How can I save money on building maintenance?

Now more than ever, we’re finding that our clients with building assets need certainty to accurately plan for building maintenance and repairs, so they don’t get hit with expensive costs for unplanned works that wipe out their budgets.

We always recommend that our clients have Long Term Maintenance Plans in place for their building or portfolio.  A LTMP gives you an understanding of the current condition of your buildings; what planned maintenance needs to be carried out; when it is required and how much it will cost.

Why plan for maintenance?

Long Term Maintenance Plans actually save you money.

By carrying out planned maintenance you reduce the risk of surprise, such as roof leaks and degraded cladding, that can otherwise require expensive reactive maintenance or more expensive repairs due to damage to adjacent areas.  Planned maintenance saves money as it prolongs the life of your building elements, such as roofs, windows and doors.  The better the maintenance, the longer each element will last before it needs to be replaced.

Plus, by getting clear on what maintenance needs to be done, you can make sure that as a landlord, you’re not doing maintenance that is actually your tenant’s responsibility.  If your tenant doesn’t fulfil their responsibilities, they are financially liable at the end of the lease for any work or ensuing damage.  A Long Term Maintenance Plan can outline who’s responsibility each maintenance requirement is.

Can I create a Plan myself?

In short, no.  A professional Long Term Maintenance Plan requires a detailed visual inspection of the interior and exterior areas of the building, taking note of the construction, condition and remaining life expectancy of each element.  In addition, a desktop audit of any information about the building’s design, specification, any known maintenance issues or requirements and a review of the current maintenance contracts with sub-contractors, is incorporated so all known costs and scheduled maintenance is included within the Plan.

Chartered and Registered Building Surveyors use their knowledge of building materials, material economic life cycles and maintenance costs to precisely programme maintenance and replacement, allowing building owners to accurately forecast and budget work. This leads to a higher quality portfolio with prolonged building life, improved user/occupant enjoyment, a higher market value and higher rental value.