An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; this holds true when it comes to maintaining your commercial property. A commercial property that is properly maintained isn’t just safe – it’s a more pleasant environment for your tenants.
A commercial property that looks shabby and is poorly maintained has the potential to impact the reputation of your business. Plus, low maintenance standards could also breach Texas Safety and Health regulations.
A property manager can only do so much. Much like our own health, it pays to seek professional services at times.
In this article, we are going to share with you 6 areas that you should inspect on a regular basis.
1. Roof and Gutters
There are many types of roofs. For example, flat, gambrel, mansard, hipped and gable. In addition, there are many different roofing materials, such as metal or shingles. All these options have their pros and cons.
During your routine maintenance visit, check for:
- Debris and the angle of the gutter. Debris can clog gutters and this can lead to drainage problems. Ensuring the angle of your gutters is also important. The right angle will ensure no pools of water are left to stagnate.
- Ensure they are 100% seal tight. If they are not sealed tight, leakages can occur. What starts as a tiny hairline leak can grow to become a serious crack that allows gallons of water into your commercial property.
- Stagnant water. Stagnant water can lead to rot and rust. Also, in areas with poor soil conditions, pooling water can lead to foundation problems.
- Gaps between sheets or shingles. Do you notice any irregularity in the patterns of your roofing material? If so, have it inspected by a roofing professional.
According to roofing experts, a thorough roof inspection should be conducted at least once annually. The inspection helps check for gaps, mold, and leaks among other things.
2. Perimeter Gates and Fences
Aside from securing your property, your commercial property’s aesthetics are only as strong as the weakest link. You want to pay attention to:
- Saggy or bent sections. Your property’s gates and fences provide a boundary line as well as protection from potential intruders and trespassers. If you notice a section that is compromised, make sure it’s fixed as soon as possible.
- Access pads (for entering gated apartment complexes, communities, etc.). Are they fully functional? For instance, are they easy to read or well lit?
- Inspect your fences and gates to see if they need power washing or fresh paint.
Your commercial property’s gates and fences are very important. They can enhance or hinder the look of your property. Keeping these aesthetically pleasing and in good working order are a high priority and should be a part of your monthly property maintenance.
3. Foundation
The health of your commercial property’s foundation is extremely important. A keen eye and routine inspection can ensure that small problems are detected before they become serious. The sooner you fix them, the less likely you are to encounter expensive repairs.
Here is what you can do:
- Check the sloping of your floors. Is it even? Great. If it’s uneven, it means trouble. Your commercial property could be experiencing foundation settling.
- Check exterior walls for cracks, separation or learning.
- Look for cracks where ceilings and walls meet.
- Inspect your doors and windows. Are they functioning properly?
- Inspect your property’s exterior for visible cracks in the foundation itself.
If you notice any sign of foundation damage, please seek professional services immediately. If left unaddressed, foundation problems will only get worse.
4. Electrical
Electrical components that aren’t installed properly can lead to ignition. In fact, approximately 16,400 non-home structure fires are reported to U.S. fire departments per year.
To prevent electrical malfunction or failure, check for:
- Exposed wires and burnt-out bulbs. Have an electrician address them as soon as possible.
- Know the location of your fuse box and inspect it regularly.
For a thorough inspection of your property’s electrical system, seek the service of a professional electrician.
5. Plumbing
Your property’s plumbing is one of its most important features. If it’s not functioning well, life quickly becomes very difficult.
As a property manager, you want to check for:
- Are exterior pipes corroded? If they are, it means they are near the end of their useful lives.
- Water drainage. Are sinks draining normally? Are toilets flushing as they should?
- Active leaks. Check for signs of active leaks, including puddles or moisture, water spots and the presence of mold or mildew.
- Broken valves. If you notice broken valves, have them replaced. In the event of a major blowout, this will ensure that you are able to turn off water to a certain section of the building, rather than turning off the entire water system of the building.
Again, for a thorough inspection of the plumbing systems of your commercial property, seek professional services.
6. Landscaping
Commercial landscaping is more than just a beautiful area, it is a calling card for potential customers. As such, you want to ensure:
- Trees are properly pruned and are at a safe distance from your building.
- Sprinkler systems aren’t leaking water everywhere.
Your commercial landscaping is one of the first things your customers see when they visit your property. Thus, it only makes sense to make it stand out. As a property manager, make it a habit to “walk the property” yourself every week.
With this checklist, you should be able to detect and fix issues the moment they occur. This will not only help keep your commercial property in tip-top condition, but it’ll also help you save on repair costs.