Recent Commercial Posts

5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During Prolonged Shutdown

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown

  1. Maintain indoor humidity as low as possible, not exceeding 50%, as measured with a humidity meter. Building managers may consider continuous monitoring of indoor humidity using a digital hygrometer, ideally more than once daily, to minimize the need to access the building.
  2. After a prolonged shutdown and before occupants return, buildings should be assessed for mold and excess moisture.
  3. After an assessment has confirmed that mold and moisture are not detected, OR after remediation has been completed, a building HVAC system that has not been active during a prolonged shutdown should be operated for at least 48 to 72 hours (known as a “flush out” period) before occupants return.
  4. After a building is reopened and occupied, routine (e.g., weekly) checks of the HVAC system are recommended to ensure operating efficiency.
  5. If no routine HVAC operation and maintenance program are in place for the building, one should be developed and implemented.

Source: CDC

Commercial COVID-19 Cleaning

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has changed every faction of our lives. Businesses around the country are being forced to keep up with ever-changing CDC guidelines. Many businesses have hired SERVPRO for both preventative cleaning and disinfection and cleaning for confirmed cases.

Scope of Cleanup Protocol

SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents.  The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum.  These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well as the following suggestions:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving and racks
  • Sales counters
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Cleanup and Disinfecting Procedures

Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to SARS-Cov-2.

SERVPROXIDE, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-Cov-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces.  In addition, SERVPROXIDE Currently has dozens of EPA- approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. Coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1), and more.

Porous surfaces that are not water-sensitive, such as carpet and other fabric material, cannot be disinfected but can be sanitized using SERVPROXIDE.

Whether your business has a confirmed case or you are looking to prevent any future cases, SERVPRO has you covered when it comes to commercial COVID-19 cleaning.

Janitorial Services vs Commercial Cleaning Services

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you own or operate a business, then you know how important it is to keep your workspace clean and organized.  The condition of your workspace leaves an impression on the people who visit your business, which can have a direct effect on your bottom line.  Few people will want to do business with a company that cannot keep its own space in good condition.  

While some companies keep their workspace clean by hiring an in-house cleaning crew, others either do not have the resources to hire an in-house crew or would rather hire a third party.  This means that they must hire a professional to provide janitorial or commercial cleaning services.  The phrases “janitorial services” and “commercial cleaning services” are often used interchangeably, but these terms actually describe two somewhat different types of cleaning services.  If you are looking to hire a cleaning professional for your office or commercial building, it helps to understand the difference between the two types of services. This can help to ensure you are hiring a professional that can take care of the cleaning you want to be done.

Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning: What is the Difference?

The difference between janitorial services and commercial cleaning is that janitorial services include small, everyday cleaning tasks while commercial cleaning involves bigger jobs that are done a few times per year.  For example, janitorial services include regular vacuuming of the carpeting while commercial cleaning services include deep carpet cleaning.  Hiring a janitorial service is beneficial for everyday cleaning and maintenance.  Companies can look into hiring commercial cleaning services for deep cleanings.

Janitorial Services

As stated above, a janitorial service provider will take care of everyday cleaning duties and keep your workspace clean and well maintained on a regular basis.  With consistent janitorial services, your office or facility will always look good and be ready for visitors, customers, and business associates.  Companies tend to schedule janitorial services based on their needs, typically on a daily, weekly, or bi-weekly basis.

Professionals that provide janitorial services are trained to use cleaning products and equipment to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and maintain clean and sanitary conditions.  These services typically include the following:

  • Restroom cleaning
  • Cleaning of employee breakrooms or kitchens
  • Sweeping and mopping of hard surface floors
  • Vacuuming of the carpet
  • Dusting
  • Emptying trash

Commercial Cleaning Services

Commercial cleaning services cover bigger cleaning jobs that do not need to be done on a regular basis.  You can hire a commercial cleaning service provider on a one-time, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. The cleaning services provided by a commercial cleaning company typically include:

  • Carpet Cleaning
  • Tile and grout cleaning
  • Hard surface floor cleaning
  • Furniture and upholstery cleaning
  • Window washing
  • Power washing

Deciding Between Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning

If you are interested in consistent cleaning services that keep your office or facility looking clean and presentable, then you need janitorial services.  If there are a couple of big cleaning projects you need to be done such as upholstery cleaning, power washing, or carpet cleaning then you need to talk to a company that provides commercial cleaning services.

SERVPRO can help with all of your commercial cleaning needs. We have many different proprietary products that help to deep clean any size commercial cleaning job.

#1 in Commercial Cleaning

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you need cleaning for a commercial office or require industrial cleaning services, your SERVPRO Professionals can help. You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office or warehouse. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in your SERVPRO Professionals. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO Professionals to make your workspace or warehouse look its very best.

