When it comes to managing a property, it’s easy to focus on visible upgrades and tenant-facing improvements while pushing routine building maintenance back. But the hidden costs of poor maintenance add up quickly. Small issues in your building don’t stay small for long, and the true cost often goes far beyond a single repair invoice.
For property owners and facility managers across Canada, understanding the hidden costs of poor maintenance is important when it comes to protecting budgets, safety, and long-term asset value.
How Deferred Maintenance Drives Up Building Maintenance Costs
On paper, skipping a scheduled inspection or delaying a minor repair might look like a short-term saving. In reality, it often increases your total building maintenance costs over time.
- A slow leak can lead to mould, damaged drywall, and structural damage.
- A neglected HVAC unit can fail during peak season, forcing emergency callouts at premium rates.
- Worn sealants or failing gutters can quietly undermine roofs, parking areas, or foundations.
Instead of one predictable, planned expense, you’re suddenly dealing with multiple trades, disruption to tenants, and unbudgeted capital repairs.
The Impact on Safety, Compliance, and Liability
Poor building maintenance isn’t just a financial issue. It can quickly become a safety and compliance risk.
Loose handrails, uneven flooring, blocked exits, or poorly maintained lighting increase the risk of accidents. If an incident occurs and an investigation shows that maintenance was ignored, owners may face higher insurance premiums, denied claims, or even legal action.
Regular inspections and a documented maintenance schedule help demonstrate due diligence, support compliance with local codes, and reduce liability exposure.
Tenant Experience, Reputation, and Occupancy
Tenants notice when a property isn’t well cared for. Recurring issues such as temperature swings, leaks, persistent odours, or dirty common areas erode confidence in the building and in management. This can have real financial consequences, such as:
- Higher turnover and vacancies
- Pressure to offer rent discounts or incentives
- More time and resources spent on leasing and onboarding new tenants
By contrast, a proactive approach to building maintenance supports stable occupancy, positive reviews, and long-term relationships with high-quality tenants.
The Long-Term Cost to Your Asset Value
Deferred maintenance also shows up when it’s time to refinance, appraise, or sell a property. Lenders, investors, and buyers look closely at maintenance records and the condition of key systems.
Obvious signs of neglect can:
- Lower appraised value
- Trigger bigger holdbacks or conditions of financing
- Give buyers leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price
Protecting your asset means treating preventive maintenance as part of your investment strategy, not as an optional operating expense.
How Summit Property Group Helps You Get Ahead of the Problem
Partnering with a professional building maintenance provider is one of the most effective ways to control building maintenance costs and avoid the hidden consequences of neglect.
With Summit Property Group’s building maintenance services, you have access to:
- Preventive maintenance programs tailored to your property
- Building repairs and HVAC/engineering support
- Janitorial, litter control, and power washing to keep your site clean and inviting
- Parking lot, gutter, and exterior services that protect both safety and curb appeal
- 24/7 on-call support for urgent issues
By combining planned service with responsive support, Summit Property Group helps owners reduce the hidden costs of poor maintenance, protect property values, and provide safe, comfortable spaces for tenants and visitors.
If you’re ready to get ahead of small issues before they become big, expensive problems, reach out to Summit Property Group today. We’ll help you develop a comprehensive building maintenance plan that fits your portfolio.