Caring for a commercial building is easier said than done. It is imperative to properly care for your properties to keep small issues from becoming costly headaches in the future. Further, commercial property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for tenants and customers. Check out these tips for maintaining commercial real estate.
- Establish a Routine
A lot of building upkeep should be done seasonally. Start a routine for completing certain tasks each season. For example, summer is the ideal time for checking your Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units to determine whether you may need new industrial bag filters VA or other maintenance for your system. Fall is time to clear sidewalks and parking lots of debris and prepare the building for winter. During those dreary winter months, have a plan for snow and ice removal and keep adequate mats on hard floors to prevent slips. Spring is time to assess damage caused by harsh winter weather and upkeep the landscaping.
- Prioritize Safety
The safety of all entering your premises or building should be the top priority when caring for commercial property. Check regularly for potential safety hazards and address them quickly. For example, cracked or uneven pavement can easily cause an injury. Identify those types of issues swiftly and take action before becoming vulnerable to lawsuits.
- Be Proactive
Have your HVAC system serviced regularly and make sure the filters are kept clean. Further, perform consistent checks of the roof to identify weak areas that should be patched before leaks occur. This will keep your tenants happy and help keep disastrous leaks at bay.
- Keep a Fund for Emergencies
Even when you take all of the preventive measures available to you, something will inevitably break. Keeping a reserve cash fund for such times will allow you to breathe easy if a pipe breaks and floods the floor. If you need it fixed quickly before insurance can cover it, you will have some of the funds you need on hand to get your building back up and running.
- Insure the Building Adequately
It may seem fiscally sound to cut corners on insurance policies, but doing so could lead to disastrous consequences. Speak with your insurance adjuster to be sure you have the appropriate coverage for your business needs.
Keeping a commercial property running takes time and money. Be sure to establish a routine, prioritize safety, be proactive, keep a fund for emergencies and adequately insure your building and business.