Whether you own an office building, rent space in an office building, or just work in an office building, then you know that they are just as prone to issues as houses, and that caring for a commercial property can be just as intensive and costly as maintaining a house. The older your office building is, the more likely it is to suffer from issues which can make work dangerous and unpleasant. Spotting issues is a key first step to getting them solved. Here are three common issues with old office buildings that you should keep your eyes out for.
Water Damage
The first common issue that old office buildings are prone to having is water damage. Water damage occurs when water is allowed to sit in areas of your home and cause molding, rot, and structural damage. This most often occurs not due to flooding from rain storms but rather because of leaking pipes that have worn out over time dripping and causing damage. The most obvious signs of water damage to be aware of in your office building are any pooling water or dripping water, leaking pipes, discolored ceiling or wall, and mold. The longer you let water damage it, the worse it usually gets.
Pest Infestations
Another common issue that plagues old office buildings is frequent pest infestations. Pest infestations can be anything from mice and rats to bugs, mosquitoes, ants, or any other pest that could get into your building. As soon as you see a pest in your office building you should call an exterminator to inspect the issue. Some pest control chemicals can cause allergies, so ask what kind your exterminators are using. You can always request the use of different chemicals if you know there is an allergy in your office to one of the chemicals being used.
Poor Insulation
The final common issue that you see in old office buildings is poor insulation. When your old office building is poorly insulated it means that there is poor temperature regulation, as air from inside is allowed in and out through the walls and windows. This can lead to much higher energy costs to heat and cool your office space, which adds up over time. Be wary of how often you need to run your HVAC system for signs of poor insulation.
Office buildings are not immune to issues. The older your office building gets, the more likely it is to be suffering from one or more serious issues. Make sure that you are aware of these three common issues that could come up in your old office building.
Check out this article on the factors that affect workplace safety!
