Maintaining a commercial property is a herculean task, involving issues ranging from minor repairs to major system overhauls. The process requires attention to the most minor details and the ability to see the big picture and long-range forecast for the property. Good communication skills, efficient documentation skills, and the ability to multitask both emergent issues and long-term planning are also necessary.
Professional property managers understand the best practices of commercial property management and the benefits that come with this work. Here is a breakdown of those benefits as well as some tried-and-true tips that can help keep your property functioning at its best.
Benefits of Professional Property Maintenance
Property management isn’t just about ensuring a property’s aesthetics; it’s also about planning preventative maintenance that can ensure the health, safety, and overall satisfaction of the renters under your care.
Professional property maintenance often schedules seasonal maintenance, preventative maintenance and well-timed major projects in a manner that can extend the life of a building and avoid costly equipment breakdowns. With the use of asset management software, property managers can also keep track of maintenance schedules, warranties, service history and compliance regulations, thus keeping a property efficient and operating smoothly as well as prolonging the life of critical equipment like elevators, HVAC systems and generators.
Commercial buildings and complexes that are consistently well-maintained have a higher market value, operate at optimal efficiency, and attract more high-quality renters, combining cost savings and retention value to the list of positive impacts of a professional property manager.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Commercial Property
While maintaining commercial properties may be a colossal feat, there are also some tips that can help you stay organized, productive, and efficient in your tasks.
- Perform regular inspections of key property components (elevators, amenities, HVAC systems, electric systems, plumbing, etc.).
- Keep detailed records of repairs, inspections, warranties, and any service history, especially on appliances within units.
- Organize preventative maintenance into seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer, as well as year-round maintenance.
- Adopt a multi-channel approach for renters to contact you regarding issues (e.g., apps, email, community portal).
- Curate a list of vendors (plumbers, electricians, landscaping and emergency repair personnel) who you trust to come in an emergency and who can also be a part of your preventative maintenance team.
- Utilize technology to keep track of information, records, vendors, payments and repairs.
- Develop a detailed emergency plan to minimize tenant disruptions in the event of a catastrophic incident.
- Maintain a list of regulatory and compliance requirements applicable to local and state municipalities.
By implementing these tips, commercial property owners can effectively manage their properties, protect their investments, and ensure a positive experience for their tenants. Contact Crowninshield Management to speak with our team about any inquiries you may have regarding your property management needs.
