Monthly Archives: September 2015

4 Basic Commercial Property Maintenance Tips for Anytime of Year

Last month we talked about fall maintenance tips and, now that you’ve taken care of the pressing issues, we thought we’d continue the trend and take a step back to discuss the basic tips for commercial property maintenance that you can, and should, complete throughout the year. With in-depth experience backed by more than 20 years in the commercial retail service management industry, we have seen the extreme benefits that proper facility maintenance can bring to a business. First impressions start the moment a customer gets out of their car and continue as they open your doors and step into your space. You want to make sure they open that door, and that they not only stay inside, but make it to your checkout counter. One of the most important steps to creating a lasting impression that will turn into word-of-mouth recommendations is facility maintenance that keeps your location looking clean, organized and inviting.

1. Start with the Exterior of Your Building. If you can’t get the customers into your store, your business will fail faster than a moped with jet fuel. Repair or replace anything damaged, whether it’s your display window, signage, door handle or roof. Be ready to touch up the paint and landscaping as well.

2. Move It Inside. Unless you are a master negotiator and added clauses about maintenance and upkeep into your lease, the responsibility falls on you as the location’s tenant and store owner. Take cues from your outdoor evaluations, look for things that are damaged, broken or that need touchups, then fix them. This includes the paint, flooring, furnishings and light fixtures, you want your space to look safe, clean and intriguing in order to pull customers in past the doors and through your aisles.

3. Don’t Stop There – Remember the Details. Just because your store now looks stylish and your customers are tumbling over each other to get through the door, doesn’t mean that they will make a purchase on the way out. Keep them there by focusing on the details – the fitting rooms, restrooms, elevators and any noticeable breakrooms. Make sure they’re clean, with a touch of elegance. Customers will notice that you paid attention to the intricate details that ensure their comfort and will make sure others know about it too, as they show off their new merchandise and rave about the store they bought it from.

4. Don’t Neglect Your Utilities. Heating and air conditioning units, water heaters and any other utilities that you depend on need to be checked and maintained regularly to keep those comfort levels up, not just for your customers, but your all-important employees too. Your property should be warm in the winter, cool in the summer and your bathrooms should work properly as well as look nice.

By properly maintaining your commercial property, you can effectively preserve its value while increasing revenues and mitigating costs. However, if any of this sounds too daunting, or your space is in dire need of a larger overhaul to bring it back to inviting, give us a call. Our team of professional dispatchers, operations personnel and technicians will work tirelessly to give your retail space a competitive edge, based on your unique needs and within your preferred timeframes and budget. Whether you need scheduled preventive checkups or emergency services due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be there for you.

5 Essential Commercial Property Maintenance Tips for Fall

It’s official, fall is coming, and it’s coming quickly. School gear is being purchased in bulk, last minute vacations are being taken to squeeze out the final remnants of summer and hot weather, and fall apparel and gear have hit the stores in preparation for the cooler air and shorter days. Take the hint and start your own preparations to make sure your commercial property is ready for the changing seasons.

Check Your Gutters – The season is known as “Fall” for a reason, leaves are going to change color and fall from the trees in bulk, and that means a lot more than increased sweeping and vacuuming inside as they are tracked in on shoes. The biggest threat that comes from all of those falling leaves and debris is to your gutter system. Make sure it’s clear so that water will flow freely away from your building when it rains and pours. This simple step will go a long way towards preventing roof leaks and flooding.

Check Your Heaters – Avoid surprises by checking to make sure your heater works before the first cold snap. This means checking on the pilot light, oil levels (if applicable) and furnace filters, as well as having an HVAC expert come in for a seasonal checkup. Not only will your employees and customers thank you, but these steps can help ensure your heating unit will work better and last longer.

Check Your Water Pipes – Exposed water pipes should regularly be checked for leaks, but fall is also a good time to examine the insulation and make sure it’s prepared for colder weather. Prevent frozen and burst pipes in the winter by conducting a quick check in the fall and fixing any inadequacies.

Prevent Electrical and Fire Problems – Have an electrician come in and perform a maintenance check on your electrical system to ensure it’s prepared for the increased usage that fall demands. Shorter and colder days mean more lighting and the possible addition of space heaters, and you don’t want to blow a fuse when clients are around! While you’re at it – check your smoke detectors and their batteries (ideally once a month, but in the spring and fall at the least), and any emergency generators (which should be started once a week so they don’t remain idle too long, transfer load tested every month and full load tested once a year).

Create a Snow/Ice Removal Plan – Just as the summer zooms by at uncontrollable speeds, winter will be here before you know it. Be proactive and ensure you have a service provider ready to clear the snow and ice from your parking lot and property now, that way customer access is never impeded and you’re not put on a waiting list behind the ill-prepared businesses.

Should your roof start to leak or something else come up that requires building maintenance or repairs, don’t hesitate to call in a professional as quickly as possible. Leaving even minor problems unchecked for too long may result in you having to shut down your business temporarily or inconvenience your customers in order to fix the problem. At NMBOC, we’re not just retail construction contractors, we have more than 20 years of experience conducting professional facility maintenance for retail businesses, and are just a call away when you need a helping hand.