When you buy a new business, you already know part of your budget will be allotted for building expenses and repairs. Once you’re settled in, you’ll get more of an idea of what you’re really looking at as far as seasonal maintenance goes. If you’re just starting out, here are several expenditures you’ll want to plan ahead for.
Mowing and Trimming
In the summer when the living feels easy, mowing doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, grass grows fast, and if you have a particularly wet summer, lawn care can take up a significant chunk of time. If you had all the intentions of taking care of the lawn and trimming yourself, you might change your mind after a few weekends stuck at work. Make sure you’ve set aside funds to have it professionally done on a regular basis.
Leaf Removal
Most people refer to autumn as their favorite season. Along with all the joy that fall brings, it also means a lot of outside clean-up. You could spend hours raking and bagging yourself, but it would make more sense to hire a leaf blowing service to get the job done quicker and easier. Plus, a rake just can’t compete with how thorough this type of cleaning is and how flawless it leaves your lawn.
Snow and Ice Removal
When you live in a snowbelt, you’re at the mercy of the elements, so you need a solid plan. Depending on the size of your property, you’ll need to employ a snow plow or snow blowing service. Buy a couple of shovels for sidewalks and plenty of ice melt to keep your entryway safe. Finally, have a strategy in place for rooftop snow. Heavy, accumulating snow on your roof can spell disaster, so don’t ignore it.
Heating and Cooling
Don’t leave climate control off your to-do list. When you live in an area that sees the four seasons, you get a mixed bag when it comes to temperatures. Make sure you’ve got a working air-conditioning unit in the summer and a reliable furnace when the mercury dips. Plan to have these systems cleaned and tuned-up annually, and to have someone on-call in case of an emergency.
Parking Lot Repair
When you’re in charge of a new company, you’ve got a parking lot to look after, too. When the snow melts every spring, you’ll be left with an area full of slippery sand, rocks, garbage, and debris that was buried during winter. Unless you want to do it all by hand, you’ll need a sweeping service. After clean-up, inspect the lot for dangerous holes and have them patched immediately. Asphalt sealing can also prolong the life of your lot and make it safer.
Landscaping and Design
Landscaping and design can make your business more attractive. You can get as creative as you like and plant whatever flowers and shrubs you think look inviting. Cleaning out flower beds and adding fragrant mulch creates better drainage and gives an instant facelift to any property. Colorful flowers and hanging plants foster a pleasant environment for both clients and employees. Just don’t forget to water your investment!
Pruning and Tree Care
Along the same line as landscaping, trees and shrubs require care, too. Generally, you won’t have to worry much about your trees unless you have storm damage or decide to plant flowering trees that require insecticide. If you’ve got overhanging branches on your roof, trimming them can prevent moisture damage. Shrubs require care every year, and to avoid them getting out of control, have a reputable company ready to prune them to perfection.
Cleaning Services
Your business plan should also include cleaning and trash removal. Cleanliness is of utmost importance, and to stay on top of it, you’ll need to hire a cleaning service. Cleaners will keep your floors vacuumed and mopped, trash cans empty, furniture dusted, and supplies replenished. In addition, they’ll clean your bathrooms, mirrors, and windows. This service can be performed daily or weekly, during the day or evening.
Regular Upkeep
Planning ahead for the regular upkeep of your new enterprise will help you avoid surprise expenses you didn’t take into consideration. While these jobs may seem like a lot of work on paper, they’re all responsibilities every business owner has to take on. Having these arrangements squared away as soon as possible makes annual maintenance a breeze, and that’s just good for business!
