Preventative maintenance is a critical aspect of managing high-rise residential buildings. Not only does it save money for Owners Corporations, but it also ensures that the buildings perform at their best. Regular maintenance of common areas and facilities, as well as essential systems, can prevent breakdowns and costly reactive repairs.

In this post, we look at the advantages of preventative maintenance and how it contributes to the overall well-being of high-rise residential buildings

The Importance Of Preventative Maintenance

When considering the maintenance of safety, security, convenience, and comfort of residents in high-rise residential buildings, preventative maintenance is crucial.

Additionally proactive maintenance schedules, building managers can reduce running costs and minimise the likelihood of breakdowns. This not only helps in reducing body corporate fees but also ensures that residents are not inconvenienced for extended periods due to reactive repairs and replacements.

The Impact Of Neglected Maintenance

Neglected maintenance can lead to small problems becoming significant problems and costly repairs.

For example, a small water leak that going unnoticed can cause the spread of dangerous mould to the surrounding areas. It may also cause damage to the carpet, concrete floor, timber skirting boards, and wallpaper. The result is expensive and lengthy repairs that can inconvenience residents for weeks.

Preventative maintenance measures, such issues can be detected early on, saving time, money, and ensuring the well-being of residents.

The Benefits Of Preventative Maintenance

Implementing preventative maintenance in high-rise residential buildings offers numerous benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Increased lifespan of assets: Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of assets like elevators, HVAC systems and common area facilities.
2. Fewer interruptions to critical operations: By addressing maintenance needs proactively, the risk of unexpected breakdowns and interruptions is significantly reduced.
3. Decreased equipment downtime: Assets in good repair tend to experience less downtime, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.
4. Lower risk of breakdowns: The likelihood of breakdowns is reduced by regular maintenance and so residents can enjoy more reliable services.
5. Increased efficiency: The “well-oiled machine” operates more efficiently … as does the well-maintained building. Energy savings and reduced operating costs result.
6. Improved workplace health and safety: Creating a safe environment for residents and employees requires safety features, such as fire and security systems, being in optimal working condition. Regular maintenance is critical.
7. Boosted customer satisfaction: Common areas and facilities that are well-maintained enhance the living experience for residents and the impression made on those visiting.
8. Effective budgeting: A proactive maintenance schedule anticipates future spends, making for more accurate estimates and therefore more effective budgeting.
9. Cost savings: By addressing maintenance needs proactively, costly reactive repairs and replacements can be avoided, resulting in long-term cost savings.
10. Maintaining warranties: Additional protection and cost savings are made by ensuring that warranties for equipment and systems are maintained – regular maintenance is crucial.
11. Demonstrating regular maintenance to insurance companies: Building managers can use records of regular maintenance activities to demonstrate compliance with insurance requirements, avoiding contributory negligence.

By implementing preventative maintenance practices in high-rise residential buildings, Owners Corporations can optimise building performance, reduce costs, and create a safe and comfortable living environment for residents.

Conclusion

Preventative maintenance is essential for high-rise residential buildings to operate efficiently and maintain the safety and well-being of residents. By prioritising proactive maintenance schedules, utilising advanced software, and adopting a hands-on approach, building managers can prevent breakdowns, reduce costs, and prolong the lifespan of assets.

The numerous benefits of preventative maintenance, including increased efficiency, improved safety, and cost savings, make it a crucial aspect of managing high-rise residential buildings. By investing in preventative maintenance, Owners Corporations can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their buildings while providing a comfortable living experience for residents.

Exact FM’s Proactive Approach

Exact Facilities Management understands the importance of preventative maintenance in high-rise residential buildings. We prioritise regular maintenance to reduce running costs, maintain resident safety, and plan for future building improvements and additions.

Building managers at Exact utilise cutting-edge cloud-based software to create and oversee effective proactive maintenance schedules for various areas, facilities, and systems within the buildings.

This software alerts building managers and relevant contractors when service dates are approaching, ensuring that contractors are secured for the necessary work. Additionally, it allows building managers to prepare for maintenance activities, notify residents, and track contractor movements on-site. This is especially crucial for ensuring compliance with regulations. It also logs all completed maintenance activities and serves as a reminder for insurance compliance and license requirements.

The Importance of Accurate Information

While advanced maintenance software is essential, it is equally important to have a building manager who diligently inputs the right information at the right time. Building managers at Exact have extensive experience in managing maintenance and they understand the significance of uploading schedules, previous maintenance details, repairs, and breakdowns. This information helps in setting future maintenance work budgets and presenting them to strata committees and owner corporations.

Hands-On Approach To Maintenance

In addition to utilising maintenance software, building managers at Exact also undertake weekly and regular inspections of the building’s equipment, systems, and structures. Through these inspections, they identify any concerns and promptly address them to prevent more significant and costly repairs. This hands-on approach ensures that the buildings are well-maintained and that potential issues are addressed proactively.

---

Some Additional Points

• High-rise residential buildings face unique maintenance challenges due to their size, complexity, and the number of residents they accommodate.
• Preventative maintenance should encompass regular inspections, servicing, and repairs of essential systems, such as elevators, HVAC, fire and security systems, as well as common areas and facilities.
• Proactive maintenance planning allows for better budgeting and reduces the need for emergency repairs, which can be costly and disruptive.
• Building managers play a crucial role in overseeing preventative maintenance and ensuring that it is carried out effectively.
• Regular communication with residents about maintenance activities and any potential disruptions is essential to maintaining a positive relationship and minimizing inconvenience.