Commercial property owners have different responsibilities on their plate than residential investors.
Following strict OSHA standards is one of these responsibilities. OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This is the government agency that oversees commercial properties' compliance.
For example, owners are expected to keep pathways clear to prevent slips and falls. The areas surrounding circuit boxes should be free from clutter, as well. Commercial kitchens must be free from health hazards like pests and broken equipment.
Thus, periodic inspections are critical. This step is vital for overseeing the maintenance and repairs of every commercial building.
Discover more tips in this quick guide!
Always Start With An Inspection
As a commercial property owner, get used to inspections. Not only does OSHA conduct routine inspections, you should get in the habit of conducting them yourself.
It's an excellent way to spot issues before they get worse. Plus, an inspection helps you organize your maintenance protocol by prioritizing the most pressing issues like emergency HVAC repairs or leaking commercial refrigerators.
Inspections are also necessary when preparing a commercial space to rent. If you want to attract quality tenants (with long-term potential), you'll need the right marketing approach. This means the property must be photo-ready for real estate listings.
Commercial Curb Appeal
Similar to residential rentals, your commercial space must have excellent curb appeal.
Elements to cover include:
- Exterior paint jobs
- Sidewalk repair
- Front door and entrance
- Landscaping (lawns and shrubbery)
- Signage repair
- Parking lot maintenance
Improving these areas will result in eye-catching marketing material for interested leads.
Maintenance and Repairs Keep Tenants Happy
One issue that drives good commercial tenants away is the lack of maintenance protocol.
Tenants need a point of contact who can ensure maintenance matters are handled quickly and efficiently. This issue speaks to the value of having a property manager available. Maintenance is a top priority of this role.
Property managers are available immediately for maintenance requests. The more avenues of communication the better.
For example, PMI Experience offers maintenance request portals where tenants can submit requests at any hour of the day. They can also check the status of their request.
Another role of a property manager is forging connections with local service vendors. The property managers at PMI Experience have access to a network of professionals, from plumbers to emergency HVAC technicians. Access to emergency technicians is crucial when you have a commercial kitchen flood or roofing trouble after a storm.
How to Find a Property Manager
The first step to finding a great property manager is taking stock of your needs.
Consider all of the maintenance needs of your property. If you recently purchased a space, you may need a property manager who's experienced in working with remodeling contractors. You may need rewiring, new appliance installation, a fresh coat of paint, or new flooring.
Your next step is to book a consultation to learn more about the role of a property management company.
Improve Your Property Maintenance
Maintenance and repairs should be at the top of your priority list. Think about their impact on compliance, tenant procurement, and more.
PMI Experience understands how vital maintenance is for every investor. Talk to us today to learn more about our company and protocol.
