Being a commercial building owner is a big commitment. Depending on your business, managing a building involves many obligations, such as complying with local building codes, ensuring the safety of the property’s inhabitants, and, most importantly, scheduling preventative maintenance and inspection.
Aside from installing security access doors, regular maintenance also adds a layer of security by addressing building issues that can cause injury or turn into a health hazard. A well-maintained facility also retains residents and attracts potential occupants for commercial real estate.
However, scheduling maintenance is sometimes not enough as it would also help if owners knew what goes on and what to check during an inspection.
Here are some expert tips to keep in mind during commercial building services:
ENERGY AUDIT
Running an energy consumption audit of your commercial property is beneficial in identifying the areas that generate high energy consumption. Every business owner knows that energy usage is an avoidable monthly cost. While hiring an energy expert seems like an added expense, it is ideal for determining which components need repair or replacement.
Here are some energy-saving ideas for commercial properties:
- Replace outdated lightbulbs with efficient lighting technologies such as LED bulbs.
- Check the insulation of doors and windows and look for signs of air leaks.
- Replace roof insulation if necessary.
- If the budget permits, install more oversized windows to allow more light inside to reduce the use of artificial lights during the day.
An energy performance audit is an excellent way of determining the most suitable sustainable options and how you can maximize the use of natural resources on your property.
SAFETY AUDIT
Having a safety inspector assess the overall safety of your commercial building can be worrying since they will point out all the areas in your property that need improvement or repair. While being under the microscope is daunting, inspections are critical for building safety, accessibility, and compliance. They are simply part of the business, and the best way to handle them is with knowledge and awareness.
A safety inspection is generally a process to determine whether an establishment is compliant with local codes and regulations. Inspectors check safety equipment and fixtures, emergency devices, fire-rated security access doors, fire and smoke alarms, among others.
In addition to ensuring safety and compliance, inspections also reflect potential risks and hazards in your building. The report will help you create an effective risk control plan to prepare you in times of emergencies and weather-related calamities.
IDENTIFY NECESSARY REPAIRS
It might be tempting to delay and ignore minor repairs, but these types of damage can quickly turn into either a safety hazard or a costly service. Scheduling repairs as soon as possible after seeing something break or not work correctly. Some standard maintenance in commercial facilities include:
- Water leaks and blockage in plumbing pipes
- Uneven air distribution on the HVAC system
- Faulty fixtures and valves
- Structural repair
- Roof damages
- Electrical wiring and sockets
A well-maintained facility directly reflects the management’s commitment to creating a safe and clean environment. Swiftly expediting building repairs is an excellent way to keep the tenants satisfied and improve property value.
PEST CONTROL
Regardless of the type of business that you have, having an active pest management system in your facility prevents pestilence from growing in your facility. Not only are unwanted pests a direct threat to your tenant’s health, but they can also be highly destructive and problematic.
Pests in a commercial setting can be devastating to the business, especially for the health and food industry. Disregarding the potential hazards of insects and rodents can also lead to business closure due to non-compliance and negligence.
Here are the signs of commercial pest infestation:
- Animal droppings
- Nesting materials
- Insect bites or skin reactions
- Property damage (wires or furniture)
- Running or scratching noises in the ceiling or inside the wall
- Damaged plants
- Grease marks and tracks
It may seem complicated, but early prevention is essential for commercial pests. Immediately after seeing signs of physical signs of an infestation, do not hesitate to call a professional on the scene to address the issue quickly.
HVAC MAINTENANCE
When running a business or leasing office spaces or housing units, the least property issue you want to deal with is problems with commercial HVAC systems.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units ensure air distribution. They create comfort by controlling the temperature, moderate humidity, and most importantly, maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ).
In addition to keeping your business safe and ventilated, a well-maintained HVAC system offers many benefits, including:
- Reduce energy consumption
- Avoid unexpected breakdowns and repairs
- Extend the operational life of the system
- Maintain warranty
- Improve air quality
Your mechanical air conditioning system is a significant investment — and it can help your business in so many ways. Operations tend to stop, and complaints may arise when the unit suddenly stops functioning. So while it is tempting to delay routine maintenance, you are just subjecting yourself to an inconvenient and expensive path.
BUILDING FACILITIES AND UTILITIES
Staying on track with the overall functionality of your commercial property is paramount to ensure its day-to-day operations. Therefore, it is critical to have effective facility management to oversee the building’s cleanliness, safety, and maintain its components.
Routine facility management costs significantly less than the possible high expenses of a significant engine or utility breakdown. Building owners can be in charge of the project, but you can always hire a facility manager if you want a thorough and professional way of handling the maintenance.
You probably already have enough on your plate as a commercial building owner, so hiring a facility manager makes good business sense. Facility managers can expertly assess the condition of building facilities and organize proper waste disposal. Essentially, they are responsible for the overall care of the building.
Takeaway
A proper building evaluation is crucial in maintaining the stability of your property and gaining profit as well. Building maintenance also offers other substantial benefits, such as enhancing curb appeal and cutting unnecessary costs. It is imperative in every commercial facility, and delaying its importance can significantly affect your business.
Scheduling building maintenance is essential and ensuring that you have proper access to building components. When providing superior access panels, you can rely on Best Access Doors. With several panel options and features to choose from, you will indeed find what you need. Talk to our expert team by calling (800) 483-0823 to learn more.
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