Expert Facilities Maintenance for Vacant Buildings
BUILDINGS
Reducing Risks and Protecting Value in Vacant Buildings
When managing and maintaining vacant buildings, many landlords assume that facilities maintenance can be put on hold. In reality, the risks often increase in periods of non-occupation. From insurance complications to undetected faults and failures, unmaintained buildings are vulnerable to costly consequences. Voltix Services helps property owners and managing agents reduce these risks with professional facilities maintenance designed specifically for vacant buildings and properties.
Why Vacant Buildings Still Require Facilities Maintenance
Structural and Asset Protection
Vacant buildings are highly susceptible to issues such as damp, mould and water ingress. Left undetected, these can escalate into structural damage, driving up repair costs and delaying reoccupation.
Unoccupied buildings are soft targets for vandalism, theft, squatting and arson. We implement and maintain deterrents, such as CCTV, lighting and access control, to prevent unauthorised entry and related damages.
Maintaining Insurance Coverage
Many insurers impose strict conditions for covering vacant buildings or limit coverage. Our service helps you meet insurer requirements with documented inspections and proof of routine upkeep.
Fire risk doesn’t disappear when a building is empty. We ensure that your fire detection systems, alarms and extinguishers are serviced and compliant with legal regulations.
Commercial Water System Hygiene
Stagnant water poses a Legionella risk and this increases during periods of vacancy. We flush systems, perform temperature testing and manage documentation to ensure systems are safe for reoccupation.
Idle HVAC systems can develop faults or become less efficient over time. We conduct routine inspections, cleaning and testing to ensure optimal performance is maintained.
The Link Between Maintenance and Insurance Protection
Insurance for vacant buildings often comes with strict terms and limited coverage. Regular facilities maintenance helps demonstrate responsible ownership and proactive risk management – key factors insurers consider when assessing a property. With Voltix, your records, inspections and safety systems are professionally managed, helping you avoid costly exclusions and maintain peace of mind.
Keep Your Property Safe and Compliant
Facilities Maintenance Good Practice for Vacant Buildings
Based on best practice and industry guidelines, several key actions help reduce risk and maintain the integrity of unoccupied sites:
- Conduct full site inspections regularly
- Maintain and test fire alarms to ensure compliance and safety
- Implement effective security measures
- Flush and temperature-test water systems to prevent bacterial growth
- Keep comprehensive digital records of inspections and servicing for insurance purposes
- Draft tailored maintenance plans for buildings with partial vacancy
Regulations Affecting Vacant Commercial Buildings
Owners and managers of unoccupied properties still have legal obligations. Voltix helps ensure compliance with key regulations, including:
Following the Fire Safety Order 2005 to protect residents and reduce legal risks.
In line with the L8 Code of Practice to prevent Legionella in water systems.
Ensuring property owners meet their duty of care for residents and visitors.
Compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to keep systems safe.
Meeting the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 with regular checks and certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your vacant building maintenance questions answered.
Why maintain a vacant building if no one is using it?
Vacancy doesn’t eliminate risk and it can even add risks. From structural decay to vandalism and fire, the costs of inaction can be severe. Routine maintenance protects your investment and ensures the building is ready for future use.
Can Voltix help reduce my insurance premiums for a vacant property?
Yes. Demonstrating ongoing facilities maintenance, security measures and compliance can positively influence your insurer’s risk assessment and reduce premiums or prevent exclusions.
What if only part of my building is vacant?
We tailor our services to your property’s exact needs. Whether it’s partial vacancy or rotating occupancy, Voltix adapts your maintenance plan accordingly.
How do you handle the reoccupation of vacant buildings?
We ensure all systems are safe, compliant and operational so you can reoccupy with confidence. This includes legionella flushing, fire system checks and repairs to any degraded systems.
Ready to Safeguard Your Building?
Even during vacancy, your property deserves protection. Voltix Services provides the expertise and assurance you need to reduce risks, maintain compliance and safeguard long-term value. Get in touch today to discuss a tailored maintenance plan for your site.