Combat Commercial Property Damage with Finesse

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Of all the potential disasters that could strike your business, water damage tops the list. Water damage at the workplace will not only hinder you from conducting business. Once you spot signs of commercial water damage, it is critical to take action swiftly. This kind of damage is often sophisticated compared to residential water damage and its restoration demands an intensive approach. The structure and size of commercial buildings, the scope of the damage, and the number of occupants all affect the restoration processes. The following are causes of commercial water damage you should look out for.

• Damaged Windows

In most commercial buildings, windows are the cause of water damage if not sealed properly. Broken windows can cause moisture to seep in, triggering a myriad of problems including warped wood, and moss build-up. Ensure to reseal windows regularly as caulk can break down as time goes by.

• Broken Pipes

Damaged pipes can stem from several reasons such as deteriorated water supply lines, changes in pressure, and cold weather. Water stains on floors or walls, building walls, and musty signs are signs of damaged pipes. Ensure the business premise is investigated to detect leaky pipes which is often a challenging job unless your restoration service has specialized water leak detection equipment.

• Building Foundation

If your gutters are not cleaned regularly, they will clog eventually, causing water to leak into the property through the foundation or roof. One of the most common indicators of leaks in building foundations is puddles. Ensure to also check that drainage systems are working well to avoid water damage to your business premise.

• HVAC Issues

HVAC systems function by cooling or heating air via a series of ducts. Over time, these ducts wear out and get damaged causing leaks. Ensure that the HVAC system is cleaned regularly and the excess water from the condensation reservoirs is removed to circumvent water damage.

Luckily, at SERVPRO, we have a team of experts who can pay a visit to make an assessment of your business premise and advice you on the way forward. Feel free to reach out!

We Can Save Your Retail Business from Disaster

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Time is crucial when disaster strikes your retail business. SERVPRO understands that every hour lost means losing potential customers and revenue. We encourage business owners to utilize our 24/7 emergency call center to make sure that not a moment is wasted in getting your business on track again. 

As stated in previous blogs, waiting on damage repairs only exacerbates the repairs needed and in turn, the cost. Read our blogs, specifically on water damage, to gain a better understating of how natural damage compounds over time.

But do not fear, SERVPRO has the training, certifications and experience to make your damaged commercial property "Like it never even happened." So you will be back in business in no time.

SERVPRO of Torrance services all sorts of retail facilities, including:

• national chain stores
• supermarkets
• shopping malls
• department stores
• specialty retailers

Apart from SERVPRO handling any water, fire, mold, or storm damage, SERVPRO of Torrance can also handle the repairs and cleanup after the mitigation work is complete. Repairs can include minor work such as repainting and repairing drywall to reconstruction. Cleanup can include removing residual odors or deep cleaning floors and carpets. 

SERVPRO of Torrance has the certifications and proper experience to spearhead the construction and renovation efforts post damage clean up. We have reconstructed over 50 homes after natural disaster damages, yielding excellent results that can be seen here in our before and after photos page. 

Please, do not hesitate to call us at 310-320-2112 for a simple inspection of your property, to a full force plan for the renovation of your commercial business. 

Things to Know About Commercial Property Insurance

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Property damage entails impairment or breaking of something a business owns such as business property, vehicles, merchandise, and equipment. There are two types of property damage: loss of use and physical injury. Physical injury involves damage to tangible items such as a cash register or desk. Loss of use includes something that has not suffered physical damage, although its usage is interpreted. For instance, if a truck broke down and hindered customers from accessing your business, this could be considered a loss of use. The following are the various types of property damage.

Commercial property insurance- covers damage to your business property from things like vandalism to storms.

Inland marine insurance- This one covers a business property while it is being stored away from your business i.e., a warehouse. It can also cover high-value assets that property insurance does not cover.

Business interruption insurance- This can help offset a loss of income if your business has to close temporarily due to a catastrophic event such as a storm or a fire. It can also help pay lost revenue, rent, and day-to-day expenses.

Commercial property insurance is a vital coverage for business owners, particularly when running a home-based business. It aids in protecting the owned or rented property used to operate your business. For home-based owners, commercial insurance offers more coverage than homeowners insurance. It also helps protect the business's physical assets like equipment. Moreover, it can help if a fire destroys your computers, lightning strikes the structure, or someone breaks into your building and steals your inventory. At SERVPRO, we work with insurance companies to ensure that your commercial property is restored following the mentioned mishaps. Reach out to us before engaging any entities to help with restoration services.

