The acquisition of a new commercial property is an exciting endeavor for both owners and property managers. This exciting time is tempered by the host of maintenance tasks that need to be addressed to protect the investment.
Crafting a comprehensive maintenance plan can seem overwhelming, so we have created the following list of tasks to save you time. If you are in the Atlanta area, we can also help you schedule the tasks at a time that works for you – without disrupting tenants.
New Acquisition Checks and Inspections
During due diligence, you have the opportunity to evaluate many aspects of the property, including past maintenance. This process is so important that it should also be repeated when you finally get the keys to the property.
Start by performing a visual inspection of the building and grounds to note any obvious issues. Check concrete and asphalt for uneven surfaces and tripping hazards that could become safety issues for tenants or their customers. Also, be sure to check outdoor lighting for function and coverage to further promote safety – particularly in parking areas.
Next, check landscaping for overgrown trees or shrubs that block signage, as well as patchy areas of grass or underwhelming flower beds. Plants that grow unevenly can be a sign of issues with the irrigation system that cause overwatering or underwatering in different areas of the property.
Once you’ve performed your own inspection of the property, you can contact specialists to confirm the issues you’ve noted and uncover any that you may have missed. Some of the most common specialists you should call for an inspection include:
- a roofer to evaluate the age and wear of the roof
- a landscaper to check irrigation and soil
- an HVAC company to inspect critical heating and cooling systems
- a commercial maintenance company to evaluate the current property condition and create an ongoing maintenance plan
These specialists can inform you of any issues with the property that may have emerged or worsened during the due diligence period. They can also perform emergency repairs and help you craft a plan for ongoing maintenance.
Establish Relationships with Key Maintenance Vendors
Maintaining a commercial property requires a team of experienced vendors that can keep the property looking and functioning at its best. Seek to establish relationships with these key vendors as soon as possible so you know who to call when an issue arises and you have an effective plan in place to handle routine maintenance.
For the exterior of your property, you’ll need a company to sweep parking areas, pressure wash the building and hard surfaces, clean awnings, and manage landscaping. You will also need a partner to manage ad-hoc projects like restriping parking areas, installing fencing, removing graffiti, and maintaining concrete surfaces. If you are in the Atlanta area, you can trust our team at Terra CPS for all these tasks.
Inside the property, you may choose to leave most maintenance to the tenant. However, you’ll still need companies on standby to complete HVAC or water-line repairs, which are typically the owner’s responsibility. An experienced property manager likely has a preferred list of these vendors, and establishing relationships for routine maintenance keeps the property functional. Ongoing relationships also help to expedite service in emergencies.
Schedule Exterior Maintenance in Advance
Once you’ve chosen your exterior maintenance vendor(s), ask about scheduled service. The best exterior maintenance companies allow you to create a customized plan that addresses your needs automatically and at times that don’t disrupt tenants.
Our Commercial Property Maintenance Checklist summarizes all the tasks that you will need to keep properties looking their best. Here are an overview of these tasks and their typical frequencies:
- Daily: sweeping
- Weekly: landscaping tasks including mowing, edging, weeding, and leaf removal
- Monthly: pest control, safety checks, vacancy checks
- Quarterly: landscaping tasks including flower beds, mulch, tree trimming, and maintenance for retention or detention ponds
- Semiannual: pressure washing, dumpster pad cleaning, awning cleaning, window cleaning, building façade cleaning, landscaping tasks including irrigation and soil checks
- Annual: parking lot restriping, curb repair, parking lot crack filling and sealing
A different vendor for each of these services is a hassle to manage. Fortunately, our specialized teams can handle your comprehensive exterior maintenance needs with a single relationship.
Manage Commercial Maintenance with One Relationship
At Terra Commercial Property Services, we can put your most common commercial property needs on autopilot, saving you time and effort. Our solutions come with one dedicated account manager, one monthly bill, and all the services you need.
Trust our teams to keep your property looking its best with day portering, pressure washing, awning cleaning, sweeping, and even landscaping. We also offer ad-hoc services to remove graffiti, add fencing, repaint, and repair concrete.
To get started with the only commercial maintenance solution you will need, contact us today for a free quote.