Small business owners find it easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget important maintenance tasks that keep your business running smoothly. However, it is essential to remember that a well-maintained business premise can save you time and money in the long run.
First impressions count. This is especially true when it comes to business premises. A well-maintained building conveys professionalism and competence, whereas an untidy or run-down property sends a negative message about the company inside.
The condition of a business premise can also have a practical impact, affecting everything from employee productivity to customer satisfaction. Poorly maintained buildings are more likely to suffer from problems such as leaks, drafts, and pests, which can all negatively affect staff morale and performance. In contrast, a clean and tidy workplace creates a positive environment that helps to motivate employees and encourages them to take pride in their work. Likewise, customers are more likely to spend time – and money – in businesses that are well looked after.
In today’s competitive marketplace, having a well-maintained business premise is vital for any company that wants to succeed. However, with all the other demands on a small business owner’s time, it can be easy to let the odd maintenance job slip through the cracks.
The majority of small business owners are working long hours and this is not uncommon. Some 33% reported working more than 50 hours per week, while 25% said they work 60+ in a single week! This can make it difficult to find the time to conduct regular maintenance tasks.
The following are three of the most common triggers for maintenance regret among small business owners, along with some tips on avoiding them.
Always Resorting to DIY Repairs
Many small business owners think they can save money by conducting their own repairs. However, this often backfires and costs more in the long run. Most people lack the skills and experience necessary to carry out repairs properly. In addition, many DIY jobs are not completed to the same standard as those carried out by professional tradespeople.
If you do not have the expertise to perform a repair properly, it is best to leave it to someone who does. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also ensure that the job is done correctly, minimizing the risk of further problems down the line.
If an employee reported that one of your toilets in the office was not flushing correctly. You try to fix it, but you only worsen the problem. As a result, you have to call out a professional plumber to fix the toilet, which costs you more than if you had just called the pro in the first place.
When looking for a local plumber, it is best to find one that offers emergency plumbing services. This way, you can be sure that someone will be available to fix any problems that arise, even if they occur outside of regular business hours.
Forgetting to Track Expenses and Create a Budget
Another mistake that can trigger maintenance regret is failing to track expenses and create a budget. This is especially common among small business owners who are just starting out. Since they tend to be more focused on generating revenue, they often overlook the importance of tracking expenses.
However, failing to track expenses can quickly lead to problems. You may be spending more on energy bills than you can afford. Or, you may discover that your monthly rent is eating up a large chunk of your revenue.
To avoid such problems, track all expenses and create a budget. This will help you identify areas where you are spending too much money. Once you have identified these areas, you can take steps to cut back on your expenditure.
For example, if you are spending too much on energy bills, you may want to invest in energy-efficient appliances. You may want to consider moving to a cheaper location if your rent is eating up a large portion of your revenue. By tracking expenses and creating a budget, you can avoid overspending and help keep your business on track.
Not Having a Scheduled Maintenance Routine
Failing to maintain your business premises regularly can have several consequences. First, it can lead to health and safety hazards for employees and customers. Dust, mold, and debris can accumulate, posing a respiratory danger. Electrical and fire safety systems may deteriorate if not regularly checked.
A lack of maintenance can make your premises more vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. Broken windows, loose locks, and overgrown foliage provide easy opportunities for criminals. If this happens, it not only puts your employees and customers at risk, but can also lead to costly repairs.
Finally, neglecting to maintain your property can negatively impact its value. If you ever need to sell or lease your premises, potential buyers or tenants will be put off by the state of disrepair. You can avoid costly problems down the line by investing in regular maintenance.
For instance, if you do not clean your gutters regularly, they will become clogged with leaves and other debris. This can cause water to build up and eventually leak into your property, causing damage to the internal structure of your building. To avoid such problems, it is crucial to have a scheduled maintenance routine in place.
Your scheduled maintenance routine should include cleaning gutters, checking for leaks, inspecting electrical systems, and testing fire alarms. By carrying out these tasks on a regular basis, you can avoid more severe and costly problems further down the line.
Maintenance mistakes small businesses make can be costly and time-consuming. It’s vital that business owners have a scheduled maintenance routine, track expenses, and know when to call in professionals. By avoiding these common mistakes, small businesses can save time and money.
