Conducting maintenance regularly is important for the preservation of a building and the safety of everyone who lives in it or uses it every day. If you own or rent a commercial building or space, it’s important that you maintain the upkeep for the health and safety of yourself and your employees, to save time and money on costly repairs, and to prevent any untoward incidents from happening.
Take a look at this comprehensive checklist of building assets and facilities that you need to be maintained on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
Plumbing
A building’s plumbing is constantly used every day. It’s hard to notice any problems with your plumbing until they actually happen in the form of leaks or in the worst case, flooding. Blocked drains and burst pipes are some of the most common problems any commercial building might encounter and can be easily prevented with little maintenance
Have a plumber check your pipes at least every 6 months or even monthly. One thing you can do to prevent any incidents is to pick up any hair or other debris, so they don’t clog the drain and thaw any frozen pipes during winter, so they don’t burst.
Ventilation
Ventilation plays a vital role in the overall healthiness of your building. Dust and other detritus can block vents, lowering the air quality inside the building and creating a potential fire hazard. It can keep clean air from entering, pollute the air inside the building, and may even hike up your energy bill. Make sure to have your vents cleaned every once in a while, as they can be easily overlooked.
Fire hazards
Speaking of fire hazards, always be on the lookout for those. Don’t leave electric appliances and equipment plugged in for too long, unless they need it. Check for signs of overheating which is common among equipment and devices and check for any exposed or fraying wires, especially in your electrical outlets. If you leave any lit candles out, whether for lighting or decorative purposes, make sure to blow them out when no one’s in the room and keep them away from flammable objects such as cloth, paper, curtains, and wood. Install fire alarms in your building, have fire extinguishers available nearby, and have an escape route that’s easily accessible for everyone in case of an emergency.
Pests
Another common problem in any building is pests like flies, ants, roaches, and mice. Not only are they, quite obviously, pests, but they can also be carriers of disease and in general, nobody wants to see or have them around. Calling the pest control experts is one way to get rid of them in one fell swoop. For a more preventative measure, keep the kitchen area and bathrooms clean at all times and dispose of your garbage properly and in the right places. Store food in a fridge or sealed storeroom or containers and keep bug spray and rodent repellent on hand.
Leaks and cracks
Leaks and cracks on your roof and walls can let in unwanted moisture, causing water damage to your walls and ceiling and causing the wood to rot. Other than that, leaks on your roof can cause flooding during strong rain and might even cause your ceiling to collapse. Always check for any signs of water damage and impending collapse on your roofs and walls.
Doors and windows
Doors and windows are often in danger of getting worn or broken if used every day. Door and window hinges, knobs, and locks can rust and become brittle. Wooden doors and window frames are also in danger of rotting and breaking easily, depending on their quality. Same with the type of glass or shutters you use for your windows. While doors and windows don’t really need to be replaced on a regular basis, it is worth looking into for the overall safety of everyone in the building.
Heating and cooling
Your HVAC system is once that’s used every day and for extended periods of time and therefore probably needs more attention than everything else. If something is wrong with your HVAC system, everyone immediately notices it and it could lead to more problems later on. Always be sure to clean and maintain your HVAC even before you encounter a problem with it.
Roof and gutters
The gutters of your building can get clogged up with leaves, dust, and other debris and may cause them to burst during rainy days. You may also want to check the condition of your roof to make sure there aren’t any cracks or weak spots that could lead to a leak. Don’t overlook your roof or your gutters during maintenance.
Other fixtures
Other than those already stated above, keep an eye on all other fixtures in your building and other assets you might have. Be sure to conduct a thorough cleaning of the building at least twice a year and be sure not to leave out anything that looks like it could be a problem later on.
Maintenance can be tough and tedious to do but it’s a necessary thing to do for the safety and health of everyone involved and to make sure that the building lasts for a lot longer.