Offices are a significant investment for many businesses. It’s estimated that businesses spend over $120 per square foot on average renting an office, and double that amount if they want to build their own. Maintenance costs aren’t included in that estimate, costing the company around $500 to $1,000.
You can prolong your office’s life and avoid costly repairs by taking care of your office and ensuring its structural integrity. Here are five ways to improve the structural integrity of your office.
Make Your Office Water-resistant
Water is the last thing you want in your office. Water can damage electronics, ruin carpeting and wood floors, and create a slip-and-fall hazard. But what can you do to make your office water-resistant?
The first way to do this is to use weatherstripping. This is a simple and inexpensive way to seal any gaps or cracks where water could enter. You can find weather stripping at most hardware stores. Another way to make your office water-resistant is to use waterproofing sealant on vulnerable areas such as windows, doors, and seams. Waterproofing sealant is available at most home improvement stores.
Installing drainage can also help to make your office more water-resistant. It can be as simple as ensuring your gutters are clean and clear of debris. In addition, installing French drains around the perimeter of your building or placing drainage mats near entryways can help keep water from entering your office.
You can also use renders for your walls to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged by water. A resilient monocouche render can give you a watertight seal that will protect your walls from moisture. Moreover, it’s excellent if your area is prone to rain or flooding. It will ensure that no water will enter your office.
If you want to take extra precautions, you can install a sump pump. This will help remove any water entering your office so that it doesn’t have a chance to cause damage.
Making your office water-resistant doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By taking some simple precautions, you can safeguard your office against the damaging effects of water.
Keep Your Office Clean
A clean office is a happy office. It also helps employees feel less stressed since clutter can stress most people. But did you know that it can also help improve your office’s structural integrity? That’s because dirt, dust, and debris can damage your office over time.
When dirt and dust accumulate on surfaces, they can create tiny scratches. It may not seem like a big deal, but those scratches can become dull and discolored over time. Dust can also get trapped in cracks and crevices, which can cause wear and tear.
In addition to being unsightly, dirt and dust can also be dangerous. They can contribute to respiratory problems and aggravate allergies. They can also be flammable, which is a severe fire hazard.
That’s why it’s so important to keep your office clean. You can do this by vacuuming and dusting regularly. You should also mop hard floors and clean carpets regularly. In addition, you should often declutter to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating. Finally, you can assign your employees cleaning duties every week. This can make a difference in how your office looks.
You can also take measures to reduce the amount of dust in your office. For example, you can start using dust mops and dusting with a damp cloth instead of a dry one. You should also avoid using aerosols or candles, as they can increase the air’s dust.
Be Wary of Pests
Pests are more than just a nuisance. They can cause severe damage to your office. For example, termites can eat through wood, while rodents can gnaw on wires. In addition, it can create a safety hazard and lead to expensive repairs.
In addition to causing damage, pests can also spread diseases. They can contaminate food and surfaces with their feces, making employees sick. Pests can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
To prevent pests from damaging your office, keep it clean and clutter-free. You should also seal any cracks or holes where they could enter. In addition, you should regularly inspect your office for signs of pests such as droppings or chew marks. If you find pests in your office, you should call a professional to remove them.
Do Preventive Maintenance
Lastly, you should do preventive maintenance to help improve your office’s structural integrity. This includes regularly inspecting your office for signs of wear and tear. You should also repair any damages as soon as possible.
In addition, you should regularly maintain your office equipment. For example, you should oil hinges and tighten screws. You should also clean your air conditioner filters and have your HVAC system serviced annually.
Doing preventive maintenance can help extend the life of your office. It can also prevent minor problems from turning into big ones.
By following these tips, you can improve the structural integrity of your office. It’s the best way to ensure that your office will last for years. It can also help you save money in the coming years while also increasing the value of your office for years to come.
