Commercial Property Services
The distinction between preventive maintenance (PM) and reactive maintenance (break-fix) is one of the most important concepts in commercial property management. Properties managed on a reactive basis spend 3-5x more on maintenance than those with structured preventive programs.
The core of a PM program: identify all maintainable assets (HVAC systems, parking lot, roofing, plumbing, electrical, exterior envelope), assign maintenance intervals for each (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual), and schedule and track completion.
Industry Best Practices
CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System): property management software platforms like Building Engines, Yardi, or even well-structured spreadsheets help track PM schedules, work orders, and vendor performance. Without a tracking system, PM tasks inevitably slip.
Vendor relationships: a PM program requires reliable contractors for each trade. The investment in vetting and establishing relationships with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and pavement contractors before you need them pays dividends when urgent work arises.
How D&D Commercial Services Can Help
Documentation: keep records of every PM task — date, contractor, work performed, findings, and next scheduled date. This documentation protects you in tenant disputes, insurance claims, and due diligence during property transactions.
Capital expenditure planning: a good PM program generates data that allows you to predict major capital expenditures 3-5 years ahead — HVAC equipment end-of-life, roof replacement cycles, pavement resurfacing — allowing proper financial planning.
PM for parking lots: annual crack sealing, periodic sealcoating, catch basin cleaning, line marking refresh, and bollard inspection are the core tasks. Establish a 5-year pavement management calendar and follow it.
D&D Commercial Services works with property managers to provide scheduled commercial maintenance services throughout the KW Region.