Your commercial renovation is an investment in your business's future. Property improvements can improve the customer experience, boost staff morale, increase your property's value, and more. Once the remodel is completed, maintain your property to ensure your changes will last as long as possible. Every commercial property needs maintenance and upkeep. Engaging in activities like periodic cleaning, refinishing, and resealing can help your new space last as long as possible.
Your commercial contractor can provide instructions to maintain your property after completing your remodel. Take notes and make a maintenance calendar. Do what it takes to maintain your commercial property, so you, your staff, and customers can continue to benefit from your renovation for as long as possible.
In some cases, maintenance may require help from a contractor. Talk to your contractor to find out if they can help you maintain your property to ensure the work will be done right every time.
Although there are many different finishes found in commercial properties, the most popular finishes and materials tend to be those that are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Here's what you can expect to find in most commercial renovations, plus maintenance tips for each material type.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are highly durable, waterproof flooring found in stores, doctors' offices, restaurants, etc. LVT and LVP flooring can withstand spills and scrapes, and will continue to look good for years after installation. This flooring is made from high-quality vinyl and can be made to mimic the appearance of wood or stone.
How it's maintained: You'll never need to refinish this type of flooring, but you should clean it regularly. Sweep or vacuum often, and wash with a non-abrasive floor cleaner. Avoid dragging furniture across the flooring.
Quartz can be wall tile, flooring, or a countertop material that's so similar to natural stone it's almost indistinguishable. You can find quartz on bathroom countertops, lobby floors, and other surfaces. Quartz is made from a combination of crushed stone and resin, and can be made to resemble any type of natural stone, including granite and marble.
How it's maintained: Unlike natural stone, quartz doesn't need to be sealed. Maintain quartz by cleaning it regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Do not use abrasive cleaning material. Avoid placing hot objects on quartz, and if possible, shield quartz from direct sunlight at the peak of the day to avoid fading over time.
Until recently, granite countertops were the gold standard for high-end kitchens and bathrooms. Today, granite and quartz are each popular, but granite requires more maintenance. You can still find granite on the floors and walls of commercial spaces.
How it's maintained: Granite is a porous material that can absorb staining liquids when unsealed. Granite needs regular sealing to improve its water and stain resistance. You can tell that granite needs resealing when water leaves a wet stain behind after it is wiped away.
When to reseal granite depends on the type of sealer used and the level of wear and tear. Some surfaces may need resealing every six months, while others may wait years between sealings.
Polished concrete is a highly durable flooring material that's easy to clean and attractive in the right type of space. Polished concrete is longer lasting and more durable than sealed concrete, because the sealer wears off faster and is less water-resistant.
How it's maintained: Polished concrete is maintained through regular dusting and cleaning. Similar to quartz, polished concrete should be cleaned with a dry mop, and spills should be wiped up quickly.
If your business has custom-made shelving or cabinetry, it will likely be constructed from plywood with a commercial finish. This highly durable and attractive millwork lasts a long time with proper care.
How it's maintained: Dust your cabinetry or shelving regularly. Watch for scratches and stains, and if your cabinetry starts to show wear and tear, have it refinished by a trusted contractor.
Floors are the parts of commercial spaces that wear down the most quickly. Foot traffic takes its toll on flooring, so it's important to install high-quality flooring that's designed to last. Your contractor and architect can help you choose a flooring material (like LVT) that will last a long time and deliver a high return on investment.
Restrooms tend to need the most maintenance over time. These spaces get used regularly, cleaned frequently, and because of the exposure to moisture, can be subject to leaks and other problems. To avoid problems, install high-quality plumbing fixtures and water-resistant materials like LVT and quartz countertops.
A good contractor will take the time to do your renovation the right way for longer-lasting results. The best thing you can do to ensure that your commercial renovation will last as long as possible is to hire a contractor that you can trust to do the work the right way.
To learn more about hiring the best commercial contractor for the job, download the Litchfield Builders guide, or contact us to get started with your commercial remodel in Connecticut. With over 25 years in the industry, we deliver high-quality work for customers throughout the state.