Top 7 Building Maintenance Tasks You Should Never Skip

Building maintenance isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about protecting your investment and making sure tenants and visitors stay safe, healthy, and impressed. 

If you’re managing office buildings, retail spaces, or commercial properties in Vancouver, BC, these seven maintenance tasks should never be skipped.

1. Full-Service Janitorial Cleaning

Routine janitorial services are the foundation of a healthy and professional commercial environment. 

They keep lobbies, workspaces, restrooms, and shared areas clean, sanitized, and inviting. Skipping this essential task can lead to health risks, tenant complaints, and a poor brand image.

Why it matters:

• Promotes health & hygiene – Reduces germs, allergens, and the spread of illness.
• Improves productivity – A clean workspace supports better employee focus.
• Protects your image – First impressions count, especially in high-traffic offices.

Choose a provider offering tailored standard janitorial services for commercial spaces.

A consistent janitorial program is a small investment that prevents big headaches.

2. Carpet Cleaning

Carpet cleaning in commercial buildings is more than cosmetic—it’s about health, air quality, and asset protection; cleaning carpets can actually save you money. High-traffic areas trap dirt, allergens, and odours that can degrade your carpets and the building’s indoor environment. 

Skipping this task reduces carpet lifespan and contributes to poor tenant experiences.

Problems you’ll avoid:

• Poor air quality – Deep-cleaning removes up to 90% of carpet contaminants.
• Premature wear – Extend your carpet’s life by up to 50%.
• Unprofessional appearance – Stains and smells turn tenants and clients off.

Clean carpets can significantly reduce sick days linked to allergies and asthma.

Regular carpet care improves the comfort and credibility of your office spaces.

Floor Maintenance (Stripping, Waxing & Buffing)

Hard flooring such as VCT or linoleum in commercial buildings needs regular upkeep to stay clean, shiny, and safe. Knowing what kind of floor maintenance you need depends on your industry, and it’s important to work with a company that understands your specific requirements. 

Without regular floor waxing, and stripping and waxing restoration cycles, surfaces become dull, scratched, or slippery—posing hazards and hurting your image. 

Property managers should make this part of their routine maintenance strategy.

Don’t skip this because:

• It prevents slips and falls – Poor floor care is a major safety issue.
• It saves money – Replacing floors is far more expensive than maintaining them.
• It boosts your brand – Clean, shiny floors reflect professionalism.

Shiny, well-maintained floors show your tenants and clients that you care.

4. Exterior Window Cleaning

Clean windows do more than let in light—they uplift morale and show tenants and visitors that your property is well-managed. 

Dirt, smudges, and grime reduce the appeal of the building and can even cause permanent damage to glass surfaces over time. A regular exterior window cleaning schedule is essential for any commercial property.

Why it’s essential:

• Lets in natural light – Up to 20% more, reducing energy costs.
• Improves curb appeal – Clean windows send the right message to tenants and clients.
• Prevents damage – Dirt buildup can permanently stain or etch the glass.

Ask about eco-friendly cleaning options for a greener approach, and inquire about how often your windows actually need to be cleaned.

Your windows reflect your building—keep them clean to reflect excellence.

5. Pressure Washing of Entrances & Building Exterior

Over time, outdoor surfaces like sidewalks, entryways, and building exteriors collect grime, mildew, and pollutants. 

These not only make your property look neglected but can also damage materials and create slip hazards. Routine pressure washing preserves surfaces, improves safety, and enhances curb appeal.

Here’s what you gain:

• Preventative maintenance – Can reduce future repair costs by 30%.
• Higher property value – Clean exteriors boost value by 5–10%.
• Safer surfaces – Removes slippery buildup on walkways and stairs.

Freshly washed exteriors send a strong, positive message to everyone who visits.

6. Parking Lot Cleaning

Your parking lot is the first and last thing visitors see—and it’s often overlooked. 

Oil stains, debris, and trash can quickly accumulate, leaving a negative impression and creating safety hazards. Regular parking lot cleaning ensures safety, aesthetics, and property longevity.

Keep it clean to:

• Reduce hazards – Remove oil, debris, and tripping risks.
• Enhance curb appeal – Clean lots show tenants you care.
• Avoid liability – Fewer accidents mean fewer insurance claims.

This is a key part of any commercial janitorial services package. A clean lot shows pride of ownership and attention to every detail.

7. Post-Construction Cleanups

After construction or renovations, dust and debris can linger in every corner, making spaces unusable. Professional construction cleanups ensure these areas are safe, polished, and ready for occupancy. 

This is a must-have service for property managers prepping for new tenants or reopening spaces.

Don’t skip it—here’s why:

• Health & safety – Remove dust, debris, and sharp objects.
• Tenant readiness – A clean space is move-in ready.
• Time savings – Avoid delays by hiring pros who specialize in janitorial cleaning services.

Work with a building maintenance company that handles all phases—from debris removal to fine detailing. 

Make Your Property a No-Hassle Property

These seven building & maintenance tasks aren’t optional—they’re essential. 

Whether it’s daily janitorial service, quarterly floor maintenance, or seasonal pressure washing, skipping them can cost you in repairs, lost tenants, and your reputation.

Metropolitan has been providing complete building maintenance services to the Lower Mainland since 1980, and our customers love our work. Check out our service page for more information, or contact us to get a free estimate.