The New Year is almost here, and now is a great time to make sure your commercial building is in top shape – and if it needs repairs, it’s time to take action.
Commercial buildings need attention and maintenance. Performing facility maintenance is crucial to ensuring that commercial buildings stay intact and operate efficiently. Preventive maintenance and promptly conducting repairs create a safer and more welcoming environment and help protect building occupants and your investment.
So, how do you ensure that all aspects of a commercial building are being checked? By using a thorough building maintenance checklist. Since different factors can impact commercial buildings, such as climate, a building maintenance checklist helps ensure that all the critical areas are covered and everything is noticed before it can develop into a serious problem or potential failure.
As you will see, our checklist below covers essential areas for every possible scenario as you head into the new year.
Winter Preparation
If you haven’t started these items, do so immediately!
- Clean gutters of leaves and debris
- Inspect the heating system.
- Check interior plumbing for any indications of leaks.
- Check your building’s exterior pipes for signs of freezing.
- If applicable, winterize irrigation systems.
- Establish a snow/ice removal plan.
- Ensure doors and windows are insulated and sealed correctly.
- Ensure interior temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid freezing pipes.
- Inspect interior and exterior electrical outlets and switches.
- Check the roof and gutters for any ice dams.
Planning for Spring
You can start planning for Spring updates as we get into the colder months. Here’s your Spring preventive maintenance checklist:
- Inspect ductwork for dust buildup.
- Clean coils and service air conditioning units.
- Check for any damages to exterior lighting.
- Inspect exterior outlets.
- Inspect and clear gutters and drains.
- If applicable, inspect backup power systems.
- Inspect irrigation systems.
- Remove any debris that may have accumulated from landscaping.
- Pressure wash the building exterior and walkways.
Summer Checks
- Inspect window seals and doors for proper operation.
- Inspect structural areas for signs of damage.
- Inspect exterior signage.
- Inspect parking areas.
- Check the exterior for potential erosion issues.
- Inspect roof.
- Inspect garbage collection areas.
Year-Round Checks
If you’ve scheduled checks for these year-round items, it’s important to do so!
- Inspect lighting for burned-out bulbs or tubes.
- Inspect windows for cleanliness.
- Inspect the property for rodent or pest issues.
- Replace air filters for environmental systems.
- Have fire extinguishers inspected.
- Inspect batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
- Inspect the structure for any signs of water leaks or damage.
- Have the fire suppression system inspected.
- Ensure window and door locks are operating correctly.
New Year’s Resolution For Your Commercial Building
This list may seem like a lot of work, but maintaining a safe and healthy environment for customers, tenants, and employees requires a thorough plan.
If you have a large facility or multiple commercial buildings to maintain, you may want to consider hiring a professional building maintenance service. Not being proactive with preventative maintenance checks can lead to costly repairs.
If maintenance becomes too much, consider hiring a commercial maintenance company. U&S Companies has more than 10 years of providing maintenance services for Michigan commercial building owners. Get a quote on your next project.
