Like any building, a commercial property needs to be upheld and maintained. Commercial property managers certainly have their work cut out for them, as their job requires a lot of hard work, communication skills and an understanding of building codes and regulations. 

Managing a commercial property is not as simple as regular home maintenance — however, you can apply some of the same basic rules. Being a commercial property manager is not a job for everyone. With a few tips, managing any commercial property can become easier. 

Let’s explore six maintenance tips for managing a commercial property year-round.

5 Tips for Maintaining a Commercial Property

Whether you’re new to commercial property management or a seasoned, experienced property manager, these tips may help you better manage your property or properties. 

1. Ensure a Safe Property

Safety should always remain your top priority as a commercial property manager. Caring for the welfare of your property and your tenants is crucial. Fire, poor security and unexpected weather events can all damage your property and pose hazards to tenants. 

Be sure to inspect your property frequently for any hazards, especially in the electrical system, as this could lead to a fire. Ensure your property’s smoke detectors have fresh batteries, encourage tenants to keep fire extinguishers on hand and avoid blocking fire exits or stairways.

It’s always good to check your local and state regulations regarding fire safety and prevention. Additionally, it would help if you considered implementing a commercial security system to ensure the safety of your tenants, their customers and the property itself. 

2. Make Frequent Repairs

When damaged areas of your property remain unfixed, it can cause even further damage. Making regular repairs is a part of your job, and you must treat repairs with care and attention to detail. Renovations and repairs help keep the property in working order. 

Be sure to check all areas of your property for any water damage, exposed pipes or cracks in drywall. You’ll also want to routinely inspect the entire interior and exterior of your property for damage. Fixing these issues before they turn into larger issues is vital. Consider making an inspection checklist, so you don’t forget to check any areas of your property.

3. Inspect Your Roof Often

Roof maintenance is a major part of general building maintenance, and the last thing you want is a collapsed roof that could potentially damage your property or injure your tenants. Depending on the style of roof on the building, the climate you live in and unfixed damage all play a role in determining when it’s time to repair or replace your roof. 

Some roofing materials, like concrete or clay roofing, can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Understand the type of roof you have so you know when it may be time to replace shingles or the entire roof. 

4. Keep Your Property Clean 

It’s common for buildings to become dusty and dirty over time, especially if there’s heavy foot traffic and when they’re subjected to different types of weather conditions. Keeping a clean property shows that you care about your property and its appearance.

You can hire an experienced cleaning service to come and clean different areas of your commercial property, like bathrooms, carpets, windows and floors. Removing carpet allergens every 4-6 months will keep your tenants healthier and more satisfied. Additionally, a dirty property may attract unwanted visitors, like roaches or other pests. 

5. Stay Updated on Codes and Regulations

When your building was first completed, it was likely built to code. However, codes and regulations may have changed since it was made. Staying updated with building codes and your local and state laws will keep you compliant, which should be a top priority for you.

There are online resources to help guide you through the various codes, so be sure to check those and, if need be, talk to your local government about how to ensure your property is compliant.

Understand that commercial property maintenance is all about being attentive, responding quickly to damaged areas of the property and making necessary repairs on an as-needed basis.

Maintaining a Commercial Property Successfully

Consider some of the tips above if you’re a new property manager. It may take some time to learn the ropes, but these tips will help you get started and help you manage your property more efficiently and effectively.