How can you improve building maintenance efficiency?

In building maintenance, enhancing efficiency requires a shift towards a more data-driven approach to management. Many management companies find themselves stuck in reactionary modes, not due to a lack of industry knowledge but because they overlook the potential of utilizing building data. Managers can revolutionize maintenance strategies by collecting and maintaining data on building operations, energy consumption, and water usage. By mandating maintenance agreements for all tenants, property managers can uphold standards of comfort and efficiency throughout the building, fostering tenant satisfaction and contributing to overall maintenance efficiency and longevity.

Improving building maintenance and operational efficiency will not truly be solved unless the managers begin a more data-focused approach to building management. Most management companies live in reactionary mode, not because they aren't using the best maintenance practices in the industry, but because that are not collecting and maintaining their building data which will give them an advantage in optimizing their operations. Collecting and maintaining the building data, energy and water consumption data, and using AI to predict failures, diagnose problems and provide optimization strategies will bring the most value to building operations efficiency.

Be certain that all "Tenants" in the building with individual HVAC units all are required all to have HVAC maintenance agreements.

Most managers/property managers treat maintenance reactionarily. Meaning, that when there is a problem, they fix it. A better way is to establish regular maintenance times and have the property maintained regularly. This can be done through a third party contract established by your PM. Bonus: a well maintained property gets high rents and retains tenants better!

In my experience, even with good agents you need to stay on top of the inspections. I usually like to see a video every 6 months, but with a number of properties in the portfolio it's hard to keep track. Key is to have a strong relationship with your property manager, make sure they're on top of it and have diarised the next inspection. Secondly it doesn't hurt for you to diarise it in your own diary to chase up your property manager when the next inspection is due. Through being on top of it, I've found multiple potential issues and had them sorted before they became a bigger costly problem!

Rolling up your sleeves for regular inspections and audits is the master move for turning properties from liabilities into profit powerhouses. This goes way beyond just ticking off tasks on a checklist. Proactive maintenance can pivot a property from a liability to a high-yield asset. Consider these audits as your tailored roadmap to turbocharge your property management approach. Identify those critical areas where integrating automation and digital enhancements can significantly reduce costs, enhance operational efficiency, and dramatically increase tenant satisfaction. This is about crafting an exceptional experience and optimizing your assets for maximum return.

When Wales sneezes, England catches a cold! :) A lot of the compliance regulations in Wales, which are "green" focused are usually adopted in England a year or so on. It's useful to keep abreast of these regulations and to know what's coming to England and perhaps even future proof if you're doing a refurb!

To enhance building maintenance efficiency, implement a proactive preventive maintenance schedule, leveraging technology for predictive analytics and real-time monitoring. Streamline communication channels for prompt issue reporting and resolution, centralize maintenance records using digital tools, and invest in employee training to optimize workflow. Additionally, consider outsourcing non-core tasks to specialized service providers, freeing up internal resources and ensuring a more cost-effective and streamlined maintenance process.

Regularly share maintenance best practices tips for your residents to implement inside their home. Share this content via email, your resident portal, social media channels and more! Consider the season and what most likely will need attention. Preventative maintenance can be a shared responsibility!