Don't wait until it's broken! Here's how to harness building service maintenance to your advantage 

It's the third time you've switched the breaker and the lights still aren't turning on. Your next client's appointment is 10 minutes away and you know they're usually 5 minutes early... This scenario is all too real for many business owners, especially the ones that have their hands full day-to-day running their growing practices. 

We understand that stress, and how hard you work to keep everything going.

We see the awards you're winning and the happy clients walking in and out of your doors.

But when was the last time you thought about the doors themselves?

Or the lights for that matter?

While running a business can be a constant juggling act of managing customers and ambitious goals, it's important to realise that there are less exciting or nerve-wracking areas of managing a business that can be just as impactful.

One of the top ones we see is often left untouched: building services maintenance.

If you're not sure exactly what that covers, or what you can do about it, don't worry; we're going to introduce you to the areas you need to strengthen in your physical practice space and what steps you can take to make sure they are as resilient as you are.

What is the catch? 
Maintaining the validity of these warranties. 

Let's talk about being proactive with your contracts, as being reactive can come with a heap of costs and anxiety

Nobody likes extra bills, though setting up those building services maintenance contracts you've most likely been referred to may be just the kind of service that actually saves you cash in the long run, and brings along with it several benefits. Servicing contracts can ensure compliance with statutory obligations, warranty requirements, and less unplanned operational downtime, while also allowing for accurate budgeting by incorporating all repair and maintenance costs. 

Fundamentally, having your core contracts for these in place can eliminate unexpected financial surprises. 

How come, you ask?
Because monthly costs can be allocated accordingly, ensuring financial stability.  

Furthermore, a good contract facilitates strategic planning for staged replacements of equipment, preventing sudden failures and disruptions. 

By proactively maintaining essential building systems, you can gain peace of mind, financial predictability, and the assurance of a well-maintained establishment that operates efficiently. In effect, this means you may have more time to invest your own time in areas of your business that only you can address and see a higher ROI on your time. 

If you're not sure where to start or how to spot a great contract, we're happy to give you some points to look out for.

Generally speaking, a maintenance contract will take care of the following: 

1. A Maintenance Plan: The contract will outline its direction, going over how the maintenance schedule will operate, and when each particular part is likely to take place, to create a comprehensive overview of the specific tasks and schedules for each building service.

2. Schedule Regular Inspections: Leading on from the maintenance itself, a contract can help keep you informed so you can schedule routine inspections to complete maintenance activities and checks throughout your slow and busy periods as needed. 

3. Maintain Records: A sturdy contract will leave a trace and can help you record all maintenance activities and inspections. This documentation will be valuable for compliance purposes and may also be required for insurance or legal purposes down the line, should anything ever go wrong.

To take advantage of the benefits offered by maintenance contracts, consider these steps:

- Choose a reputable maintenance service provider with a track record of reliable service.

- Negotiate contract terms that align with your specific maintenance needs and budget.

- Ensure the contract covers all critical building service systems and components.

- Regularly review and update the contract to accommodate any changes in your business.

But remember, determining responsibility depends on your lease agreement, whether it falls on the landlord, the tenant, or is shared, so understanding the lease terms and maintenance obligations is crucial to avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. 

Final thoughts:

Protecting your business from unexpected expenses should not be overlooked, especially in seemingly boring topics like building service maintenance, as neglecting it can lead to avoidable problems that disrupt your operations and drain your resources. If you need more inspiration, just envision that expensive gorgeous holiday you've been wanting to go on or that new high-tech update for your business you've been fantasising about... now imagine them both gone. For the price you may one day have to pay down the line for ignoring building services, you could be doing either of those two things instead.

We know which of the two we would choose.

Do you still need a bit of advice? Let us help you stay afloat by setting up a maintenance contract with a trusted advisor. We'll take care of the technicalities so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business, pleasing your customers, and achieving your goals. Just get in contact with us and we'll walk you through the process.