Commercial Damage Insure Claim Information

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Once a commercial property is damaged, resolving the problem and returning to normalcy are top priorities. Conversely, the insurance claims process is sophisticated and can be overwhelming. Knowing the appropriate steps to take and what to avoid can help your business successfully resolve commercial property damage. At SERVPRO, we care, and it is why we are here to help you win a commercial property damage claim. The following are steps and actions you should avoid after commercial property damage.

• Failing to notify the insurer immediately

When property damage occurs, it is of utmost importance to notify the insurance provider because claims are easier to modify when the damage is still fresh. A delayed response can render some property damage claims obsolete as it provides the opportunity for the insurer to doubt the gravity of the issue and what caused it.

• Lacking the proper documentation

Without having or maintaining the right documentation, your property claim can be put in limbo. Ensure that there is good recordkeeping so that if a loss occurs, you and the insurance provider can refer to the policy conditions. Commercial policyholders should document every communication they have had with their insurance provider regarding claims. Maintaining a list of contacts of every involved party as well as the time and dates can help ensure nothing is missed for a claim to be successful.

• Not protecting the damaged property

This is a common mistake most business owners make. Once the damage has occurred, one of the key requirements stated in the insurance policy is to take reasonable measures to protect it from further damage. This does not infer that you begin making any repairs, instead, consider making arrangements to ensure the property does not sustain further damages. At SERVPRO, we can step in to help you follow through with the process and ensure that your insurance provider does not deny the claim. Ensure to contact us and we will promptly avail ourselves to help with repairs and ensure your claims succeed.

Commercial Property Damage Information

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

Owners of both small and large businesses normally take out insurance policies to cater to their brick-and-mortar premises. Most often than not, business owners forget the details of their policies due to business demands. When damage occurs in the future, it is not uncommon for most owners to worry whether their insurance is sufficient to cover the costs. The following are the common types of commercial property damage claims that you should watch out for.

1. Fire Damage

  The wreckage that fire causes is a particularly frustrating type of property damage for commercial property to handle. If uncontrolled and not extinguished promptly, the whole building and the valuables inside are at high risk. To successfully file a fire damage claim, it is advisable to photograph the damaged building and the valuables inside it. Be sure to keep as much evidence as possible in case your insurance provider needs to evaluate the damages.

1.  Storms

Storms are also a destructive cause of commercial property damage. Intense storms can knock down trees, result in power outages, shutter windows, destroy machinery and cause structural damage to the whole building. Although storm damage claims are manageable, it is vital to detail the full scope of the damages to acquire the coverage your premise deserves.

1. Burglary and Theft

Most commercial properties are susceptible to vandalism and burglary for several reasons. First, these premises or locations are meant for business operations and house valuable equipment and assets. Second, commercial property is often unoccupied after business hours, making these locations easy targets for mischief. It is worth keeping in mind that insurance companies deny burglary and theft claims because it can be challenging to provide evidence that a break-in happened and that some valuables were stolen.

1. Window Damage

Surprisingly, window damage claims are on top of the list of commercial property damage claims. This type of damage can happen because of high winds, storms, and hail which does not necessarily entail a shattered glass. Fenestration systems and structural damage are commonly overlooked because they are not readily apparent. It is advisable to reach out to an experienced attorney to guarantee that you are not leaving out window damage in your claim.

In case your commercial property has suffered damage, you may have a valid commercial property insurance claim. Conversely, navigating your long and intricate insurance policy can feel overwhelming. Your restoration service such as SERVPRO may ask you to involve lawyers to guide you through this difficult task. It is important that you inquire from them to ensure that you have a smooth time solving the damages to your commercial property.

Call SERVPRO to Protect the Longevity of Your Commercial Business

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Almost 50% of all small businesses encounter a commercial property claim, with damages ranging from minute to devastating. Without a suitable kind of insurance protection, your commercial property can be financially frustrating, resulting in the loss of revenue and customers. In worst cases, it may lead to complete business closure. This blog provides tips on how to protect your business from various kinds of damages.

