Facilities management is essential to ensuring that buildings and properties remain in optimal condition throughout the year.
By following a well-organised, proactive timeline, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain a safe and productive environment for occupants.
This article provides a month-by-month overview of facilities management, highlighting key tasks and considerations that should be addressed at each stage of the year. We will be writing more in depth articles throughout the year.
January: New Year, New Maintenance Goals
Winter Maintenance: Kick off the year with winter-specific tasks, such as inspecting roofs for damage and securing vacant properties to prevent unauthorised access.
Annual Safety Inspections: Schedule and implement comprehensive safety inspections to set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
February: Tackling Weather-Related Issues
Spring Preparation: Begin preparing for spring by cleaning communal areas and planning landscaping efforts to enhance outdoor spaces as the weather warms.
Roof and Gutter Repairs: Address any lingering damage from winter storms by inspecting and repairing roofs and gutters to prevent leaks and structural issues during spring.
March: Spring Cleaning and Maintenance Refresh
Deep Cleaning: Conduct a thorough deep cleaning of common areas, paying special attention to windows, carpets, and high-traffic areas to refresh the property for spring.
CCTV Maintenance: Review and maintain CCTV systems, ensuring that cameras are fully operational and continue to provide effective security coverage.
April: Safety and Compliance Checks
Fire Safety Inspections: Perform regular inspections of fire safety equipment and update protocols to remain compliant with the latest regulations.
Safety Protocol Review: Reassess and update safety procedures across all facilities to align with changing conditions and requirements.
May: Grounds & Landscaping Maintenance
Grounds Maintenance: Focus on mowing, weed control, and ensuring that pathways, car parks, and outdoor seating areas are clean and safe for visitors and employees.
Landscaping Upkeep: Enhance the property’s aesthetics by trimming hedges, planting seasonal flowers, and ensuring irrigation systems are working efficiently.
June: Preparing for Peak Facility Usage
Increased Occupancy Management: As summer begins, anticipate and manage higher facility usage by scheduling preventive maintenance to minimise disruptions.
Preventive Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance tasks, such as access control servicing and lighting system checks, to prevent potential issues before they arise during peak usage.
July: Summer Maintenance Tasks
Exterior Maintenance: Focus on exterior repairs, including window cleaning, façade inspection, and addressing any wear and tear that might affect the building’s structural integrity.
Reduce Waste Management: Review your waste reduction strategy by optimising recycling programs and reducing unnecessary waste. Encourage waste audits to track usage and improve efficiency across the facility.
August: Mid-Year Performance Review
Evaluating Maintenance Plans: Review the effectiveness of your current maintenance plans and make adjustments to ensure the year’s goals are being met.
Budget Adjustments: Reassess budgets and allocate resources for the remaining months of the year, adjusting based on progress and future projections.
September: Prepping for Autumn
Tree and Shrub Maintenance: Prepare the grounds for Autumn by pruning trees and shrubs, ensuring the outdoor space remains safe and visually appealing.
Winter Planning: Start winter preparations by assessing outdoor areas and taking steps to prevent potential weather-related damage.
October: Security & Energy-Saving Upgrades
Vacant Property Security: As daylight hours shorten, focus on securing vacant properties, and making sure entrances, exits, and valuable assets are protected.
Energy-Saving Upgrades: Invest in energy-efficient systems, such as updated lighting or insulation, to improve energy usage before the colder months arrive.
November: Winter Preparedness
Heating System Checks: Inspect and service heating systems to ensure they are ready for the cold weather, maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
CCTV Security Checks: Verify that CCTV systems are functional and provide comprehensive coverage of all critical areas before winter’s harsher conditions.
December: Year-End Wrap-Up
Facility Performance Review: Conduct a detailed review of the facility’s performance over the year to identify areas for improvement and plan for next year’s maintenance goals.
Next Year’s Planning: Start preparing maintenance strategies for the upcoming year, incorporating insights from the current year to optimise future performance.
Get in Touch to Create Your Facilities Management Timeline
Effective facilities management throughout the year ensures that properties remain in excellent condition, reducing the risk of unexpected issues and maintaining a safe, efficient environment.
By following this comprehensive month-by-month timeline, businesses can stay ahead of potential challenges, maximise cost savings, and foster a productive atmosphere for everyone.
Are you ready to optimise your facilities management process? Contact us today to create a customised annual plan that suits your business’s unique needs.