Your building’s appearance sets the tone for your first impression to clients, tenants and customers. By taking care of your commercial property, you are solidifying your brand and image. It’s important to stay on top of key maintenance and preventative issues especially as seasons and the needs of your property change. As owners and property managers, here are seven tips we keep in mind when preparing our properties for summer.
Roofing
Check the roof for any damages, leaks, cracks or clogged gutters/drainage issues and get any serious problems fixed immediately, since roofing problems can lead to more building problems. Change of season in our climate can be especially hard on a flat roof. If your roof needs to be entirely done, take advantage of the warmer weather to address these concerns.
Interior Deep Cleaning
A deep clean of the commercial building’s interior, from the HVAC and ductwork to the carpet and floors, drapes and blinds, and even the upholstery, will remove mildew, dust, allergens and bacteria and improve the overall air quality of the building. If tenants are responsible for their own interior maintenance, prompt them to complete an annual “spring clean” and provide them with applicable resources.
Sweeping
Trash, dirt, leaves and rocks will always carry with the wind. Not only are they an eyesore, but they’re corrosive to the surfaces upon which they remain. Make sure to sweep your parking lot and/or sidewalks consistently. If they aren’t maintained properly, the dirt can eventually be tracked into the building, which can cause damage to carpets and other interior surfaces. Don’t forget to sweep the garage or patio as well if your property has one.
Window Washing
Dirt builds up when windows are subject to rain, hail and other precipitation. Windows can make a commercial property look dingy if they aren’t cleaned well, but when they are maintained, it shows a building takes pride in its appearance. Work with your tenants to schedule regular window cleanings.
Landscaping
Summer is a great time to do some general landscaping such as planting flowers, adding a fresh topping of mulch and maintaining the bushes or other greenery. Landscaping adds a nice touch to a commercial building. It’s also a good time to fill in any cracks or potholes, change out light pole banners and repave the sidewalk.
Painting
If you have paint that’s chipping or in need of a new layer, now is a good time to add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. It’s also a good idea to plan any other major facade renovation.
Pressure Washing
The most effective way to clean the exterior of a commercial property is with a power washer. Power wash all the outside surfaces—walls, sidewalks, parking lot—to remove weather stains, grease, mold, mildew, graffiti and more. A clean property protects your investment and leaves a lasting impression on tenants and visitors.
While this may seem like a long list to run through on your own, you don’t have to worry about any of these items if you’re working with a property management firm. If you’re ready to take the next steps to hire a firm, contact us or check out our post about how to find a good property manager. Otherwise, we suggest that owners make a list of their top priorities and associated costs. By clearly organizing your top to-do’s, you can ensure that your property remains beautiful and functional for tenants and customers.