Unfortunately, businesses can be targeted by thieves, despite the industry or size including auto repair shops, restaurants, retail stores and even farms. Although some theft victims can recover promptly and resume their operations as usual, some can be totally frustrating and take a long time to re-open. To avoid becoming a victim of burglary or theft, you should ensure that all valuables are securely locked, and install an effective security system. 

Water damage is a common cause of commercial property damage. Water can easily ruin the interior and exterior of a business and other assets. If it does not destroy electronics or tools, it can result in extensive repair costs for painting, carpeting, floor replacement, electrical work and plumbing. You can reduce potential water damage by putting gutters and downspouts, shielding any pipes from adverse cold or heat. Also communicate with your employees the location of water shut-off valves.

Finally, expanding a successful business requires non-stop work and determination. However, maintaining business assets and property entails proactive steps that can ensure safety of the business. SERVPRO restoration services help businesses get the financial security they need to protect valuables with a full range of top-notch commercial insurance policies. Feel free to reach out to us!

Commercial Property Restoration Solutions

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

40% of businesses that experience a disaster never reopen. It is a damning statistic that every business owner must take heed of if they are to register a sustainable commercial enterprise in an environment of increasing uncertainty. Disaster preparedness, in many ways, can serve to not only protect your revenue channels but also your reputation. It also helps you limit your ability in a complex environment. The present economy has placed a significant price on commercial real estate facilities and assets which makes it vital for business organizations to partner with disaster response partners that are pre-registered and experienced enough to implement complex disaster response and recovery procedures in case of emergencies.

Essential Features of Commercial Property Damage Mitigation and Recovery Measures in Natural Disasters

Our company specializes in setting up the relevant systems and procedures that help organizations complete a total recovery process in the shortest amount of time possible. For example, we help our clients deal with tenants, managing first responders, insurance companies, restoration contractors, and other experts involved in coordinating disaster recovery efforts.

In handling natural disasters using a Disaster Recovery Plan, our clients fundamentally position themselves to complete through by being proactive even when they are hit hardest by emergencies. Disaster-preparedness enables individual organizations to minimize expenses, damages, and reputation loss to their stakeholders.

Most importantly, acute disaster management plans help businesses to partner with an entity that is loyal to you. It is a vital part of business that helps you make the right decisions without having to haggle with value adjusters and insurance companies who are looking to their bottom lines as well. Our company staff has the experience and expertise required to spring into action whenever emergencies come to the forefront. 

Preventing Mold Growth in Commercial Properties

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is always a nuisance negatively impacting the physical presentation and comfortability of commercial buildings. With commercial properties, it is essential that all proactive measures be strategically placed to combat mold growth. Potential mold breeding grounds should be identified and taken care of immediately. Additionally, aspects that promote mold growth such as water and wet surroundings ought to be paid heed as well. For this reason, there are effective approaches to be utilized in the fight against mold.These include the use of building materials that are mold-resistant, like mold-resistant wood, premium cellulose insulation, and mold-resistant paint on newly constructed walls.Also, the utility of dehumidifiers that maintain the humidity in a commercial building at levels below 50% is essential. An influx of humidity in the interior environment of a commercial building provides a conducive environment for molds to thrive on the walls, roof, and floor of the property.Wet grounds are critical for the survival of mold spores. Consequently, commercial building grounds both exterior and interior should be kept dry to prevent microbial growth. Janitors should dry floors completely after cleaning to ensure unwanted moisture is clear of all areas. Water or liquids that accidentally pour on floors or furniture should be cleaned immediately to prevent further seeping. Drainage of liquids into floors and furniture presents a favorable environment for mold growth.If your commercial building has a mold problem, it is imperative to place all strict measures to fight its growth. Above all, seeking the services of an entity with high skilled techniques for mold removal is vital. SERVPRO of Lake Forest South/ Laguna Woods can do this for you, with years of experience in the restoration business.

How to Confront Commercial Property Flooding

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

It is possible that your commercial property can be affected by flooding. Accidents and unexpected events happen all the time, so it’s best to be prepared if these situations ever occur. Here’s what to do in the face of a flooded property:

Evacuate Affected Areas

The water flooding into your property can contain bacteria or chemicals dangerous to be around. Evacuate the affected areas and put clear signs or borders around the site to make sure it is untouched to prevent further dangers and damage.

