A commercial property is more than just a structure and a piece of real estate – it is a financial investment that has the power to continue to bring in income for years. The amount of income a commercial property has the potential to generate is determined by a number of factors including the type of building, the location of the building, and the overall condition and appearance of the structure. While you cannot always control where the building is located, or the actual design of the building, you certainly have the ability to control the condition and appearance.
Routine building maintenance that is provided by a professional and experienced facility maintenance provider is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your valuable investment and lock in its earning potential for years to come. Routine commercial cleaning and maintenance on the exterior and the interior is more than just about aesthetics – it is about ensuring that your commercial property is well-maintained and free from damage, costly problems, and the need for constant repairs.
To understand how beneficial routine building maintenance actually is, consider the following:
1. Emergency repairs are more expensive than routine care.
Anytime you are calling a contractor or service professional out to fix a problem that already exists, you are going to pay more than if the problem was detected and fixed before it reached the state of an emergency situation. Even leaks, when detected early, are usually relatively inexpensive to fix – but once water damage occurs to structural components, the repair becomes much more costly.
2. Routine maintenance limits possible liability.
Damaged buildings, walkways, car parks, and even poorly kept grounds all increase your liability if someone is injured because of the damage. Well-maintained buildings are also much less likely to be vandalized, especially if the grounds are well kept, security lighting is in place, and the overall impression of the building is that people are actively maintaining the property.
3. Budget for emergencies is impossible, but budgeting for scheduled repairs is easy.
You cannot predict the next significant weather event or an emergency situation, but a well-maintained building is typically damaged less in these events than one that has existing damage. While you can have an emergency repair fund, a routine commercial maintenance program allows you to budget, accurately and correctly, for all your maintenance requirements.
4. A well-maintained building sends a positive message about your business.
First impressions are almost impossible to change. When a customer views your commercial property, they form an instant opinion about your management, professionalism and your overall attitude towards your business. A building that presents well and is cared for sends a very positive message about all three characteristics while a dirty, old or run-down-looking building can trigger a very negative first impression.
Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that commercial property should be a long-term investment that will continue to be a significant income source. Maintaining this income source just makes sound financial and practical sense.