Government and municipal buildings serve as sites of important public policymaking that can affect entire communities. Whether accurate or not, the appearance and upkeep of government buildings relays a message about the efficacy of what goes on inside. A dirty, run-down courthouse, for example, does not inspire the same degree of faith in the judicial process as a bright, gleaming facility would. That’s why it’s crucial to keep government buildings in good working condition through consistent, regular maintenance.
Cleanliness is the first order of business. Dirt, grime, mold, and mildew are all health hazards that can cause health problems for workers and visitors alike. Additionally, dirt and grime can produce foul smells over time. These odors are not only unpleasant; they can also attract unwanted pests and/or insects into your building. A government facility crawling with pests is not on anyone’s agenda. Fortunately, all of these issues can be avoided with proper cleaning procedures.
In addition to general cleanliness, government buildings should keep up with a wide array of maintenance duties to ensure they’re consistently operating in good condition. Below, we detail certain tasks to perform quarterly, and others to perform more regularly to efficiently care for your facility. Please keep in mind that every building, climate and location is different, so please customize these suggestions to suit your building’s unique needs.
Download: The Commercial Building Maintenance Handbook and Checklist
While it can feel overwhelming to consider all of the small parts that make a building function, taking consistent stock of their working order can help you prevent major issues. To simplify the maintenance process, we’ve developed this handbook and checklist that breaks down a wide array of upkeep duties into manageable, actionable tasks.
Spring Building Maintenance
- Inspect HVAC ducts for dust buildup
- Service AC units
- Clean and prep the landscaping
- Trim trees and shrubs
- Mow and fertilize the grass
- Clean garden beds and landscaping
- Establish a watering schedule for grass/plants
- Pressure wash hardscapes
- Inspect outdoor lighting for damage
Summer Building Maintenance
- Clean debris from the roof, and check for damage
- Clear drains and gutters
- Confirm that the trash and recycling area is in good condition
- Inspect the windows for proper operation
- Inspect structural materials for rot, peeling paint, rust and more
- Inspect the condition of the parking lot, asphalt striping and signs
- Inspect the grounds for water run-off or erosion issues
Fall Building Maintenance
- Rake and remove fallen leaves
- Service the furnace/boiler
- Winterize the irrigation lines
- Mark the streets/driveways with stakes for snow plows
- Inspect all plumbing fixtures for leaks
- Seal any cracks in your parking lots or asphalt
Winter Building Maintenance
- Prepare sensitive landscaping and structures for snowfall
- Inspect the roof for ice dams
- Inspect the building’s interior for maintenance issues, including the kitchen, bathrooms and common area(s)
- Check for proper operation of all GFCI outlets and light switches
- Inspect the ceiling and floors for damage (e.g., water damage)
- Hire snow removal services
Year-Round Building Maintenance
Establish a regular service interval for these maintenance tasks:
- Replace burned-out interior and exterior light bulbs
- Clean window glass, tracks and hardware
- Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace the HVAC air filters
- Inspect the property for signs of rodent or pest damage
- Check the building for visible signs of leaks
- Test the fire alarm
- Replace the water filters
- Have the fire alarm and fire suppression system serviced
- Have the fire extinguishers inspected
- Have all OSHA fall prevention devices and equipment inspected
- Ask your tenants if there is anything they want to have addressed
- Inspect door closers, latches, hinges and locks for proper operation
As demonstrated by this guide, property maintenance can feel very overwhelming. With a commercial property maintenance checklist, however, it will be easier to keep track of your tasks. For further organization, you can split your property maintenance schedule into several checklists: a daily checklist, a monthly checklist, and an annual checklist. Being methodical and proactive allows you to address small issues and prevent them from becoming major expenses. For more detailed information about commercial building maintenance, try downloading our Property Manager’s Action Kit: The Commercial Building Maintenance Handbook and Checklist.