5 Kinds of Maintenance

When we develop our projects, we sometimes leave “maintenance” to others. Someday. Later.

But if we don’t keep maintenance in mind, it will come back to haunt us financially.

And there isn’t just one kind. There are 5.

1. Cleaning
All public spaces need regular cleaning. Mopping, dusting, vacuuming. (Raking, mowing.) Do we have enough cleaning staff?

2. Repairs
Anything people use will get slowly, lovingly mutilated. Scratches, wobbly handles, missing floor tiles. Do we have a repair contract?

3. Consumables
Consumables need constant resupply. Printer ink, post-its, balls for the [sigh] ball pit. Do we have a regular order for consumables?

4. Replacements
Some things require replacement every X years. Projectors, upholstery, carpet. Have we budgeted for standard future replacements?

5. Content
Depending on the project, this could be the most expensive of all. An up-to-date timeline, a display of current newspaper front pages, portraits of the current officials. Do we have content folks still on board?

Here’s the thing:
It’s tempting to leave “maintenance” to others. Later. 

But do avoid some nasty financial surprises down the road, best to plan — for all 5 types.

Warmly,
Jonathan