When it comes to office fit-outs, the installation process is only the first step. Your new fit-out will require ongoing maintenance to keep it in top condition, looking fresh, and supporting your business’s brand. After all, making a good first impression when people walk into your premises is essential!

Creating a customised template for scheduled maintenance allows you to stay on top of things so that sudden, unexpected or serious problems can be avoided. A maintenance plan should not be ‘one-size-fits-all’ but tailored to individual needs.

Deciding what to do, and when

The first step is to list the tasks that have to be done and the appropriate timeframe.

Here’s a sample timeframe for a maintenance and minor works program that can be adjusted to suit most businesses.

Monthly:

  • Servicing of HVAC / air conditioners

Quarterly:

  • Testing of smoke detectors and fire alarms
  • Testing and maintenance of fire equipment
  • Plumbing repairs
  • Carpentry repairs

Six-monthly:

  • Checking and maintaining self-closing doors
  • Electrical work – e.g. equipment testing and tagging and servicing
  • Communications systems checks and servicing

Annual:

  • Doors and operable walls inspections and repairs
  • Steam cleaning of carpets
  • Pest control check and upgrade
  • Workstation checks – repairs and upgrades
  • Complete office requirements audit

Other:

  • Internal painting – every five years or as required
  • Carpet replacement – every ten years.

Creating a template

A preventative maintenance schedule template that sets out the tasks can enable you to keep track of requirements and works done.

There are no strict rules about creating a template. However, as an example it could consist of four columns:

  • Task
  • Frequency (e.g. monthly, quarterly etc)
  • Date Completed
  • Notes

It’s important that work done is signed off and that any unusual details about the job are noted down on the form.

A professional high-quality fit-out company will factor in maintenance needs at the design and installation stage, to ensure that your fit-out remains in peak condition. This is something you should take into consideration when seeking out a company to undertake your fit-out.