In order to maintain the value of your commercial properties, you need to properly care for them. This means performing regular commercial property maintenance to ensure everything is in working order. Not only does the lead to happy tenants but it also means you’ll receive maximum value if you ever decide to sell.
So, what’s involved in commercial property maintenance, and how do you stay on top of all the tasks that come along with it?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about caring for your properties.
What is Commercial Property Maintenance?
Commercial property maintenance refers to any regular tasks that need to be completed to maintain appearances and keep the building functional.
Commercial property maintenance refers to any regular tasks that need to be completed to maintain appearances and keep the building functional.
This can include anything from mowing lawns and washing windows to HVAC servicing and plumbing inspections. Every property is unique and will require different types of maintenance. So, before investing in a piece of commercial real estate make sure you know what kind of upkeep is required and understand what you’re getting into.
Who’s Responsible for Commercial Property Maintenance?
As the owner, the responsibility of maintaining the property ultimately falls to you. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be the one who does the work. There are a number of ways you can assign and delegate these tasks.
When it comes to maintenance, commercial property owners generally have three options:
Do the work yourself: If you’re dealing with a smaller property, and you enjoy repairs and maintenance, you may elect to do some of the work yourself. This is more suited for hands-on owners who want to be involved in the day-to-day operation of the building. Keep in mind that for things like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, it’s always recommended to hire professionals.
Hire a Commercial Property Maintenance Service Provider: These companies offer a number of services, including cleaning, pressure washing, landscape maintenance, and general repairs. This is a great option if you want to keep things simple since you can hire one company to handle most or all of the work for you.
Make Your Tenants Responsible for Maintenance: If you want to be completely hands-off you can simply make the tenant responsible for all repairs and maintenance. This can be done by having them sign a NNN or absolute NNN lease. Some modified gross leases may also include this stipulation as well.
Commercial Property Maintenance Checklist
As you might expect, commercial real estate requires a lot of regular maintenance. This will differ from one property to another, but the following is a list of tasks you’ll almost certainly have to deal with:
Landscaping
While not essential to the function of your building, regular landscaping is necessary to keep the property attractive for tenants and guests. This can include mowing lawns, pruning plants, killing weeds, and irrigation.
Cleaning
Properties get dirty, so things like pressure washing, window washing, and parking lot sweeping are a must. Janitorial services will also need to be arranged to keep the interior of the building clean.
HVAC
Any heating and cooling units inside your building have to be checking regularly. Air filters need to be replaced at least once a month and air intakes and exhaust systems require regular cleaning.
Electrical
It’s recommended to check all your electrical systems at least once a year to ensure they’re working properly. This includes breakers, switches, batteries, outlets, and any other electrical components.
Plumbing
It’s also recommended to do an annual inspection of your pumps, valves, water heaters, irrigation, and other plumbing systems. Check for leaks and other issues that could result in expensive problems down the road.
Roof
Have your roof inspected once a year to see if any repairs are needed. A small leak may not seem like a big deal now, but it can quickly grow into a larger issue so it’s better to catch these things early and get them taken care of.
Safety System
Proper safety systems are a legal requirement for every commercial building, so perform regular checks of your smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms.
General Maintenance
It’s a good idea to do a regular walk around the property to see if anything is out of place or needs repair. This could include things like:
Burnt out light bulbs
Loose tiles
Drywall damage
Items that need repainting
General Solutions by Carolina Sweepers
Pressure Washing
Asphalt & Striping
Power Sweeping
Bulk Refuse Services
Erosion Control
Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC
Cleaning
Concrete Services
Carpentry & Welding Services
Seasonal Services
Roof Maintenance
Pavement Improvements
Tenant Spaces
Painting
Bulk Refuse
Synthetic Stucco (E.I.F.S.)
