The best way to keep your office building in great shape from top to bottom is to address any maintenance issues quickly to prevent bigger problems from occurring.

Many of the biggest building maintenance issues and risks can be identified by asking your cleaning staff a few key questions. By implementing a proactive maintenance strategy, you will address two very important things: reducing overall maintenance costs and improving safety.

When it comes to catching building maintenance issues, here are the top 4 questions to ask your cleaning staff.

Any Signs of Pests?

Rodents and insects tend to leave a trail of evidence where they enter the facility and where they have made their home. Have your cleaning crew report any sightings of rodent droppings or insects immediately. Remember, where there’s one pest, there is usually more.

Call an exterminator at the first sign of pests. After the area has been treated, sanitize all surfaces to remove any bacteria rodents may have left behind.

Seal all windows, doors, and cracks to prevent reoccurrence. Remember to inspect the outside of your building for possible entrance points and landscaping that could be hiding access to your building. Remove any shrubbery, garbage or water sources that act as a welcome sign to unwanted guests.

Check for Water Damage

For the health of your building, it is critical to catch, treat, and stop water damage early to prevent flooding and toxic mold growth. Survey vulnerable areas on a regular basis for signs of water damage.

Being vigilant will save your company the hassle of unexpected repairs and damage, and will save your company money in the long term.

Review the following check list with your office cleaning crew and ask them to report any issues immediately:

Pooling water on the roof.
Clogged gutters or drains.
Water stains on walls or ceilings.
Leaks in plumbing and appliances, including faucets, sinks and, toilets.
Malfunctioning sump pumps, sewage pumps, water lines or pipes.

Make Note of Any Electrical Issues

Reducing the risk of fires and electrical hazards can be as simple as routine building inspections. Ask your cleaning service to clean and inspect your outlets, panels, and circuits once a month and alert you to any signs of damage or malfunctioning equipment.

Janitorial and maintenance staff should have testing for light switches and appliances outlets on the to do list at least once a season. Frayed wires or damaged cords should be addressed and replaced immediately.

If you are unsure of an electrical system issue, call an electrician for a professional inspection and repair. They will perform a thorough evaluation of the property and make sure that electrical systems and components are functioning properly.

Are The Ventilation Systems Working Properly?

Blocked vents can create a fire hazard and create a buildup of toxic carbon monoxide in your building. Dusty or outdated vents can result in lower air quality thus increasing your energy costs.

Ask your cleaning service to notify you if the notice any blockages and buildup in vents. Have maintenance staff regularly check outdoor vents to make sure nothing has created a blockage. Have air filters changed on a regular basis

Performing routine maintenance checks as part of your janitorial and building maintenance plan will reduce your costs by lowering the number of expensive emergency interventions and by extending the useful service life of your assets.

Sources:

(1) Building Maintenance Checklists (com)

(2) Building Maintenance Checklist (mrhandyman.com)