April 21, 2023
Editorial Disclaimer
This content is published for general information and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Any mention of companies, platforms, or services does not imply endorsement or recommendation. We are not affiliated with, nor do we accept responsibility for, any third-party entities referenced. Financial markets and company circumstances can change rapidly. Readers should perform their own independent research and seek professional advice before making any financial or investment decisions.
Your commercial building is probably your single largest investment.
And…
Entrepreneurs tend to forget about it. They're too busy working on their business instead of in it. Generating revenue. Hiring employees. Scaling up.
They don't realise the roof is slowly falling in around them until it literally does.
Roof leaks. Furnace goes out. And that "minor problem" you were putting off suddenly costs you thousands in emergency repairs.
Don't worry, you can avoid that scenario.
You just need to know where to start with preventative maintenance.
How to create your own building maintenance plan
Your building isn't just a money pit.
It houses everything about your business. Your inventory. Equipment. Employees. Customers.
So when your building has problems…it impacts every area of your operation.
A hole in your roof doesn't just damage the ceiling. It ruins your stock. Creates hazards for employees and customers. Forces customers to take their business elsewhere.
According to data, repair and replacement costs for commercial roofing hit $31 billion in 2024 alone. That's a 30% increase from 2022! And the cost just keeps rising as homeowners wait too long to address roofing issues.
Simple preventive maintenance costs significantly less than unexpected emergencies.
Not to mention it keeps your business running smoothly so you can focus on what you love…running your business.
Here's what happens when you neglect your building.
The small problem you noticed turns into a giant problem.
That small leak in your roof develops into water damage in multiple rooms. That clogged sink leads to a flooded basement.
And those small costs quickly turn into big ones.
Did you know:
And it's not just money hanging in the balance…
Neglected buildings equal liability issues.
Trip hazards, falling debris, puddles of water. If someone gets hurt on your property because you failed to maintain it, you could lose everything in a lawsuit.
Preventative maintenance is not a one size fits all deal.
There are certain areas of your building that require more attention than others.
These are the big 4:
Your roof takes the largest beating from Mother Nature. It bears the brunt of rain, snow, extreme heat, and cold temperatures. Every other system on this list helps maintain your roof's integrity. When your roof fails, every other system gets compromised.
Hiring a professional roofing contractor to maintain your roof is key. The Roof Doctor recommends having your commercial roof professionally inspected twice per year. Once after winter has passed. And again before winter arrives.
Your heating and cooling systems require year round maintenance. Dirty filters increase energy costs and decrease efficiency. Run down systems fail at the worst possible time.
Change out filters once a month. And schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.
Don't wait until your furnace dies on the hottest day of the year. Replace as needed.
Water damage is one of the most costly issues your building can face. A small leak can ruin walls, floors, and foundations.
Check under sinks and pipes for drips. Be sure water pressure doesn't suddenly spike or drop. Call a professional if you notice slow draining.
While not directly part of your building, curb appeal and accessibility matters. Potholes in parking lots and walkways wreak havoc on customer's vehicles. It also cause trip and fall accidents.
Seal cracks each year. Replace surfaces that have broken down. Ensure proper drainage to avoid pooling water.
Don't try to DIY everything.
When it comes to preventative maintenance, certain things need to be left to the professionals. Save yourself a headache by hiring a qualified contractor when you need one.
Make sure any contractor or technician you hire has:
Get to know local contractors you trust BEFORE you need them. And keep their numbers handy for when emergencies do occur.
When getting bids for large projects, don't always go with the lowest price. Try to find a balance between affordable and quality work.
Sprinkling maintenance here and there won't cut it.
Create a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes everything in your building. Then schedule regular inspections throughout the year to ensure you don't miss anything.
Your maintenance plan should:
Pro Tip: Many entrepreneurs opt to perform basic maintenance in-house. And leave the technical stuff to the professionals.
Outsourcing to technicians prevents you from having to go out and buy tools you'll use once. It also ensures the job is done right.
Still not convinced maintenance is worth your time? Or money?
Well did you know proper maintenance can extend the life of your commercial roof by up to 50%?
That's additional years before you will have to worry about replacing it.
Think about that.
Instead of spending a little now on annual maintenance. You're faced with completely replacing your roof. And everything on it.
Not to mention a well maintained building has more value than a neglected one. You can charge higher rents. It attracts better tenants. And appears more professional to every customer that walks in your door.
Your building is your business. If it looks rundown, people assume your business is as well.
Maintaining your commercial building isn't a walk in the park. But it doesn't have to be the headache you're making it out to be either.
Educate yourself on potential problem areas. Focus on the essentials like roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and exterior areas.
Know who to call for certain jobs. And create a plan that will cover everything else.
This can't be stressed enough. Create a plan, then follow it!
Your building should be one of your biggest priorities as an entrepreneur.
Businesses who maintain their buildings avoid pricey emergency repairs. Minimize unexpected downtime. And set their business up for success down the road.
A little maintenance now will save you from major headaches in the future.
And that's what being a smart business owner is all about.
Your building is one of your largest business investments. Proper maintenance protects this asset, prevents costly emergency repairs, ensures the safety of employees and customers, and avoids business disruptions that can harm your revenue and reputation.
You should prioritise four key areas: the roof, which protects everything below it; the HVAC system, for operational efficiency and comfort; plumbing, to prevent costly water damage; and the exterior, including car parks and walkways, to ensure safety and good curb appeal.
A good plan starts with documenting all your building's systems, including installation dates and warranty information. Schedule regular inspections for different areas throughout the year, set a realistic budget for both routine tasks and unexpected repairs, and keep detailed records of all work completed.
While you can handle basic tasks like changing HVAC filters, complex jobs involving roofing, plumbing, or electrical systems should always be left to qualified, licensed, and insured professionals. This ensures the work is done correctly and safely.
Neglect turns small, inexpensive fixes into large, costly emergencies. For example, an unaddressed small leak can lead to major water damage and mould. Data shows that over 80% of commercial roofs are replaced prematurely simply due to a lack of regular maintenance.
