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Maximising Property Value and Safeguarding Assets: Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Programmes

News | September 16, 2024

4 min read

Project Management, by its nature, is often a task that has a beginning and end. Whether it’s in property planning, construction, refurbishment or assessment, but what happens once the project is complete?  How do you ensure the longevity, efficiency, and value of your building over time? The answer lies in Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM).

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Programmes are essential for safeguarding the longevity and performance of buildings. PPMs ensure that facilities operate efficiently, mitigating risks and unexpected costs that arise from reactive maintenance. For building owners, implementing a comprehensive PPM strategy allows for both compliance with regulatory requirements and the continued well-being of the property.

The Value of a Considered PPM Programme

A PPM programme is a strategic approach to maintenance that considers the life cycle of each asset within a property, from HVAC systems to the building fabric, not just a checklist of routine inspections. By identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate, PPMs help reduce the likelihood of major repairs, downtime, or costly emergency interventions.

When structured correctly, PPM programmes are tailored to the unique needs of the building, including its age, usage, and environmental factors. This helps owners maintain the integrity of the property, comply with health and safety standards, and protect asset value over time.

Our Approach to Planned Preventative Maintenance

We collaborate closely with property owners, managers, and service engineers to design and implement PPM strategies that are aligned with both short-term goals and long-term asset management plans. Our proactive approach begins with a thorough assessment of the building’s current condition and maintenance history, followed by a detailed analysis to anticipate future needs.

Key services we offer include the preparation of asset registers, condition surveys, and maintenance schedules, all designed to ensure that building systems are maintained in optimal working condition. By forecasting future maintenance needs, we can develop a programme that balances operational performance with cost-effective solutions, keeping buildings in peak condition while avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Our team is skilled at identifying areas where potential cost savings can be made through adjustments to the maintenance programme or by recommending upgrades to more efficient technologies. We understand that timing and budget constraints are often critical, and our goal is to provide a seamless process that minimises disruption to building occupants.

Tailored Solutions for Every Property Type

No two properties are the same, and our bespoke PPM solutions reflect that. Whether dealing with commercial offices, residential complexes, or heritage-listed buildings, we adapt our programmes to meet the specific challenges of each project. This includes everything from cyclical tasks such as servicing boilers and HVAC systems to more complex activities like structural repairs or compliance checks for fire safety systems.

We also take into account the varying levels of usage that a building may experience, ensuring that maintenance tasks are scheduled during off-peak times to limit interference with operations. This flexibility helps building owners maintain productivity while ensuring that their property is well-maintained and compliant with relevant regulations.

Case Study: London Zoo

At the iconic ZSL London Zoo, our team has been providing PPM schedules for the estate, including several Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. This project required particular sensitivity due to the historical significance of many structures and the unique nature of a zoo environment. Our team delivered a detailed PPM programme that covers a ten-year period, ensuring the conservation of heritage buildings while maintaining the operational needs of a modern zoo. We worked closely with the client to provide robust maintenance advice and associated cost forecasts, enabling the ongoing care and preservation of this unique site.

Case Study: Landsec Office Portfolio, London

For the Landsec office portfolio, which includes some of the most iconic buildings in the West End and City of London, HartDixon was tasked with delivering an in-depth PPM programme across multiple sites. By employing advanced technologies, including cradle access for high-rise inspections, we captured detailed condition reports. Our comprehensive approach allowed for the identification of critical issues and long-term lifecycle costs, helping Landsec plan future maintenance works more efficiently. The results were presented in a way that enables local operations managers, asset managers, and fund managers to easily interrogate and filter the data, ensuring informed decision-making across all levels of the organisation.

Case Study: King’s Cross Development

At the prestigious King’s Cross Development, HartDixon was appointed to manage PPM surveys and develop schedules of condition for a mixture of new build and existing residential and commercial blocks. This mixed-use development required a tailored approach due to its combination of modern and refurbished buildings. Our PPM programme was designed to ensure the long-term preservation and operational efficiency of the development, accounting for varying maintenance needs across different property types. We provided expert guidance on planning future works and aligning them with the operational and budgetary requirements of the development.

Ensuring Longevity and Compliance with Expert PPM Solutions

At the core of our PPM services is a commitment to ensuring that client’s properties are well-maintained, compliant with all statutory requirements, and operating at peak efficiency. We understand that every building is a valuable asset, and our PPM programmes are designed to protect that investment, prevent unnecessary disruptions, and ultimately extend the life of the building.

Whether you are managing a commercial office, a residential complex, or a mixed-use development, our team of experts is here to provide the guidance and support you need to maintain your property effectively. From initial assessments and planning to ongoing maintenance and reporting, we offer a tailored service that meets the unique demands of your building.

We encourage property owners and managers to engage with PPMs early in the building’s lifecycle to ensure smooth operations, cost savings, and long-term asset preservation. Contact us to learn how our Planned Preventative Maintenance solutions can help you achieve these goals.

Simon Waterhouse

Senior Partner

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