According to San Antonio Express-News, the vacancy rate at office buildings in the city was 18.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023. This was over 5% higher than in Q4 2019, which shows that vacancy rates are only going to climb.
Those who own commercial properties must take good care of them to ensure that they're in top condition. Otherwise, they'll only run into more vacancies, which will surely doom their income.
If you need help with commercial property maintenance, then keep reading. Here are some best practices and tips you should follow.
Conduct Regular Inspections
San Antonio's hot summers and periodic heavy rain can put huge stress on HVAC systems. In addition, these things can cause building exteriors to go through wear and tear faster.
This makes it important for you to schedule seasonal checks for the following as part of your commercial building care:
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Air conditioning
You should also check the walkways, parking lots, and stairways for damage. If you find any (or hazards), address these issues immediately to prevent accidents.
Keep Up With Landscaping and Curb Appeal
One of the best property management tips we can give is to keep up with landscaping and curb appeal. The building exterior and its surroundings are the first thing people see, and their impression can be what drives them to rent from you.
To make things easier on yourself, use drought-resistant native plants to maintain attractive yet low-maintenance landscaping. Perform regular irrigation system maintenance too, as this will prevent overwatering.
Do Pest Control
Unfortunately, all properties are susceptible to pests, including yours. One of the top facility upkeep strategies is to get ahead of them; you don't want to wait until you have an infestation to take action.
Schedule periodic pest control treatments that'll tackle insect and rodent problems. This is especially helpful during rainy or humid seasons. Remember to make additional appointments to keep an eye on the situation, even if you think there aren't pests currently on the property.
Make Energy Efficiency Improvements
If your property's been around for a while, then it may not have the most energy-efficient solutions. It's a win-win situation to make occasional improvements; not only will you save money in the long run, but your tenants will appreciate the modern amenities and eco-friendliness of your property.
One easy way to make improvements is to upgrade lighting to LEDs. For more long-term benefits, consider investing in energy-efficient windows or insulation.
Don't Neglect Commercial Property Maintenance
Commercial property maintenance is absolutely necessary if you want to protect your investment while attracting more renters. It will cost you money, but when you zoom out to the big picture, you'll actually save money.
So don't let your property fall into disrepair. If you find it difficult to keep up with everything, then use our property management services. Our full-service property solutions will allow you to breathe easy.
Contact us today if you want to hear more about what we can do for you. PMI First SA Properties has almost two decades of experience helping commercial property owners succeed.
