Four Tips On How To Implement A Successful Building Maintenance Program…

Written by Anthony Bertini, VP Operations, BRAVO! Group Services (abertini@bravobuildingservices.com)

An important aspect of managing a business is providing comprehensive building maintenance, which if overlooked, can result in unforeseen expenses throughout the year.

Providing proper care to your building will decrease the likelihood of having unexpected costs arise, which force you to tap into funds that usually are not available.  Facilities need both routine cleaning and a maintenance program to flourish.  Here are four tips for implementing a successful building maintenance program:

Budgeting and Planning: The most important thing to do when designing a building maintenance program is to identify a realistic budget.  Even with limited funds, deep-cleaning services should be prioritized, as they can prolong the life of your facility.  Consider other essential services such as carpet cleaning, floor finishing, and parking lot cleaning, too.  These non-janitorial services should comprise 20 to 25 percent of your overall janitorial budget.  One general rule of thumb is to take the yearly budget set for building maintenance and assign a certain amount to specific services and treatments.

Carpet Cleaning: Conducting a deep carpet cleaning should be on every manager’s maintenance program checklist.  By initiating deep cleanings, you will be preserving the carpet and helping to make daily cleaning and upkeep easier.  This type of care will also alert managers of other potential threats, such as soiled carpets from leaks that can go undetected.  Failing to notice or ignoring this problem can result in the accumulation of contaminants, allergens, and bacteria.  Keeping these risks in mind, you should conduct carpet cleanings twice a year.

Floor Finishing: To keep your building looking sleek and professional, a regular strip and wax is a must.  Whether you have a VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile), laminated, or linoleum floor, it is important to aim for higher protection and pristine shine through floor finishing.  Depending on foot traffic, floor finishing should be done every 6 to 12 months.  Keep an eye out for yellowing and dullness, as these are signs that it is time for a treatment.

Steam-Cleaning Bathrooms: Restrooms are a high-traffic area that can be a germ-filled environment without proper care.  Steam cleaning works great on glazed tile products to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew.  Consider having this service performed at least quarterly; perhaps even more during flu season.

For more information, call us at 866-OH-BRAVO or visit www.bravobuildingservices.com.