When you first opened your business or started managing a franchise, you knew you would need to work hard. Businesses require lots of attention. While expecting your employees and customers to require the most attention, you might have forgotten about building maintenance.
Here are five commonly forgotten areas that need regular maintenance at your business. When was the last time you checked them?
Roofs and Ceilings
The roof and ceiling are two of the most important parts of your building. Unfortunately, they’re difficult to inspect on your own. Many business owners or managers only know there’s a problem with the roof or ceiling when something obvious happens, such as a water stain or a shingle falling into the parking lot.
Don’t wait for these indications of roof or ceiling distress. The condition of your roof or ceiling can worsen significantly before these signs occur. Hire inspectors for regular roof and ceiling maintenance so you always know what’s going on in these areas.
Drains and Gutters
Drains and gutters are out of sight and out of mind. We tend to assume these areas are working as long as the water flows. However, problems can build up over time, just as they do with roofs and ceilings.
Regular drain and gutter maintenance involves inspections and cleanings. Hire a professional to inspect your drains and gutters regularly.
They may suggest drain or gutter cleaning to avoid clogs that impede water flow and cause problems like flooding. Invest in the recommended maintenance to keep your business functioning at its best.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can protect your building, employees, and customers. However, it’s hard to know when these lights need maintenance since most businesses close soon after daylight hours.
Turn these lights on during the day to check how they function. Clean the shade and the surrounding architecture so the light shines where it’s directed.
If you’re unsure that the lightning functions at night, set up a camera. You can watch the nightly recording and see what the light illuminates while you’re gone. Call an electrician if you notice a problem.
High-Touch Areas
Think about the areas where most of your employees and customers spend their time. The surfaces within these areas experience lots of touch, which means lots of wear.
Some of this wear is noticeable, such as chipped paint on staircase railings. Address obvious maintenance like this right away so your business keeps looking great.
Other types of wear happen so gradually that you might not notice at all, such as floors losing their shine and turning dingy. You should strip and wax your commercial floors often to compensate for heavy foot traffic and make a good impression on customers.
You may have forgotten these five areas at your business, but they need maintenance just as much as the memorable areas. Make a checklist so you can stay on top of maintenance and keep your business looking and functioning at its best.