Managing a commercial or multi-residential building means being responsible for complex mechanical systems you may not have been trained to understand. This guide gives property managers the working knowledge they need to communicate with contractors, evaluate proposals, and catch problems early.
The Core Systems
Most commercial buildings have some combination of: a heating plant (boiler or heat pump), a cooling plant (chiller or DX systems), air handling units, rooftop units, and a distribution system (pipes and ducts).
Your Most Important Documents
- Equipment schedules: model numbers, serial numbers, installation dates, rated capacities
- Service history: what was done, when, and by whom
- Maintenance contracts: what is covered, what is excluded
- Warranty information
Red Flags to Watch For
- Multiple service calls for the same equipment within a short period
- Emergency repairs being proposed as the only option when planned work would have prevented the failure
- No written report after a PM visit
- Unusual sounds, odors, or visible leaks in mechanical rooms