AD. Commercial buildings need to be well maintained to keep them presentable, functional and compliant. Whether you’re the property owner or the tenant, certain parts of this upkeep are likely to be your responsibility. In this post, we’ll go over some of the important elements of commercial property maintenance that need to be kept on top of.
HVAC systems
A working HVAC system is vital for keeping everyone inside your building comfortable. Regular inspections of your HVAC system are recommended to make sure everything is running smoothly, along with periodic filter replacement to help maintain good airflow and keep energy bills down. If you notice strange noises or smells coming from vents, consider getting your system checked out and make sure to get any repairs done before your system completely fails. Inspections and repairs should always be carried out by a licensed HVAC technician
Signage
The signage on a building plays a big part in how the property and business within it is perceived. It’s important to make sure signs are clearly visible - make sure to occasionally clean your signage and replace broken signage lighting in good time. Every decade or so, it is worth replacing your signage completely in order to keep it fresh. In some cases, vintage signage may be worth preserving. While you should prioritise maintenance of exterior signage, don’t forget about any interior signage too.
Roofing
Office roof repair is something that you don’t want to put off. Regularly inspecting your roof and proactively fixing any damage can help prevent major leaks. If you need to replace the roof and plan to own the building for years to come, consider investing in a long-lasting durable solution. EPDM and GRP are good options for a flat roof, while slate and steel are some of the most indestructible choices for sloped roofs. For visible roofs, cleaning could be worthwhile to keep the property looking good.
Windows
Windows are more than just a view - they play a huge role in energy efficiency and the overall aesthetics of your property. Make sure to have a window cleaning schedule in place to prevent the glass getting dirty, as this will help to keep your exterior looking welcoming and will maximise natural light. You should also regularly check seals and frames and address any issues early to prevent leaks or heat loss. Old single glazed windows could be worth upgrading to double glazed windows to improve insulation and reduce energy bills.
Electrics
Electrical systems need to be maintained as a matter of safety. Watch out for red flags such as frequent circuit breaker tips, flickering lights or buzzing outlets - this is a sign of worn and faulty wiring and fixing this could be crucial for preventing electrical fires. Routine inspections by a professional electrician can help to spot problems early and reduce major issues caused by electrical failure.
In older buildings, it’s worth also considering whether electrics need to be improved as a matter of functionality - this could include installing new lighting or adding new sockets. That can be a larger project, but one that ultimately enhances the overall performance of your commercial property, especially if combined with the upgrade of other key functions, such as mechanical and plumbing functions. By using MEP project management software to upgrade these elements all at once, you’ll be helping to keep budgets and timelines on track.
Plumbing
Plumbing issues can cause serious headaches. Look out for issues like leaks or pressure problems, and call out a plumber early to address these. You also need to make sure that drains are working properly. In properties like restaurants where blockages are common, consider carrying out regular inspections of the drains to avoid a disaster before it happens. When it comes to toilets, these need to not only be kept clean, but also in good working condition if you don’t want to deal with complaints. Old toilets could be worth replacing once they start to look visibly worn.
Flooring
One of the most important maintenance tasks in a commercial building is keeping the floors clean. Consider hiring a cleaning company to keep on top of this - regular cleaning keeps the building presentable and also hygienic. Flooring will need to be replaced once it becomes noticeably damaged. Tears in carpets and cracks in floors that are trip hazards need to be repaired right away to avoid injuries. Make sure that the flooring installed in your commercial property is suitable for its purpose - carpets are a cosy option in an office or hotel, but generally not a good choice in a workshop or restaurant.
Parking
The car park of a commercial building is often the first part that visitors see and keeping it well maintained is key to good first impressions. Make sure that any cracks and potholes are repaired in good time to prevent injuries and liability issues. Parking bay markings also need to be repainted as soon as they start fading, while signage also needs to be well maintained. It’s also important to keep your property’s parking area clean. Improving drainage could be worthwhile if the car park regularly floods, while you may want to consider laying down grit in winter to prevent ice build up.
Security features
Commercial buildings are commonly targeted by vandals and thieves. Alarm systems and cameras need to be well maintained and updated once they become outdated. Make sure that exterior doors also meet modern security standards - a door that is over 20 years old could be easy to pick or break open. Lighting is also important to consider when thinking about security - most crime occurs at night and criminals are more likely to target buildings that aren’t illuminated, so making sure that exterior lighting is working is often vital for reducing burglaries and vandalism.
Fire safety features
All commercial buildings need to meet certain fire safety standards if they are accessible to the public or if there is a certain number of employees working in them. This includes making sure that there are working fire alarms, appropriate sprinkler systems and clearly marked emergency exits. Other features could also be worth considering like fire doors. To make sure that your building is as safe against fires as possible, consider carrying out fire safety audits every few years as well as having emergency lighting maintenance - an expert will be able to tell you if your building needs any safety updates.
