With U.S. office vacancy rates hovering around all-time highs, commercial property owners are facing increasing competition to attract tenants. So, if you own a commercial building in Greenville, SC, you must take steps to stay ahead of the pack.
Commercial property maintenance is one of the best ways to keep tenants happy and encourage lease renewals. The tasks associated with commercial property upkeep can sometimes feel overwhelming, though.
Read on for our top property maintenance tips to help you ensure your commercial property retains its value and appeal to tenants.
Understanding Commercial Property Maintenance Tasks
The first step in mastering commercial property management is understanding what it is. Property maintenance includes the following:
Routine Maintenance Tasks
Routine maintenance tasks are a part of good housekeeping, which is an OHSA requirement. It includes keeping your property safe and hygienic with tasks like trash removal.
Most of these tasks are the tenant's responsibility, but they can affect your building's overall condition, so you must keep tabs on them.
Preventive Maintenance
This is one of the most important aspects of property maintenance. It includes maintaining safety equipment, roof inspections, and servicing your HVAC equipment.
These tasks usually occur at set intervals, e.g., seasonally or annually.
Replacements and Repairs
Replacements and repairs are inevitable as your building and equipment age. You can delay these expenses by taking care of routine and preventive maintenance.
Basic Building Maintenance Techniques
Preventive maintenance strategies help you preserve the appeal of your property and maintain its value. There are three key aspects involved in managing your buildings' upkeep:
Compile a Maintenance Schedule
Make a list of all the major maintenance tasks associated with your building and allocate them on a calendar. Spreading these responsibilities over a longer time frame helps you budget more effectively.
Without sufficient planning, you could end up with multiple maintenance issues at once, causing disruptions for your tenant and financial stress for you.
Regular Property Inspections
Routine property inspections are key to identifying any potential issues early on. Attending to a small repair promptly will prevent it from becoming a more costly repair or replacement.
During these visits, it's important to check the interior and exterior of your building. Pay close attention to things that impact the safety and functioning of the building. These items include electrical, plumbing, and safety features.
Embrace the Power of Software
Property management software is the perfect assistant for planning and tracking building maintenance. You can use it to keep track of:
- Maintenance requests
- Expenses
- Work orders
- Preventive maintenance tasks
Delegate Maintenance Responsibilities
Designate one person, like a property manager, to oversee commercial property maintenance. This is the best way to avoid confusion and double work.
If you have many buildings to attend to, it's often worth hiring an in-house maintenance team. If not, you'll save money by hiring a property management firm to oversee maintenance coordination.
Hire a Property Manager to Streamline Property Maintenance
In times of high rental vacancies, commercial building owners must ensure their properties maintain their appeal with effective property maintenance.
PMI Southern States is locally owned and operates independently, but we are part of a growing franchise with over two decades of real estate experience. We can assist you with a full range of property management services, including commercial property maintenance, routine inspections, and lease management.
Discover an easier way to manage your commercial building maintenance and avoid costly vacancies.
