If you are an entrepreneur who wants to open a commercial business, your aspirations are excellent. However, you’ll need to know a few things about maintaining your building before you get started. That way, you’ll be ahead of the regulations and what’s required of you as a business owner who operates from a physical property. These are a few things you should know.
1. You Must Have Functional Fire Alarm Systems
You might already know you must have fire alarms on your business property. However, you may have needed to be made aware of the regulations that accompany them. Code NFPA25 says you must have a functional fire alarm system on the property and have it inspected regularly. Those inspections must include visual checks and operational checks for functionality. Each jurisdiction may have different interval requirements.
The intervals might be annually, quarterly, or monthly. Additionally, you need someone to inspect your system more thoroughly once every five or 10 years. You may hear that you need to install a new system then.
2. An AC System Is Paramount
No matter what type of establishment you run, you’ll need to have a working AC system in the building. The HVAC system is one of the main items to keep your patrons comfortable. The more relaxed people are inside a building, the more desire they have to return. Thus, investing in your cooling and heating system would be wise because it will help your bottom line.
According to Energy Saver, you can choose from at least two different types of AC systems. Central air conditioners operate from one establishment area and cool the entire building. Room air conditioners are designed to cool a single room. Your chosen type will depend on your budget and how intricate you want your HVAC system to be. You can apply for a business loan if you want to purchase a more sophisticated unit.
3. You Need to Get Roof Maintenance
It’s highly likely that you’ll need to maintain the roof at your business. This is especially true if your building is older. You will need someone to come out and inspect it to ensure the shingles are all in place. They’ll also need to see to it that the roof has no holes or other damage that can allow elements to enter your restaurant.
Leaving roofing problems unresolved can set you up for even worse expenses than you suspect. Thus, you’ll need to contact a roofing specialist to do an inspection as soon as humanly possible.
Rare Manufacturing, Inc says most roofs can last about 50 years. Of course, the length of time a roof lasts weighs heavily upon its materials and the weather you have in your area. Furthermore, you will need to know when the building was built and when the last owner had maintenance or repairs on the roof. Find out this information, and you will be golden.
4. The Parking Lot Matters
Another area of concern should be your parking lot. Many business owners ignore this part of the property because it’s on the outside. However, it’s crucial to have a parking lot in good condition for the customers. You won’t want visitors tearing up their vehicles on unrepaired potholes and sharp rocks. A disgruntled customer can damage your establishment if something happens to their vehicle on your watch.
To avoid issues with customers in the future, you should contact an asphalt or concrete specialist and have them take a look at your parking lot. They can inspect your parking lot and tell you which services you could benefit from.
You may need a patchwork here or there. The company could give you an excellent rate for being a new customer. Alternatively, you may have to have the entire parking lot redone. It would be better to close your establishment for a few days to set things straight than to have several ongoing lawsuits that can cost you many thousands of dollars.
Those are just a few things you need to be aware of if you’re going to run a business. Keep them in mind, and you will be better off for it. You’ll see additional things that need to be done. Take care of these issues sooner rather than later; your entrepreneurship will be amazing.