Call a Disaster Recovery Service

When confronted with a flooded property, the damages must be handled by professionals. Flooding can cause indoor mold growths and other damages that need special training to be remediated. At SERVPRO we have a 24 hour emergency service line to assist you with your property’s remediation needs.  

Contact Insurance

To remodel your property, it is necessary for you to contact your insurance provider. They will tell you the estimated coverage provided to remediate the damages done to your property. Our technicians here at SERVPRO try our best to provide you with accurate and cos efficient estimates to make the process affordable and stress free.

What SERVPRO can do for your Commercial Property

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Call us to keep your commercial space clean as employees return to office!

Although here at SERVPRO we specialize in fire and water damage remediation, we also provide a number of additional services that can be of use to your commercial business. Many things happen day to day at the office and your building may need some servicing that you didn’t expect. If so, that’s okay! We are here to educate and guide you through the process of building restoration and repair. Here’s what we can do for you:

Cleaning

When running a commercial business, the employee and/or customer traffic can cause natural wear and tear to the office. And with the CDC's recent COVID-19 regulations for businesses, it is imperative to keep your space clean and polished. Whether it be dirtied carpets or dusty air ducts, we are able to help make your property like new again. We have state of the art technology to perform deep carpet and upholstery cleaning. Check out our before and after photos to see some of the work we’ve done. We also are able to inspect and clean your commercial business’ HVAC unit to make sure no dust, pollen, dirt, debris, or odors are contaminating the airways. These things are important to keep your business a clean and healthy place for both customers and employees.  

Building Maintenance/Repair

Your commercial business’ office building may be in need of some repairs, and SERVPRO is here to assist you with those! We can handle plumbing, roofing, fencing, tile floor repair, drywall removal, electrical repairs, and even more that you can view by clicking the link here. If any unplanned event may happen at your business leaving an unsafe mess, count on SERVPRO to handle it for you with ease and professionalism.  

Damage Restoration

And obviously, we can provide your business with any natural disaster damage restoration. For example, if your commercial property suffers from a fire, there will also be water damage due to firefighting efforts. It takes special training and technology to properly dry and repair the affected areas to make them new again. We are pros at this! To see some of our work check out our before and after photos.

Now that you know the range of services we can provide your commercial property, call our 24 hour emergency service line (310) 320-2112 for any additional questions, or to schedule an inspection.

Planning your Commercial Property's Post-Damage Reconstruction

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Read our blogs to know what you can do to revamp the look of your commercial property!

Here at SERVPRO, we may focus a lot on residential work, but a big part of our services extend to commercial businesses. Part of this is because at SERVPRO of Torrance not only do we clean up the disaster, we are also certified to plan and execute reconstruction, carrying through to the very end. We pride ourselves in serving our local businesses to make our community clean and safe.

When your commercial property suffers from damage, the reconstruction planning process differs from the residential planning process in the permits one must acquire under special commercial construction codes. Commercial buildings serve as places of work and/or for consumers to shop. They are public areas that must follow codes to protect the space users and the business owners. Reconstruction for commercial areas can sometimes be large scale jobs due to multiple story buildings for large workspaces and warehouses. 

To begin planning your commercial property’s reconstruction, you can choose a separate construction company or stick with us here at SERVPRO. A construction plan must be made and this can be done with the help of our technicians. The plan must adhere to the city’s codes, which can be found on your city’s website. Each city’s codes vary because every area has its own culture and rules that work for the people. For example, the parts of California that are prone to earthquakes have codes for structures to be built in a way that prevents shaking the most, and some even have special mechanisms to center the building’s mass while in movement. For Torrance, all of the information regarding codes and the permit process is here. 

Once your plan is developed, it is used to apply for a permit. This plan is submitted along with the permit to be reviewed if it follows the guidelines for your city. You will get an acceptance or denial in a few weeks, maybe even months depending on the city you’re located and the degree of construction you're performing. 

Once the permit is accepted, the company you choose may begin working. And if you’re denied, don’t worry! The plan can easily be revised to fit your city’s guidelines, they will usually give you feedback as to why you were not approved. 

These steps are a basic outline to the process of reconstructing your commercial business. To learn more about commercial businesses related topics, read our blogs. And if you have any questions regarding disaster recovery or construction, give us a call and we’d be happy to respond.

