Commercial property maintenance can avoid significant costs and retain tenants. However, many property owners in Tulsa ignore some practices or lack the time to meet requirements.
An article by Commercial Edge shows the national vacancy rate for office spaces was 19.5% in September 2024. If you want to increase occupancy in your building, you must ensure it's in the best condition. Here are five tips for commercial property maintenance in Tulsa.
1. Have a Maintenance Schedule
Lacking a schedule can cause you to overlook maintenance tasks. Create a detailed checklist and use real estate software to get reminders for things like:
- Cleanings
- Repairs
- Inspections
Your schedule should cover every aspect of commercial facility management. For instance, it must include monthly checks for security systems and annual roof inspections. It should also cover plumbing, electrical, and landscaping maintenance.
Keeping an organized schedule will reduce the risk of deferred maintenance. It ensures you follow property upkeep strategies to maintain the building's appearance and functionality.
2. Communicate With Your Tenants
Tenants often notice minor issues, so your commercial propertymaintenance should include open communication. Encourage them to contact you or your property manager for maintenance concerns.
Doing so will help you build good relationships and boost their satisfaction. It ensures you schedule repairs and inspections conveniently to avoid disrupting your tenant's business.
3. Keep up With Local Regulations
Every city, including Tulsa, has building codes and safety regulations that commercial property owners must follow. It's vital to keep up with these laws to ensure your spaces are compliant and safe for commercial tenants.
If you don't, you may incur significant costs on:
- Renovating the property to meet the regulations
- Hefty fines and lawsuits
- Advertising costs after losing tenants
Reviewing standards often will help you make the necessary upgrades in time. It allows you to keep up with changes that could affect your building's operation and maintenance.
4. Budget for Unexpected Repairs
Even if you follow building maintenance tips, your property may still need repairs. Set aside some money to address sudden issues such as:
- Water leaks
- Storm damage
- Electrical failures
Use your rental income to create a contingency fund to address issues swiftly. You'll avoid frustrating your tenants, borrowing money, or using personal finances when you have such a fund.
5. Make Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Maintaining a Tulsa property with systems consuming a lot of energy can be costly. Invest in energy-efficient systems and make simple upgrades like:
- Installing LED lighting
- Replacing old windows
- Upgrading insulation
Energy-efficient upgrades are part of asset preservation methods because they make your building more durable. Such features will ultimately reduce maintenance costs and lower your energy bills.
Oklahoma has rebates to help you adopt energy-efficient technologies. These will cut the initial cost of the upgrades and boost your returns.
Simplify Commercial Property Maintenance With PMI Green Country
Commercial property maintenance is manageable if you have functional systems. Preserve every section of your building and liaise with tenants to get real-time updates. You should also have an emergency fund to address urgent repairs and avoid secondary damage.
At PMI Green Country, we can help you manage your commercial property and tenants. We'll perform routine maintenance tasks and work with contractors to ensure your building is compliant. Contact us for efficient commercial property management.
