Why should I Prioritise Commercial Property Maintenance?

Your essential guide to effective commercial property maintenance in New Zealand 

Safeguarding the value of your commercial property demands a proactive approach to maintaining it.  

Commercial property maintenance is all about keeping buildings in good condition. It involves regular inspections, repairs, cleaning, and updates to the building’s structure, systems, and surroundings. By doing this you’ll enhance tenant satisfaction, ensure safety, and maximise its value. 

But where do you start, and what are the most essential commercial property maintenance tasks you should prioritise? In this article, we will discuss how to make sure the building is safe, looks good, and works well for the people who use it. 
 

The importance of commercial property maintenance 

Here are six key reasons why it’s important to regularly upkeep and maintain your commercial building:
 

1. Happy tenants

Regular maintenance on your building contributes to a safe, functional, and appealing environment, demonstrating your commitment to your tenants' comfort and well-being. This can also help attract and retain high-quality tenants more likely to renew their leases. 

2. Maintains property value

A well-maintained property is more likely to retain or even increase its value over time. Regular maintenance helps prevent small issues from turning into major problems that can be costly to fix and can detract from the property’s value. By keeping the building and its surroundings in good condition, you’re protecting your investment. 

3. Good return on investment

By maintaining the property in good condition, owners can minimise vacancies and attract more premium rental rates. Additionally, well-maintained properties tend to experience lower operating costs over time, which can translate to higher profits. 

4. Saving money

Fixing small issues at an early stage is a good way to save money, reducing the need for more extensive and expensive repairs later. For instance, repairing a small plumbing leak is much cheaper than replacing big parts of your property’s walls and floors because of water damage. Regular maintenance also makes your building parts last longer, so you won't have to replace them as often.  

5. Keeping things safe

Regular maintenance checks ensure that all systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and fire safety, are working properly. This not only protects the people who use the building but helps avoid legal issues and potential fines that can arise from neglecting safety standards. 

For more information on health and safety measures, read our blog on Health and Safety Considerations for New Commercial Buildings.

6. Maintaining a good brand image

The upkeep of commercial properties can influence the reputation and brand image of businesses operating within them, particularly those welcoming customers or clients on-site. A well-maintained property reflects positively on the commitment of the business and creates a positive impression on visitors.  
 

What are the different types of commercial property maintenance?​

Depending on the type of business you operate, the size of the property, and the level of traffic, how often and how much you need to maintain your property will vary.  

There are three main types of commercial property maintenance: 

1. Standard upkeep 

This includes weekly or bi-weekly tasks that may seem small in the larger scheme of building maintenance but go a long way in keeping a clean, safe, and presentable building. These are tasks like sweeping and mopping floors, dusting surfaces, and emptying trash cans.  

2. Preventive maintenance 

More critically are the tasks done on a monthly or quarterly basis that prevent potential problems from arising? For example, inspecting the roof for leaks or water damage, regularly checking the HVAC system, and ensuring the building’s fire alarm system is in working order. 

3. Repairs and replacements 

Over time, all buildings and equipment will eventually need repair or replacement. This could include anything from replacing a broken window to fixing a leaky tap. By staying on top of repairs, you can help keep your commercial property in good condition and reduce the amount of maintenance required in the future.  
 

Creating a commercial property maintenance plan 

Whatever the size of your commercial property, having a commercial property maintenance plan is important to help you keep things running smoothly. 

There are a few important things you should include in your commercial building maintenance plan. 

Inspect your property and focus on high-traffic areas

Inspect the interior, exterior, and common areas of your property and assess the risks associated with it. Look for any signs of wear and tear, and make sure all systems function properly. Once you’ve identified and prioritised the risks, you can develop a thorough maintenance plan that addresses them.  

Establish a schedule

Establish a regular maintenance schedule of cleaning and upkeep tasks that need to be done. This might include daily and weekly tasks. Depending on the size and type of commercial space you manage, there may be other tasks that need to be added to the schedule. 

Create a system

Create a system for tracking and responding to maintenance issues as they arise. This might include having a designated person responsible for taking repair requests and scheduling the appropriate maintenance technician or property maintenance team to address the issue. Or, if you have an online system for submitting maintenance requests, you need to be sure that someone is regularly checking those submissions and acting as required.

What to check iN YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

To make sure every part of your property has been checked and covered, you can break maintenance down into these different categories:  

Exterior 

Regular inspections and upkeep, like checking the roof and repaving the parking lot, maintain the property's appearance and protect it from weather-related wear and tear. 

Interior  

Consistent cleaning and timely plumbing repairs maintain a comfortable and functional interior for everyone who uses the property.  

Security 

Keeping on top of the maintenance of surveillance cameras and alarm systems is important for your business, the property and staff.  

Safety 

Monitoring for falls, slips, trips or other hazards.  

Should I use a property management team – and if so, what should I look for in one?  

A property maintenance team can save you time, and ensure your property is well looked after, allowing you to focus on other areas of your business. Depending on the size of your property, you might instead look at outsourcing individual maintenance tasks to experts, for example, hiring a window washing team that comes in each month.  

When you’re looking for a property maintenance team, the following are a few things to keep in mind before making any decisions.

Cost

Look for competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Get detailed quotes to compare. 
Equipment: Ensure they use modern, well-maintained equipment suitable for your property's needs to avoid damage. 

Protocols

Check for established schedules, emergency plans, and clear communication channels to ensure consistent service quality. 
 

For more information on maintaining your commercial building or how to design a commercial office building with safety in mind, reach out to our team of experts today to discuss your project. Alternatively, 
download our Maintenace Checklist as your guide to maintaining a well-functioning commercial property - let it be a cornerstone of your commitment to quality maintenance.