How to freshen up your commercial property

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

When owning a commercial building, you most likely would want your property to look visually appealing to impress customers and to foster a comfortable work environment for the employees. It may seem like a trying task to make your property stand out from the rest, but these often overlooked areas are the keys to making your commercial property the best in the game.

Commercial Landscaping

As our society leans toward industrialization, our cities have lost their naturally occurring plants and trees that contribute to making a place beautiful and peaceful. With that, it’s smart to incorporate as much plant and shrubbery in your commercial property planning as possible. Some examples of this can be climbing vines, a rooftop garden, a fountain with or without fish, bird feeders, shrubbery, flowers lining the walkways of your building, and any other ways that nature can be incorporated into your property.

Up-to-Date Outside Appearance

The styles in which buildings and signs are designed changes throughout the years. If you want your commercial property to keep attracting people and potential employees, you must stay up to date with the current design trends. This isn’t as hard as it seems! The font and size of your commercial business’ name on your property can be changed to be more visually appealing and with the times. If budget permits, the shell of your commercial property can be remodeled by simply updating the style of windows or the color of the walls. The way your property is presented reflects greatly in the business it accrues.

Up-to-Date Inside Appearance

Obviously, the inside of your commercial business is just as important as the outside. Some easy ways to make it look modern and appealing are:

• Comfortable seating areas
• Don’t keep the walls bare! Put up at least a beautiful work of art or picture.
• Indoor plants
• Walls with softer colors to foster a more at-ease environment for customers or employees
• Avoid cramping spaces with unnecessary furniture, keep things nice and open
• Smell!! Put on essential oil diffusers or air fresheners

Maintenance

The biggest key to keeping your commercial property beautiful is having a strong maintenance schedule. This is where a lot of businesses go wrong, in that the lack of maintenance causes the property to look older and worn out faster and ends up costing the business more in the long run. Maintaining the beauty of your property is the most important part in standing out as a commercial business.

Your Commercial Building’s Annual Maintenance Checklist

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

A useful security tool that every commercial building should look into is periodical maintenance checkups to make sure that the building is safe and secure from natural disaster. We often find ourselves running into the first commercial building when a storm hits the city. Why is that?

It’s because these buildings are annually checked to find out if they meet the safety regulations. Even a small issue on one of the floors can lead to life-threatening problems. From power cuts cause by a fallen object to chemicals exposed to high temperature and more, such small things can cause serious consequences.

Following is a checklist for a commercial building’s annual maintenance schedule, which every business should follow:

Roofing (Should Be Inspected Twice In a Year)

• Check roofing contracts, warranties and files
• Check rood drains for stuck debris
• Inspect the roofing perimeter for damage to copings and metal
• Check roof connections with the walls for any wrinkles or tears
• If a bitumen roof is installed, check for cracks in the plies
• If a bitumen roof is installed, take protective measure against corrosion
• Trim, weed and irrigate if a green roof is installed
• Conduct regular moisture checks for leaks
• Install a protective roof membrane
• Inspect the solar panels for any openings that might lead to a leak

HVAC (Should Be Inspected Twice In a Year)

• Recharge U-bend or P-traps water traps
• Find screw issues
• Get the boilers and chillers inspected by a professional
• Inspect the cooling towers for motor bearings, fill valves, gearbox, wiring, support structure, log observations and fan blades
• Lubricate pumps at least once a year
• Depending on what type of HVAC system the building has, replace air filters at least once a month
• Make sure the condenser coil is clean
• For the refrigerant and compressor to work properly, switch to energy efficient settings
• Calibrate sensors and clean the economizer

Plumbing

• Lubricate circulation pump systems and water booster
• To find leaks, inspect couplings
• Check boilers and water heaters
• Check for wear by scheduling test runs
• Replace or check oils and refrigerant where needed
• Inspect the sewage pumps
• Check fixtures in the restrooms for leaks

Long-Term Checkups

• Windows and doors should be checked for weather stripping
• Electrical system checkups to prevent accidental fires
• Company’s public walkway should be restored annually to avoid any liabilities
• A test run should be done for the fire alarms to make sure they are working properly and that help arrives on time

An annual maintenance checklist for commercial buildings is highly important because it is not just about one person but dozens of families. This is why it is safer to hire a professional for a routine checkup that is done without any reminder. For professional commercial restoration and repair services, contact SERVPRO. We offer 24/7 emergency service for fire, water, mold and storm damage. We’ll repair your commercial property “Like it never even happened.”

