When visitors pull into the parking lot of your facility their first impressions can be impacted by the state of your curb appeal. Too often, curb appeal maintenance is assigned a lower priority than other facility maintenance routines. This can result in visitors forming a negative impression of your business before they ever set foot inside your building. Implementing curb appeal maintenance into your overall facility maintenance program will help ensure that you are maximizing your first impressions. Here are a few basics to consider:
Parking Lot Upkeep
Over time, your parking lot is subjected to varying levels of abuse. Traffic, weather, and incremental surface deterioration can combine to significantly degrade the appearance of your lot. Accumulations of trash, faded parking stripes, surface cracks and potholes can create a negative impression for your visitors. Your parking lot maintenance routine should include the following:
Litter Removal
This sounds simple but it is often overlooked. A regularly scheduled removal of trash and debris from your lot is a simple way to keep your lot looking clean and tidy. The frequency of clean-up will depend on location and traffic levels of your facility.
Repaint Parking Stripes
Nothing brightens the appearance of a parking lot like freshly painted parking stripes. Not only do they look crisp and clean but they also make it easier for your visitors to park.
Repair Large Cracks and Potholes
Keeping your parking surface well maintained is essential. Periodically conduct a visual inspection of your lot to identify large cracks and potholes that need to be repaired. Visitors that have to navigate a poorly maintained parking lot will likely enter your facility with a negative first impression.
Window Maintenance
Few things create a more positive impression than sparking windows. Conversely, poorly maintained windows (dirty, fogged, cracked, etc.) can
ruin the appearance of an otherwise attractive building. An effective curb appeal maintenance program will contain provisions for the regular inspection and cleaning of windows. This is especially critical at the onset of the spring season to offset the effects of the winter months.
For more information on window cleaning techniques refer to our previous post Maintaining Sparkling Clean Windows.
Power Washing
A good power washer can be the most valuable tool in a curb appeal maintenance toolkit. Periodic power washing can completely transform the appearance of a facility's exterior. A power washer can be used to refresh the appearance of brick and mortar, exterior walkways, metal surfaces, glass surfaces, and more. Make sure to follow all power washer manufactures instructions related to proper use and application.
Landscaping
Landscaping can greatly enhance the visual appeal of any type of facility. However, it is important that the landscaping be well maintained. Landscaping that is overgrown or in poor health can be a big turn-off for visitors. Take steps necessary to ensure that your landscaping is tidy, healthy, and well-contained.
Your first chance to make a good impression on your visitors is at the curb of your facility. The tips discussed above will help ensure that your curb appeal is maximized.