4 Tips for Preventing Commercial Property Damage

In commercial real estate, one small mistake or oversight can lead to huge problems and high costs. When properties are rented out for business purposes, small details like maintenance, upkeep, and accessibility become extremely important. Even a tiny crack in a wall or a loose floorboard could spell disaster if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, there are some simple things property managers can do to prevent unnecessary damage and reduce repair costs in the future. Whether you manage a single building or multiple commercial properties, it’s never too early to think about risk management and preventive measures. Here are five helpful tips for preventing commercial property damage:

Educate your tenants

The people using the building are the most crucial factor in preventing damage. Consider hosting an event for new tenants where you can talk about the importance of commercial building safety and show them where things are located for maintenance and repair. Be sure to include information on how to report issues and whom to call in an emergency. This will help ensure that everyone who uses your commercial property is aware of the risks and how to avoid them.

Add external lighting

External lighting is your first line of defense against vandalism and break-ins as soon as the sun goes down. Make sure that all walkways, entrances, and parking lots are well-lit. Not only will this keep your tenants, customers, and employees safe, but it’ll also help deter any would-be thieves that may be targeting your property. Make sure you choose lights appropriate for the specific areas where they’ll be installed. For example, you don’t want a floodlight installed in a pathway where a lamp would be more appropriate.

Invest in a good security system

A fully-functioning security system keeps thieves out and allows you to monitor who enters and leaves the property. This helps keep tenants in compliance with your rules and prevents them from making dangerous mistakes. If they are, you can take action to correct their behavior before they cause damage to your property. You can look into the top security companies to help you find the right system for your building and tenants.

Secure windows and doors

The next line of defense against damage is ensuring every window and door is properly secured. All windows should be equipped with good locks or boarded up so that no one can enter through them. Doors are a common source of entry for burglars and vandals, so ensure that every entrance to your property is as secure as possible. Having a good lock on every door is a great start, but you should also ensure that all doors seal tightly when shut. Doors that don’t seal correctly can be a source of constant problems, so it’s best to deal with the issue as soon as it arises. 

Conclusion

Commercial property is expensive, and repairs are even more costly. The best way to avoid these problems is to prevent them in the first place. These five tips will help you do just that and keep your properties in good shape. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, something unexpected will happen. Simply follow the 5 tips outlined above to minimize the damage and get back to business as soon as possible.