What Does General Building Maintenance Include?

Core Maintenance of Building Services

General building maintenance is often categorised as a form of soft facilities management as it predominantly focuses on upkeep rather than construction. However, some aspects of this maintenance do fall under the category of hard facilities management, such as building fabric maintenance. There are several core services that you would expect to find in this type of maintenance for buildings, such as:

Soft FM – Routine Cleaning and Upkeep

Regularly scheduled cleaning services are fundamental to building maintenance, these are known as soft facilities management services. This includes daily tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and sanitising surfaces, which help maintain a healthy environment for occupants. Periodic deep cleaning schedules are also involved, particularly in communal areas, carpets, and window cleaning, to address areas not covered in the daily routine.

Electrical System Maintenance

Electrical systems are the lifeblood of any building, powering everything from lighting to essential equipment. Routine inspections and safety checks ensure that all components meet the current regulations and are functioning safely. When faults occur, prompt repair and replacement of wiring and components prevent potential hazards and ensure continuous operation for the business.

HVAC Maintenance

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems require regular maintenance to operate efficiently. This includes cleaning air ducts and vents to prevent the circulation of dust and allergens. Regular inspections and repairs of heating and cooling units also ensure they are energy efficient and reliable, providing comfort regardless of the season.

Plumbing and Water Systems

Water system maintenance is another key area of general building maintenance, as it can help prevent leaks and blockages that can cause significant damage. Regular checks and maintenance of pipes, taps, and drains are all part of this service. Water heaters and water conditioning systems will also need periodic inspections to ensure they function efficiently and safely.

Building Fabric Maintenance

Building fabric maintenance involves ensuring that all aspects of the building’s physical structure are in good condition. This includes tasks such as fixing broken windows, door repairs, and maintaining sealants. Regular checks help to identify issues early, preventing costly repairs and extending the building’s lifespan. External repairs and general maintenance works often fall under this category. 

Groundworks

Groundworks include the maintenance of outdoor areas and structures associated with the building. This includes driveway repairs, fencing, and maintaining drainage systems to prevent water damage and landscaping to ensure the external appearance of the building is welcoming and safe.

Structural Maintenance

Structural maintenance focuses on maintaining the structural elements of a building, such as the roof or walls. This form of maintenance is useful because it can catch issues before they develop into more serious, and expensive, ones.

Roof Inspections and Repairs

The roof of a building is its first defence against weather elements. Scheduled roof inspections help identify potential issues like damaged tiles or leaks early on. Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance are also crucial to prevent water build-up, which can lead to severe structural damage.

Exterior Maintenance

Exterior maintenance not only preserves the building’s aesthetic value but also its structural health. This encompasses landscaping services to maintain the property’s appeal and functionality. Repairing external damage promptly and applying fresh paint not only keeps the building looking good but also provides a layer of protection against the elements.

Interior Maintenance

Inside the building, floor and wall maintenance is essential for aesthetics and safety. This includes repairing or replacing damaged flooring, fixing wall damages, and performing paint touch-ups to keep the interior environment fresh, clean, and inviting.

Sectors that Utilise Maintenance of Building Services

Several sectors make use of general building maintenance to keep their facilities in good condition and working order. Some of the most common sectors that use this form of maintenance include:

Commercial

In the commercial sector, building maintenance is vital for offices, shopping centres, and business parks. Well-maintained premises attract and retain tenants and customers, ensuring the safety and comfort of all users and enhancing the business image.

Industrial

For industrial settings like factories, warehouses, and production facilities, maintenance is critical to ensure operations run smoothly and safely. Well-maintained facilities comply with health and safety regulations, preventing workplace accidents and boosting productivity.

Public Sector

In the public sector, schools, hospitals, and government buildings require rigorous maintenance to ensure they meet the high standards necessary for public services. Effective building maintenance ensures these facilities remain safe, functional, and efficient, serving the community without disruption.

Contact our Facilities Operations Helpdesk team for all general building maintenance services on info@ppvs.uk or 01733 244414.