Your SERVPRO professionals will get the job done right and get it done quickly because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:

  • Award-winning training
  • Over 40 years experience in the industry
  • More than 100 exclusive cleaning products

Have Questions? Call Today (610) 667 -9080

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward to provide your employees and customers ongoing safety as you operate after the COVID-19 pandemic. As America’s #1 cleanup and restoration brand, we have developed a program that is grounded in our 3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify. Visit our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned page and let us show you how we can make your building safer and ready to get back to business.

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO Professionals offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Their cleaning services include the following:

Commercial Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Systems

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 1,210 warehouse structure fires were reported each year during 2009-2013. These fires caused $155 million in direct property damage, 19 civilian injuries, and 3 civilian deaths on average per year.

If you have a warehouse, you probably want to protect it from a fire. If your warehouse is destroyed by a fire, it can cause costly damage to your business or even put you out of business entirely. Installing fire sprinkler systems in your warehouse can help prevent property loss due to fire. There are several sprinkler systems that can be used in warehouses.

In-Rack Sprinkler System

When a fire starts inside of a warehouse it can spread very quickly unless contained. In-rack sprinkler systems help to stop the spread of a fire within a specific rack storage area. This prevents the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. In-rack sprinklers have a network of pipes that surround the racked structure and target a specific area.

ESFR Sprinklers

ESFR (Early Suppression, Fast Response) sprinklers are ceiling-mounted systems that are used in warehouses. These systems are designed to suppress a fire by releasing a large volume of water directly on the fire. Early Suppression Fast Response systems react faster than traditional sprinkler systems and use larger water droplets.

ESFR systems often can be used in place of in-rack sprinkler systems. Typically, the ESFR system will provide better protection than an in-rack system. However, there are some limitations to the use of ESFR systems. ESFR systems cannot be used with certain storage configurations or building types.

Quell Sprinkler System

The Quell fire sprinkler system can be used in cold storage spaces or unheated warehouses. It can be used to protect high piled storage areas. This system surrounds the protected area and douses it with large volumes of water. The Quell system eliminates the need for in-rack sprinkler components which gives you more flexibility with storage configurations.

Large Loss Commercial Services

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

When attending many conferences we found that many people only associate us with residential services but we handle many large loss jobs as well. Our crew is trained both on how to handle small apartment losses up to huge commercial business losses.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

  • The Hospitality Industry
  • Property Managers
  • Universities
  • Municipalities
  • The Pentagon
  • Manufacturing
  • Multifamily housing 
  • Logistics 
  • Student housing

Restoring your Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd Commercial Property

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events in Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd

commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd


SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Fire Damaged Materials Need Meticulous Clean

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

The dangers of fire damage can last much longer than the initial fire blaze. Two of the most toxic types of damage are the fire itself and the resulting smoke damage. Smoke and soot can damage a home by permeating through the walls, upholstery, ceiling, insulation, air conditioning vents, and other hard to clean places. 

This is why it is important to understand that fire damage in homes can present itself in many ways. Depending on the type of fire that attacks your home, not only are the apparent soot, ash, and fire damage unsightly, but possible structure damage and future contamination are possible. 

Never Have Your Fire Damage Overlooked Again 

For example, depending on where a fire burns in a structure, it can affect support beams, load-bearing walls, and it can wreak havoc on wiring and insulation. Even if your fire emergency seemed localized to a particular area in the house, remember, the attic must be checked for damage as well. 

SERVPRO uses our advanced cleanup methods and detection tools to check from closet to closet, room to room, and floor to ceiling, to detect all fire and post-fire damages. We know where to check to make sure your HVAC system will not spread smoke and toxins after a fire. We will make sure that your insulation is intact and that the structure of your home is safe. If we detect any need for replacement and restoration, we provide a range of services, including building services, that can take care of any fire and water damage and debris. 

Because secondary fire damage, such as water use from firefighting efforts can also be an issue, our specialists pay much attention to a full, detailed analysis of your home’s damage before making a plan of action and beginning cleanup and restoration. 

Contamination is not always seen by the untrained eye. It can be hidden in places such as your HVAC (air conditioning and heating) systems. SERVPRO inspects the home from attic to basement, to ensure that all vents and air circulating systems are completely clean. If you were to neglect this part of fire damage cleanup, there is always the possibility of blowing toxic dust, ash, and soot, even on the microscopic level, into your cleaned home, effectively re-contaminating it and exposing residents to its dangers. 

Our 24/7 Emergency Service line is at your disposal. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line / Bala Cynwyd anytime at 610-667-9080 for a quick response to your fire emergency, or to ask questions.

What is Commercial Property Insurance?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Let’s start by defining commercial property insurance. Often included as part of a packaged business owner's policy, but also as a stand-alone policy, commercial property insurance covers damage to a company’s building and its contents due to covered perils, such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. If your company has a building with land, computers, equipment, or inventory, you probably need property insurance.

The amount of coverage your business needs and the cost of this coverage, however, will vary depending on the nature of your business and the value of its assets. Coverage can either cover all risks except those specifically included or only those risks which are specifically named in the policy. The cost of this coverage will depend on how you value your company’s assets and whether you opt to include coverage for things like a business interruption or risks specific to your business’s location and industry.

