The reality is that nothing shouldn’t be maintained. When schools allow something to deteriorate, it ends up costing more. It’s just like servicing a car knowing that it’s going to prolong the life of its engine.
If schools are consistently servicing their buildings and grounds, they’re maintaining their facilities and mitigating the likelihood of costly replacements and repairs skulking in the background just waiting to pounce on them. These could see schools exhausting their funds trying to bring the school back up to par.
While it is important for all assets to be maintained, equally critical is the approach to ensuring their preservation and protection. Property maintenance should be tailored to address the needs of the asset and the requirements or objectives of the school. A preventative, rather than reactive approach, is more cost-effective in the long run.
School maintenance professionals who understand that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach provide important value. Their counsel and expertise in customising the manner in which assets are to be maintained – taking into consideration the assets’ age, condition and utilisation, for example – help schools optimise maintenance spend.
This in turn makes maintenance affordable and sustainable; enabling the school to present itself in the best way it possibly can, and in a financially responsible way.
So what does this look like in practice across a school campus? Broadly, maintenance needs fall into a few key areas.
Buildings and Surfaces
Classrooms, administration blocks, halls and other facades are exposed to weathering, moisture and everyday wear, so a program of commercial painting maintenance helps protect these surfaces while keeping the school looking well cared for and welcoming to students, staff and visiting families.
Grounds and Outdoor Areas
Ovals, gardens, playgrounds and other outdoor areas are just as important to maintain as the buildings themselves. Ongoing open space maintenance keeps these areas safe, accessible and presentable, supporting everything from sports carnivals to everyday outdoor learning, and helps avoid larger rehabilitation costs down the track.
Wayfinding and Compliance
Signage across a campus – from wayfinding and accessibility signage through to safety and compliance signage – plays a practical role in helping students, staff and visitors navigate the school with confidence. Well-considered signage solutions ensure this signage stays clear, current and in good condition.
Facilities That Evolve With the School
As schools grow and their needs change, building projects such as refurbishments become necessary to keep classrooms, administration areas and shared spaces fit for purpose. A well-planned refurbishment protects the long-term value of these assets while improving the experience for everyone who uses them.
Would you like to get the right amount of dollar spend to get your school presented in the best way? Speak to Programmed, your experts in school maintenance today.
