So, you own or manage commercial buildings….and you are responsible for recommending the capital plan for the next three years. Where do you start? There are more than 10 million commercial buildings in the United States. Here is a checklist to stay on top of capital planning and extending the life of your building for many years to come. These 12 Energy Inspections should be done at least every five years for your building:   

1. SEPTEMBER: Roof: Inspecting and doing spot repairs and recoating if needed can extend the life of the roof. Best done before autumn storms (August/September). Some can last as long as 50 years that way. This would also be a good time to start your roof replacement fund. A $45,000 roof replacement can be paid for with $420 into a fund every month for 9 years.  Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
2. OCTOBER: HVAC-R System: Another system that can last 35-50 years with proper maintenance as well as starting a replacement fund. You’ll need separate inspections for heat and cooling. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building. Have an energy audit of your HVAC and controls done at least once every three years. Building Automation System Controls and setbacks should be evaluated as well.
3. NOVEMBER: Hot water and all plumbing fixtures. One of our clients started seeing their water bill climb. We recommended an inspection and sure enough, they found an old toilet in a part of the building they never used that was leaking. Water bill dropped from $1000+ per month to $60/month. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
4. DECEMBER: Flooring/Concrete/asphalt and Otherwise: Repairs inside and outside the building require regular inspection and repair, especially where there is humidity and freeze/thaw weather during parts of the year. Even a bi-annual inspection will catch hairline cracks and buckling before it becomes a major problem. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
5. JANUARY: Electrical service: the electrical service to a building requires a safety inspection every three to five years. It is inexpensive and a responsible electrical contractor will get to know your building so that upgrades can be planned instead of unexpected. Lighting upgrades can also improve productivity, safety and energy efficiency inside and outside the building. Electrical energy consumption (energy audit) should be done once every three years.
6. FEBRUARY: Security and low voltage wiring: installing security cameras, televisions, sound systems and other low voltage wiring requires an electrical contractor that understands how to install and repair within a commercial space. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
7. MARCH: Doorways, entrances, dock, and Bay doors: all require locks, mechanical upgrades, new motors and hydraulics, weatherization, and replacement. Some contractors also do security, do e work with a locksmith. Again, the more familiar your contractor is with your building, the less expensive ongoing maintenance can be. Energy controlling vestibules and air curtains should be inspected as part of an energy audit. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
8. APRIL: Elevators-Passenger and Freight: All elevators require an inspection of some kind; frequency depends on local ordinances. Or maybe your building needs an elevator to improve tenant income. Elevator modernization, replacement and installation is geared to specialty contractors, some affiliated directly with a manufacturer.
9. MAY: Painting, caulking, coating interior and exterior: Working with a good commercial painting contractor can extend the life of your building and windows and doors from weather, humidity and dirt that penetrate surfaces and cause them to deteriorate pre-maturely. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
10. JUNE: Carpentry: Walls, doors, kitchens, bathrooms all require expert contracting by someone who understands commercial building codes and permits. Whether you are driving walls or erecting them, get designs, pricing and permits in advance before you begin. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
11. JULY: Security: Do you need guard service or just surveillance and monitoring? Maybe you need both. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.
12. AUGUST: Janitorial: A lot of owners who are occupying a building try to clean the building themselves. However, with bacterial and germs creating unsafe work environments, hiring a professional to clean at least once per month will give you peace of mind that your building is safe. Let us know if you want to source two responsible contractors who specialize in your size building.

Welcome to the Club!  

Anita Brattina, CEO, AllFacilities, Inc.