure all parts are kept well lubricated and run smoothly. If, after that, there is trouble opening and closing the door, noises, or shaking, that may mean it’s time to replace the commercial door.
Locks and anti-theft alarms should also be tested regularly. Commercial garage doors often protect thousands, even millions of dollars in merchandise. So it’s more cost-effective to repair any issues than to be the victim of theft.
9. Foundation
The foundation is literally the bedrock on which commercial property buildings rest. Having a weak or damaged foundation can open up a host of problems. An inspection of the foundation should be conducted at least twice a year and after any harsh weather events.
Owners should check for cracks, depressions, holes, pests, water, and roots when inspecting. If damage is noticed, commercial concrete services should be called in immediately to repair it. Owners may also need to call a pest control specialist as vermin like termites, ants, bees, and even mice can cause damage to a foundation.
Water is often another cause of damaged foundations. If water is often puddled on walkways or in the basement, it’s essential to call a plumber to find and repair the source. Tree roots have also been known to cause damage to foundations. Often, the roots are visible, but owners may want to call a tree specialist to confirm. They will be able to install a root barrier if that’s the culprit. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris is vital to maintaining a foundation.
Maintaining a commercial property is a lot of work, but it can be made much easier by proper organization and employing the help of reliable professionals. Regular inspection of the property can ensure the safety of everyone. It can also help avoid significant damage and costly repairs down the road.
