M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Owners, Developers & Managers — March 18 - April 21, 2022 — 3C
www.marej.com
O wners , D evelopers & M anagers By Casey Murphy, CID, HF Planners Designing with Maintenance in Mind
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Facility Manager is expected to wear many hats. One of the most
surfaces, non-porous uphol- stery fabrics, or hands-free de- vices, the facility can do some of the work for you. A very common care issue we see regularly is a lack of floor cleaning. When asked “what is your current flooring restoration program?” the most common answer we get from Facility Managers is “none”. While it is always preferred to follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning proto- cols, it is not always feasible. At HF Planners, LLC, we specify flooring materials that
perform. While trendy, cream- color cut pile carpet might look lovely the day it is installed, it will not be in a month. Our designers work with the Facil- ity Manager and end-users to select beautiful materials that will wear the test of time, foot traffic, chemical spills, and any other challenges. Sometimes neglect of an area or workspace is not due to cost or labor, but rather unaware- ness. If a Facility Manager has not been given sufficient information about the prod- ucts, equipment, and fixtures
installed in their facility they may not be aware that carpet should be steam cleaned annu- ally or that a product requires monthly upkeep. At your project closeout, HF Planners, LLC provides the Facility Manager with all necessary documenta- tion to properly care for your new space. All of the preventative service requests a FacilityManager has to juggle can be organized with the use of automated software. These programs can routinely generate reminders for cleaning continued on page 4C
our clients to solve this head- ache. One solution is to replace the site’s dated lighting with new fixtures that have integral LED lamping. Both the output and color can be adjusted right on the fixtures, and the lamp - ing typically runs over 100,000 hours (20 years!). Cleaning is another criti- cal part of workplace upkeep, which in a COVID world can- not be overlooked or deferred. In addition to staining, im- proper cleaning can lead to mold, mildew, or viruses. By incorporating antimicrobial
exhaus t i ve a s p e c t s o f the job can be gene ra l site mainte- nance. This can include custodial ser- vices, routine painting, life
Casey Murphy
safety training, office repairs, pest control, or simply chang- ing light bulbs. Balancing this with special projects and service requests from end-users can be daunting. When a site has been outfitted with the proper fixtures and materials, some pressure can be relieved for the FacilityManager while preserv - ing both aesthetic appeal and upholding sanitary conditions. While it is tempting to delay maintenance when labor and funding are short in supply, deferring routine upkeep of a space can be more costly in the long run. Many corporations struggle with serious under- staffing issues and routine care is often the first item crossed off the to-do list. The risk in avoid- ing regular upkeep can be that once something breaks, it is far more costly to repair or replace. It can even pose safety hazards when equipment is not serviced regularly. The direct solution to this issue is to desigthen a facility that is as low-care as possible. In our current workplace climate, when employees can work from the comfort and con- venience of their homes, they need the motivation to come into the office. When a work - space is beautiful and well-kept, the staff is more likely to want to come to work. As a designer, there are few things more dis- appointing than walking away from a fresh new renovation, only to come back and see that the new materials are dingy and have not been preserved. Your employees see this as well. Lighting, for example, is a critical element for site-wide function and aesthetics but can cause disruptions when light bulbs must constantly be changed. Often the replacement bulbs are purchased in a differ- ent color temperature or watt- age output than the original fixtures, resulting in lower light levels and strange ‘hot spots' of light. At HF Planners, LLC, we would offer simple solutions to
EXPO 2022 WEDNESDAY, APRI L 13 , 2022 The Wi lshire Grand Hotel , West Orange, NJ POA W A L T E R R . C O H N , E S Q . POA EXPO 2022 offers a unique business opportunity for companies to showcase their products and services to the exclusive membership of the Property Owners Association. With over 50 exhibitors showcasing the newest and latest offerings in the multi-family industry, this is a must attend event. Buffet dinner served throughout the evening. • Buffet Dinner with Kosher Station • Over 50 Exhibitors • Latest Technology and Information Available • Prizes Throughout the Evening Multi-Family Housing Professionals Mark Your Calendars!
Non-exhibiting associates will not be permitted to market their products or services unless they have reserved a booth. Otherwise they will be asked to leave.
Visit www.poanj.org for more information
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