Taking care of business goes beyond making your customers happy. You also need to keep your facility in good working order. In addition to routine inspections of the building and premises, be sure to keep up with the required maintenance schedule to avoid problems that could be costly and inconvenient.
HVAC
Depending on the type of heating and cooling system your business uses, you may need to check and replace the filter every six to twelve months. Inspect the units for signs of malfunction, such as an unusual noise or odd smell. Schedule a yearly maintenance checkup with licensed HVAC professionals. As the system ages, you may need to check it more frequently for signs of wear and tear or reduced performance.
Plumbing
Keep the sinks, toilets, and drains well cleaned. Look for signs of drips or leaks and have them checked promptly. You may need to clear the drains occasionally when you notice the water running more slowly into the pipes after rinsing or flushing. If you notice signs of mold or damp spots, or if you smell mildew, contact a licensed plumber for an evaluation. Water damage around your windows or doors should also be repaired as soon as possible before the problem gets worse. Tighten leaky or loose faucets to keep your water bill under control.
Roofing
Take a look at your facility’s roof from the ground level to spot signs of damage. Contact commercial roofers for a thorough inspection of the roof to look for loose or missing shingles, chimney damage, or problems with the gutters or downspouts. A new roof is expensive, so maintain yours each year to keep it intact as long as possible. Have the gutters cleaned each year to prevent a buildup of fallen leaves and debris. Not only should your roof be fully functional, but it should also contribute to the overall attractive appearance of your business building.
External Premises
Keep your parking area and outside of the building neat, clean, and safe. Remove litter from the area and fix any potholes in your parking lot as well as broken fencing, damaged signs, or cracked windows. Any trash bins or containers for customers should be cleaned and fitted with liners. The sidewalk should be swept, and the front entrance needs to be kept tidy and attractive to welcome visitors.
Proper care of your business facility will make it more approachable to guests. Your building and systems will last longer and work better. Handle the tasks that you can manage easily and hire licensed experts for the bigger maintenance jobs.
Bio: Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