Demonstration Videos for COVID-19 Clean-Up Services

8/1/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Torrance, we’ve created a series of videos showing the services provided by our location for COVID-19 clean-up. The situation does not seem to be getting better, so keeping a clean home and business is essential now more than ever. Going about a task like this may seem difficult for you, but that is why we are here to help!

Our clean up services can adhere to your schedule and business needs. These clean ups can be daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Whatever is best for your COVID-19 business plan. The chemicals used by our highly trained technicians are certified by the CDC to kill bacteria and viruses on a multitude of surfaces. Our technicians will also arrive in proper PPE, with N95 masks and full suits to protect both themselves and our clients from the pestilence we all know too well. 

Click here to be brought to the video page which will have 3 parts to our demonstration. If you are interested in this service we provide, you can find our 24 hour service line at the top right of any SERVPRO of Torrance webpage (310) 320-2112. We are here to help you during the COVID-19 crisis. The best we can do is wear our masks and follow CDC guidelines to unite together and fight this virus!

How is your business doing during COVID-19?

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, we care about our clients and their well being. It is obvious that COVID-19 has impacted every member of the community. We want to know how you are doing, and how we can help. As businesses slowly open up with proper health restrictions in place, maybe your business is in need of some inspection, cleaning, or restoration before starting up. Let us know, and we will be there to help.

To learn more about the services we provide, browse around the website or read our "Why SERVPRO" blogs. We have a wide range of services to meet the needs of the Torrance community.

We also have blogs about how to maintain your business during COVID-19, with tips and pointers on what you can do to inspect your own property. Also feel free to take a look at some other blogs unrelated to COVID-19 about what to do if your property faces any sort of natural disaster damage. 

We have the proper PPE and disinfecting equipment to clean your property before its opening. The customers of Torrance will be pleased to support local businesses and to see them clean and flourishing. Schedule an inspection through our 24 hour service line (310) 320-2112. Our services are still open during these times, and we want to make sure yours are too.

Goblin on the Sales Floor

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Imagine: the quarantine has been lifted, the stores are open, and the shoppers eagerly await outside. It’s the first time anyone has been allowed to shop in person since the lockdown. It’s opening time; the doors have just opened to the customers on the other side. All the shoppers waltz into your commercial property. They’re excitedly running through the aisle and whizzing through the products. 

There is a moment of pure joy throughout. Life seems to be returning to normal again. Then, there is a shrieking cry from a customer in the middle of the sales floor.  The manager of your property rushes to see what’s the matter. A woman named Karen is passed out on the ground next to a smelly, giant mold goblin. Where did this mold goblin come form? He’s the result of a leaky pipe that was dripping unnoticed throughout the entire quarantine.

Even though it can seem like the world has stopped since we are all stuck in our homes, the fact is that commercial properties still stand against the elements. Burst pipes, mold, storm damage, and fires can still happen at commercial properties, and all situations should be addressed in a timely manner to avoid prolonged damage from happening. The phones at SERVPRO are open 24/7, so we can make it “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO of Torrance for all your restoration needs on your commercial property.

How to Maintain Your Commercial Business During COVID-19

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let this stop your commercial business from maintaining its cleanliness and safety!

Times are tough here in America during COVID-19. The situation changes by the day and everyone is asking themselves, “When will everything go back to normal?” Unfortunately, no one knows the answer to that question. But, there are things we can do while in isolation to still gain a sense of routine and normality. 

For commercial business owners, essential or not, it is imperative that business operating properties are maintained throughout the lockdown to ensure when things are up and running again, you are able to operate at full potential. If your business is temporarily closed, it’s insides and out have been untouched making hidden and timely damage like mold prone to happening. So what can one do to avoid this?

As a business owner, you should be able to visit your commercial property during the pandemic to check for these things. Our blog on Commercial Business Maintenance covers all of the routine things to check on a property of business nature. Just because business is not running doesn't mean property maintenance is not required. Take this extra step for your property and your business will be in the best shape possible for when our country begins to open its doors again.

If confronted with any problems during your commercial property maintenance check up, call us at our 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency service line (310) 320-2112. We will answer to any questions or comments you have, and if needed an inspection of your property can be scheduled. We are here to help during COVID-19! 

