Ultimate Guide to Commercial Property Maintenance

Parking Lot Sweeping

Most commercial properties have parking lots that need to be periodically cleaned. Parking lot sweeping services are sweeping trucks that mechanically drive through the parking lot and sweep up any trash, dirt, and debris on a periodic basis.

HVAC Maintenance

Regular servicing of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure they are functioning efficiently. This is especially important in commercial office properties, where filters should be changed out periodically.

Snow Removal

If snowfall is a regular occurrence, then snow removal services should be established beforehand. Snow removal usually takes place within the first 24-48 hours after the snow has stopped falling. State and municipal laws may also include language about snow removal that includes de-icing procedures such as putting salt or sand down.

Landscape Maintenance

Properly trimmed landscaping not only creates an inviting environment for customers, but also limits the risk for liabilities such as falling branches, vandalism, fires, pests, and more. Most commercial gardening services are usually performed on a weekly basis.

Waste Management

Commercial properties typically generate substantially more waste than typical residential homes. Waste management should be an efficient process that involves the handling, removal, and disposal of waste materials from the property, along with the implementation of recycling programs.

Access Control Systems

Depending on the property type, there can be various forms of access control that need to be regularly reviewed. This can include the regular inspection, maintenance, and updating of electronic access systems, such as keycard readers and biometric scanners, to ensure secure and smooth access to the property.

Window Washing

Window washing is a simple but effective commercial property maintenance service. The frequency of how often window washing occurs will depend on the property type and how many windows the building has.

Power Washing

Commercial properties typically bring a lot of traffic by nature. The more traffic a property brings in, the quicker that it gets dirty. in which things get dirty and need cleaning. The frequency of how often power washing occurs will depend on the property type and type of traffic that is visiting the property.

Common Areas

Since commercial property tenants usually share common areas, those common areas are usually maintained by the building owner or management. Common type common area maintenance include the upkeep (repairs and cleanliness) of common areas such as stairways, hallways, pools, recreation rooms in senior living facilities, gyms in student housing apartments, mail rooms, etc.

Elevators & Escalators

If the property has an elevator or escalation, regular servicing will be a routine service. Local governments typically require all mechanical people-moving devices to be regularly inspected to obtain their permit. Actual work performed on an elevator or escalator is typically done by third-party specialized companies for liability reasons.

Signage Maintenance

Signage maintenance involves the regular inspection, cleaning, repair, or replacement of both indoor and outdoor signs to ensure they are clearly visible, legible, and in good condition, reflecting the property’s professional image. This can include simply common bathroom signage, or building signage located outside on the building facade.

Compliance Inspections

Compliance inspections are a common and important task in commercial property maintenance. They are conducted to ensure that the property adheres to relevant local, state, and federal regulations, including building codes, fire safety standards, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, thereby minimizing legal risks and ensuring safety.

Janitorial and Cleaning

These services usually depend on the property type and common spaces that require cleaning. In commercial office buildings, regular cleaning is often a routine service provided by landlords. Comprehensive cleaning can include tasks like dusting, vacuuming, restroom sanitation, and trash removal. Regular janitorial services help maintain a clean, hygienic, and professional environment for employees and visitors.

Pest Control

Pest control services involve inspecting and treating commercial properties to manage and prevent infestations of pests like insects and rodents. These services are usually performed by a third-party vendor and important for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment and for protecting the property from pest-related damages. For retail properties with food service tenants, routine pest control is an essential requirement.

Painting and Decorating

Routine painting and decorating is a wise investment that covers the aesthetic upkeep of a property through interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, and other decorating techniques. It not only enhances the visual appeal of the property but also provides a layer of protection to surfaces.

Fire Safety Systems

Most local municipalities require regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire safety equipment, including fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and emergency lighting systems. It is essential for ensuring that in the event of a fire, these systems function correctly, thereby safeguarding the lives of occupants and minimizing property damage.

Office

In rental office buildings, maintenance often focuses on creating a productive and comfortable working environment, which includes regular HVAC servicing, ensuring efficient lighting, and maintaining communal areas like lobbies and restrooms. Additionally, maintaining a reliable internet and telecommunications infrastructure is crucial for modern office operations.

Retail

Maintenance in commercial retail spaces prioritizes the customer experience and safety, with an emphasis on aesthetically pleasing interiors, well-lit and clean display areas, and safe, easily navigable layouts. Regular window cleaning, floor maintenance, and ensuring proper signage visibility are also key to attracting and retaining customers.

Industrial

Industrial rental real estate property maintenance emphasizes the uptime of a tenant’s business. This typically includes maintenance of the property’s critical infrastructure, such as ensuring the reliability of electrical and mechanical systems to support uninterrupted industrial operations. They also prioritize regular safety inspections and adherence to regulatory compliance, such as environmental and building codes, to mitigate risks and maintain the long-term value and functionality of the property.

Multifamily

In multifamily residential properties, common property maintenance includes tasks such as regular cleaning and upkeep of common areas like lobbies, hallways, and recreational facilities to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for residents. Additionally, it involves prompt attention to repairs in individual units, such as fixing plumbing issues or appliance malfunctions, and maintaining building systems like elevators and heating to ensure comfortable living conditions for all residents.

Commercial property maintenance refers to the ongoing care and repair tasks required to preserve the functionality and appearance of commercial properties. This includes routine services such as cleaning, landscaping, and HVAC maintenance, as well as emergency repairs and upgrades to ensure the property remains safe, operational, and attractive to tenants and visitors.