Building Maintenance: 5 Reasons Why It Shouldn't Be Ignored

 

We talked about storm damage and the potential for repairs last week. Let's talk about a closely linked topic this week: building maintenance. This topic applies to both commercial and residential structures. You might be shocked to learn that the reasons for neglecting building maintenance are generally the same for both groups.

Let's face it: the major reason maintenance is neglected is that it is unappealing. In fact, most individuals find it tedious. With nearly 15 years of construction experience, we've heard every excuse under the sun for why homes and structures were not maintained. Finally, they can be broken down to these five main factors. Which of these are you guilty of?

Failures in Maintenance

1. We tend to forget. In this case, the home or company owner is aware that regular maintenance is required, but for one reason or another, it is overlooked. Maybe you're too busy, or maybe you just haven't gotten around to employing someone. Perhaps you don't have a system in place, despite your best intentions. Whatever way you look at it, maintenance is ignored until it becomes a problem—regardless of the well-intentioned mindset at the outset.
   
   
2. We overlook it. "Ignorance is bliss," as the saying goes. Many people use ignorance as an excuse for not doing critical maintenance on their residential or business structures. Perhaps they do not know how or do not know who can assist them.
   
   
3. We don't believe it is necessary. This is often a group of people who believe that "if it isn’t broke, don't repair it." While there may be some truth to the situation, it is not always the case. Indeed, it can be traced back to ignorance not being your friend. How would you know what needs to be fixed unless you take the time to go outside and look?
   
   
   
   
   
4. We assumed it was done by someone else. This is a purposeful variant of the ignorance is bliss version. Perhaps you've hired someone to take care of the upkeep while you focus on your strengths. You expected your paid employee or contractor to be doing their job when it was still ignorant.
   
   
5. The budget is tight. Repairs and maintenance can be costly at times. Other times, you'd rather put your hard-earned money to better use. We frequently must balance the demands of numerous competing needs, and maintenance is rarely on the list. While this is understandable, maintenance costs will eventually catch up. Probably at a greater cost owing to disrepair. It's best to set aside some money, however small, for monthly maintenance. This manner, you can avoid the higher expenses in the future.

Allowing repairs and routine maintenance to go can obviously lead to future problems with significantly higher costs. It's a fantastic start to overcome these common mindsets and get back on track. Determine which "reasons" you most identify with and put down a few strategies for dealing with them. Then begin right now.