Keeping commercial property in good shape is a crucial responsibility for any landlord. It not only determines the overall value of your investment – and how much money you can make in return – but increases the likelihood of attracting long-term tenants.
Whether you’ve only just started your commercial investment journey or you’re holding onto a slightly older portfolio, it’s always worth knowing the most important areas for maintenance.
Five crucial aspects of commercial property maintenance
- Keep all appliances safe
You need to ensure that the boiler, radiators, and other heating system components must be maintained to a high standard. Failure of these systems may lead to harsh or unsafe working environments for employees.
Keeping the building’s heating systems in working order is an integral part of your environmental responsibility too. All heating appliances must meet minimum standards before you can get an Energy Performance Certificate for your business property. This certification is a legal requirement before any tenant signs a contract.
- Fix issues as soon as possible
Structural and technical problems must be addressed immediately after they arise.
Whether it’s water ingress or general wear and tear, small issues can quickly develop into a major fault or emergency in a commercial building.
Water leaks, for example, can cause irreparable damage if they’re not handled efficiently. Any leak repair process should ensure the use of strong pipe sealants to create a watertight seal on replacement parts. Preventative measures are just as important as speedy repairs.
- Ensure electrical functionality
Electrical safety is highly important for any type of commercial building. You must ensure that the computers, machines, and any electrical appliances used by employees are high-quality and meet industry standards.
Any commercial property should adhere to the basic electrical safety. It’s recommended to carry out Portable Appliance Testing for any workplace equipment used by employees. When it comes to maintenance, it’s essential that electric repairs should only be carried out by someone who has the correct knowledge, skills and experience to complete the task safely.
- Keep it regulated
Building Regulations ensure that every construction, including commercial properties, is safe to be used for its intended purpose. Key areas include fire safety, management of toxic substances, ventilation, and waste disposal. Any property professional should be familiar with the terms specified in the Building Regulations 2010.
You must ensure that all aspects of your building always meet these requirements, because if a local authority inspects your building and finds it to breach terms, you could face prosecution.
- Keep it clean
Professional cleaners are a modern necessity for commercial buildings. With a high volume of workers using the space throughout the week for practical tasks and taking breaks, it inevitably needs cleaning daily.
With the correct levels of hygiene, corporate tenants enjoy a better-quality environment. Good working conditions reduce staff sickness rates, promoting overall satisfaction with the corporate space.
Overview
From the building’s energy efficiency credentials to its internal condition, a professional approach to maintenance should be multifaceted and thorough. Commercial buildings must protect the integrity and reputation of the businesses that rely on them.
