Most people associate owning a commercial property with profit, security for the future. While this is definitely a perk, you have to put money in to get money out. This equates to maintenance costs. If the property is unkept, with overgrown landscaping, in need of a pressure washing, and the inside is dirty, dingy, or not updated, no one will want to rent it. When you spend dollars to maintain your property, you are making an investment. There are many ways to avoid costly repairs and upgrades. This can include commercial waterproofing services, regular lawn maintenance, carpet cleaning, annual or semi-annual pressure washing, and more. These services will set your property apart and prevent wood rotting, pests who hide in weeds and undisturbed areas, remove mold and mildew that will eventually eat away at the finish on your building.

Regular Maintenance

Performing routine tasks are a great way to keep your property attractive. No prospective tenant or buyer wants to ‘catch up’ on the maintenance items that have been neglected. A few things you can do on a regular basis are:

• On the interior of your building, clean and/or replace flooring, update bathroom/kitchen fixtures, replace lightbulbs, and do paint touch-ups.
• The exterior of the building needs to look neat and clean. Don’t forget parking lots and sidewalks – remove debris, sweep dust and dirt, and spray weeds that are growing between cracks. Manicured landscaping with new mulch adds curb appeal. A good pressure washing will remove the ugly off the building. Consider hiring someone to do commercial waterproofing services to help maintain any decking you may have. Decking can become soft and rotted, creating a hazard to tenants and customers. Roofing should be checked before and after storms to look for loose or lost shingles as well as leaks. Repair broken glass immediately to protect the interior of the building from the elements.
• Air conditioning/heating units, hot water heaters, and other utility usage products should be serviced annually or semi-annually. Changing out the HVAC filter monthly is vital to the performance of the unit as well as extending the life of the system.

Above all, remember your commercial property is an investment. Every step you take to upkeep the look and feel of the area is more money in your pocket. It can be daunting to perform all of these tasks at once so spread them out. Making a calendar of planned continuity allows for doing things in small bites and will keep you from missing something.