At first glance, running a commercial property might seem easy. But this idea is where things go wrong. Many people make the mistake of thinking that all they need to do is check up on it now and then. They later realize this couldn’t have been farther from the truth.
Owning a commercial property takes a lot of time and effort. You need to stay up on everything; otherwise, the space could run into some problems. But trying to figure out how to maintain it can be overwhelming. This post will explore a handful of ways you can easily keep up your commercial property.
6 Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Property
- Do Consistent Inspections
One of the best ways to ensure your commercial property stays in good condition is to diligently inspect it. Regular inspections can help you catch problems before they become severe or dangerous.
It can be a bit overwhelming, though, to know where to start. Some critical aspects to check during your examination are:
- Plumbing and electrical work
- The structure’s frame and foundation
- Air conditioning and heating units
- Fire alarms
- Landscaping
- Parking lot and sidewalk maintenance/accessibility
You don’t have to do intricate inspections every day, but spending one or two days a week quickly checking areas is important. You can then do a more meticulous examination once a month.
Make sure that you confirm that everything is up to code during your checks. This way, should there be official inspections from local authorities, you’ll be confident that everything is in place.
- Make Repairs Immediately
Finding broken or worn-down things around your property can be annoying. It’s easy to push these necessary tasks away until later, but it’s better to get them done as soon as you notice them. By leaving them, you risk forgetting about them only to find that the issue has gotten much worse.
- Fix or Replace Asphalt Areas
If your property features an asphalt driveway or parking lot, you’ll need to examine it carefully. While durable, asphalt can wear down over time, especially if it’s heavily used.
After you call a commercial paving company in Fremont, CA, they’ll come out to inspect the area. This will give them an idea of what they need to do and allows you to ask questions. Depending on how severe the issue is, they might recommend anything from patching cracks to completely replacing the asphalt.
Besides this, a paving business can also assist with striping parking lots, painting curbs, and applying ADA stencils.
It might also be worthwhile to form a relationship with your chosen company or sign a special contract with them for your property. This could help you get immediate access to their services should something need to be quickly fixed.
- Don’t Forget the Interior
It’s easy to focus on a building’s exterior, but it’s just as important to watch its interior. Whether it’s replacing the lighting or giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, you’ll want to ensure that the interior is kept up. Otherwise, it will look rather dated and could turn off some customers.
If it has been a few years, consider completely redoing the interior. This can revitalize the space and attract a handful of new clients.
- Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
It might be worth investing in energy-efficient devices for your property. This not only boosts the property’s value but helps you save money because not as much energy will be used and wasted. It could also welcome certain tenants or clients who strive to invest in areas with a low carbon footprint. Some ways to incorporate this technology include Smart thermostats, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners.
- Hire a Property Manager
You might also contemplate hiring someone to maintain your property for you. This can be very helpful if you’re busy and don’t have time to always check it or deal with other issues. The property manager will perform all the necessary inspections and tasks and report back to you. Besides this, they could also assist with other commercial property needs, like advertising or negotiating lease agreements.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Finding a reliable property manager is much easier than it sounds. One of the best ways to start is to do a quick online search on a job platform. Here you’ll find a variety of applicants to choose from. You can research different ones to see their work history and reviews. Once you find someone that fits your needs, set up an interview. If you feel they’re good, you can get to work hiring your new property manager.
Commercial properties come with plenty of benefits but it’s vital that you carefully monitor them. If you don’t, you might find yourself in some serious trouble. By using these tips, you can be sure that your property is a safe and well-maintained place.