How to Protect your Commercial Business from Water Damage

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to your commercial property! Take these steps to prepare your property for an imminent storm.

When operating a commercial business, there are many factors to take into account when maintaining your property’s beauty and safety. Unlike a family home property where responsibility lays on fellow family members, a business must keep customers and employees in mind. This type of relationship is different, and if an unfortunate event were to happen to a client or worker where the property owner’s own irresponsibilities are at fault, heavy fines and consequences may follow. With this in mind, as an owner of a commercial space it is imperative to make sure your property is updated to appropriate safety standards. 

Each type of natural disaster damage comes with its own set of tips to achieve ultimate preparedness for the event. For now, water damage due to storms and flooding will be focused on.

In preparing for water damage due to floods and storm damage, a thing to note is where the water can potentially enter into your property causing a flood. For this, sealing off windows, doors, and any other small gaps can help in preventing damage. Special window sealers can be applied to protect these areas. Also, waterproof shields can be purchased to put over doors and windows as a more temporary solution to this. If the weather forecast says rain is imminent, taking these steps to protect your property will benefit it greatly. 

Another way water seeps into enclosed areas is when ceilings and floors are too weak to withstand the pressure of water from outside. If possible, investing in strengthening the shell of your property to withstand these conditions will help prevent flood damage. 

If water does happen to enter your property, it will most likely flood the lower levels, where utilities, tanks, and other devices to power the property’s functions are held. Anchoring these things down will make sure in the event of a flood they will not float away and possibly detach from important gas or water lines. 

Some other things to take note of are the condition of your property’s rain gutters and the surrounding land. Make sure the rain gutters are cleaned and have no cracks or openings. And for the surrounding land, note of any sloped areas that incline toward the property. If there is one, the water will fall down this slope and rest at the bottom of it, possibly flooding your property. This can be fixed by evening out these slopes and adding ground rain gutters that redirect excess water to the underground rain gutters. 

With these tips, your commercial property will be ready to undergo a storm that is coming its way. It is better to be over prepared than not at all! These small fixes can save you thousands in the long run, and maintain the safety of those doing business or consuming under your roof. For any additional information on natural disaster preparedness, read our blogs, or call us at our 24 hour emergency service line found at the top right corner of every page on the website.

How to Create the Perfect Floor Plan for Your Commercial Space

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

A combination of grid and loop floor plan.

Let’s assume you own a retail store and with the positive response you got at the first opening, you decide to open another store.

Are you interested in making sales right off the bat? The reason why experts recommend planning store layout strategically is because it can drive impulse sales and direct customers towards the high-end products.

Following are a few ideas that will help you create a kick-ass floor plan:

1. Decide on a Retail Floor Plan

Grid Floor Plan: Mostly used in convenience stores (straight aisles)

Loop Floor Plan: Used in specialty retail stores (maximizes floor space by creating a clear pathway)

Free-Flow Floor Plan: Mostly used for boutique settings (creative patterns to attract shoppers)

2.     Put It on Paper

Before you start buying furniture and shifting it around, put your design on paper. This will give you a clear picture of where things can go and how much space you will have to be more creative. You can also use a combination of floor plan to create a unique setting.

3. Pay Close Attention to the Traffic Flow

Following three points should be considered here:

Decompression Zone: entrance space where shoppers like to stand and assess the store.

The Right Side: 90% of the shoppers turn right when they enter a store. So, make sure that the best sellers are placed there.

Personal Space: Do not place the furniture too close together or leave less space between the aisles. Shoppers don’t want their bottom brushing against others while they are browsing.

4. Placement of the Checkout Counter

The checkout counter should always be on the left. Here’s why: as said earlier, customers turn right upon entrance and then they loop around, ending on the left side.

5. Product Mapping

Your best sellers should always be at the back of the store. This allows you to attract the shoppers while they are on their way to the primary zone. The secondary zone is the impulse buys they pass. Don’t forget to place the low-cost impulse buys at the checkout counter.

The combination of display shelves and the comfort zone that is the seating area, allows the shoppers to stay and browse a little longer. So, make sure that those shelves are stocked and decorated and, the comfort zone providing private space to relax.

And that’s how you create a floor plan!