Property managers have many things to consider when it comes to maintaining the integrity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of their buildings. So, it’s easy to let building fabric maintenance slip off the list of priorities…
That’s because it generally focuses on the smaller issues in a building rather than the larger problems, so it may not seem like something worth worrying about. However, fabric maintenance plays a huge role in managing a portfolio of properties because it can attract investors and help keep your tenants happy.
In this article, we outline the meaning of fabric maintenance, why it matters and how Elogs Facilities Services can help. Our topics include:
- What is building fabric maintenance?
- Why does building fabric maintenance matter?
- What are the most common fabric maintenance issues?
- What is preventative fabric maintenance?
- How can property managers ensure the fabric maintenance of their buildings?
- How can Elogs Facilities Services simplify fabric maintenance?
What is building fabric maintenance?
Essentially, fabric maintenance refers to the ‘fabric’ of a building which could include anything related to its functionality and appearance. Building fabric maintenance generally covers the areas of your building that aren’t viewed as specialist, electrical, or mechanical. This could include decoration, carpentry, glazing, doors, windows, floors, and doors of a building, all of which fall under the fabric maintenance umbrella.
Why does building fabric maintenance matter?
Fabric maintenance should be taken seriously by every property manager as it can have a huge impact on the success of your business. Ensuring that your building looks aesthetic, and functions as it should, plays a major role in keeping your tenants and your investors satisfied. There are numerous ways that fabric maintenance can benefit your property management business, including:
Attract investors.
At the end of the day, looks matter—at least in property management. If your buildings look modern, fresh, and intact, you are much more likely to drive business and boost revenue.
Investors want to work with property management businesses who keep their buildings well-maintained, compliant, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. So, ensuring the fabric maintenance of your buildings is a vital part of attracting investment.
Attract and retain tenants.
As a responsible property manager, you play a key role in keeping your tenants safe and satisfied. By ensuring that your buildings are functioning effectively and keeping your buildings in good, working condition, you will be better able to retain your tenants.
Keeping up the fabric maintenance of your buildings can also help to attract new tenants as they will see that you can be trusted to continually ensure the safety and appearance of your properties. It also gives them peace of mind that if there is a problem with one of your properties, you can be relied upon to fix it as soon as possible.
Preserve and add value to your assets.
By investing in regular fabric maintenance, you reduce the need for future repairs which cuts costs and extends the lifecycle of your buildings and assets. The routine maintenance of your properties preserves the market value and you may even increase the value if you invest in works such as decorating, landscaping or other fabric maintenance works.
Preventing serious damages to your property
The reason fabric maintenance can often be overlooked is because it’s classed as ‘minor’ works, which can lead people to think it’s not important.
However, focusing your attention on these minor works is essential if you want to prevent major works further down the line.
By frequently keeping up the fabric maintenance of your buildings, you prevent serious damages in the future. For example, if you ignore a small water leak in the roof of one of your properties, this could lead to significant water damage requiring costly and time-consuming works moving forward.
Ensuring the health and safety of your properties
Fabric maintenance is not just about the aesthetic of your buildings; it’s also important for ensuring they are compliant and safe. Neglecting the maintenance of your properties can damage your business’ reputation because it shows that you don’t take the health and safety of your building seriously.
Without regular maintenance being carried out, you risk not meeting the current health and safety standards. For example, fixing floors and replacing carpets can help reduce trip and fall hazards.
What are the most common fabric maintenance issues?
There are a wide range of building fabric maintenance issues that crop up for facilities and property managers. That’s why it’s important to keep track of any problems that may arise so you can deal with them efficiently and effectively. Some of the most common building fabric maintenance issues include:
- Broken doors: this can make the building unsafe, particularly if it’s an external door.
- Water leaks: if not dealt with fast, this can lead to serious water damage and mold growth.
- Roof damage: this could lead to mold growth, pest infestation, and even electrical faults.
- Cracks in walls & ceilings: this threatens the structural integrity of the building.
- Floor damage: This could be a health & safety issue for tenants as it creates trip hazards.
Dealing with these issues as they arise is important, but it would also be a good idea to consider preventative fabric maintenance. If you’re looking to simplify your fabric maintenance, discover how Elogs Facilities Services can help; to find out exactly how it works and what we cover…
What is preventative fabric maintenance?
Fabric maintenance can be incorporated into Preventative Planned Maintenance (PPM). This means carrying out regular maintenance works on your properties to prevent a build-up of repairs. Instead of reactive fabric maintenance where you deal with problems as they arise, preventative maintenance allows you to fix things before they break. This means that fabric maintenance problems are less likely to occur if you schedule maintenance activities in advance.
The reason that preventative maintenance is more effective than reactive maintenance, is because it allows you to prevent future problems with your assets or equipment. This means you can avoid unexpected, expensive emergency repairs and prolong the lifecycle of your asset.
How can property managers ensure the fabric maintenance of their buildings?
There are many ways that property managers can ensure the fabric maintenance of their buildings. Everyone is different, so the process will vary for each individual. However, you should consider:
- A streamlined method for choosing trustworthy suppliers.
- An effective system to organise routine building checks.
- A process for scheduling regular fabric maintenance works
Some use spreadsheets to schedule routine checks and fabric maintenance works on their properties. But, others use more advanced software, like a CAFM system.
Spreadsheets are a common tool among property and facilities managers. However, they can be time-consuming to use because they require you to input data manually.
Spreadsheets also don’t offer solutions with regards to choosing reliable suppliers who can meet your fabric maintenance needs. That’s why Computer Aided Facilities Management software (CAFM) can be a great option for facilities managers. It simplifies fabric maintenance and makes it easier to keep track of your maintenance tasks.
Also, Elogs CAFM is integrated with Prosure360 which allows you to take control of your supply chain. This allows you to select verified suppliers to carry out your fabric maintenance work. Ultimately, you need to find a process that works for you and addresses your specific fabric maintenance needs.
How can Elogs Facilities Services simplify fabric maintenance?
Elogs Facilities Services can simplify fabric maintenance, allowing you to spend time on the things that matter in your business. When it comes to building fabric maintenance, it can be difficult for facilities managers to keep track of the smaller jobs a building may require.
We take responsibility for the operational management of your fabric maintenance requirements; this means you’ll:
- Save time.
- Maximise efficiency.
- Reduce the risk of accidents, poor workmanship, and reputational damage.
- Enhance relationships with effective Facilities Services.
After a job is raised, the Facilities Manager can easily authorise the works by approving the request and assigning Elogs Facilities Services as the service provider. Our supply chain is made up of approved contractors who serve all areas across the UK. We approve all our contractors using our Prosure360 system (SSIP).