While there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right commercial property insurance plan or business owner's policy, it doesn’t need to be complicated!

Source: IRMI Glossary

Top 6 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Major Causes of Water Damage
Did you know that a leaking faucet can cost you more or less 250 gallons of water each month? There are 12 months in a year; do the math and you will get an idea of the amount of money you get to waste each year for a single unfixed leaking faucet. Below are the 6 most common causes of commercial water damage.

Damaged sprinkler system
The law requires all commercial entities to have a sprinkler system, along with a fire alarm, installed in the building for safety purposes in case of fire. The sprinkler system should only get activated when there is too much heat from the fire. However, over time, the sprinkler can get broken and malfunction. When this happens, the sprinkler can get activated even without fire leading to serious flooding within the building.

Roof leaks
The roof should protect the occupants and everything within the building from external elements such as the heat from the sun and rain. But a leaky roof does otherwise. As the roof gets older, it also becomes more vulnerable to heavy rains and snow, resulting in water damage to your building’s roof.

Broken HVAC system
Your business’ HVAC system is an essential part of maintaining the temperature of your building and to make its occupants comfortable. Studies have also shown that your HVAC system can also impact the productivity level of your employees. However, like any other part of your commercial building, your HVAC system can also experience issues such as clogging and leaking. An HVAC system that is not cleaned and maintained regularly can cause water damage from the excess water in the compression tanks.

Broken equipment and appliances
Sometimes, your building may have appliances such as a water heater, AC, washing machine, and others. Apart from that, there are also pipes within the building that can get damage anytime and cause water damage in the commercial space. Major problems happen if these equipment and appliances get broken and no one notices it or during off-hours as it can leak a significant amount of water.

Damaged windows
Another common cause of water damage in commercial buildings is damaged windows. Rainwater and moisture can seep through especially if the windows are not properly maintained and need re-caulking. While it may not cause immediate flooding, it can do great damage to the drywall and can encourage mold growth.

Natural disaster
Apart from the damage to your building’s foundation and roof, water damage in commercial buildings can also be caused by natural disasters like hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rain resulting in flash floods. Clogged gutters can lead rainwater to flow towards the foundation of your building, making it more vulnerable to water damage.
Commercial water damage is a devastating problem that any business owner can experience. While there is no way to totally get rid of the threats of water damage on your building, knowing its most common causes will help you minimize the risk.

 

How to Keep Warehouse Workers Warm

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for Staying Warm in a Warehouse During the Winter

Unfortunately, it’s the nature of a warehouse to be cold during the winter. With large loading doors opening and closing frequently during the day and night, it can seem nearly impossible to keep your warehouse warm during winter. Not only is this problematic from a facility management standpoint, but it can also create a less than comfortable workspace that is challenging for your workers. There are ways, however, to combat the cold in your warehouse during the winter, lower your utility bills, improve productivity, and provide a comfortable environment for your employees.

KEEPING THE WAREHOUSE WARM

During the winter, especially in colder climates, it isn’t going to be possible to keep your warehouse at a comfortable 72 degrees. Your loading bay doors will need to be open regularly, which allows cold air to come into the warehouse, keeping the temperatures low. However, there are ways that you can increase warmth in your warehouse, creating a more comfortable place to work.

  1. Check the Doors. If the loading doors don’t need to be open all the time, make sure that they are closed. This is the easiest way to keep your warehouse at a more comfortable winter temperature. Doors that need to be open on a more constant basis can be fitted with plastic sheeting that will allow easy movement through the door, but provide some barrier from the elements outside. Before it gets too cold, it’s also a good idea to make sure that your loading area doors are well sealed. This will reduce drafts, making a better barrier for your warehouse when the doors are closed. Finally, make sure that your doors are maintained and the motors to lift the doors are functioning properly. This will reduce the likelihood that a door will get stuck open when the weather is poor.
  2. Improve Warehouse Airflow. Airflow patterns in warehouses can be challenging. There are a lot of barriers that disrupt smooth airflow through your warehouse, and high ceilings tend to hold on to the warm air. Improving the way air moves through your warehouse can make a substantial difference in the overall climate in your facility. There are few ways that this can be accomplished.
    • Fans – this is a relatively inexpensive way to improve airflow in your warehouse. Using high volume low speed (HVLS) fans can help move warm air through your warehouse, and pull warm air away from the ceiling. Fans are low energy, so installing fans in your warehouse will not make a significant impact to your utility bills.
    • Warehouse Layout – Look at the configuration of your space. How are the shelves arranged? Do your aisles create wind tunnels? If your warehouse layout allows cold air to move easily from the doors to the rest of the building, it may be time to consider moving things around.
    • A Shelving Upgrade – This is probably the costliest way to improve airflow. If you have solid shelving, but could convert to low-profile wire shelving, you can greatly increase the airflow in your warehouse. These shelves aren’t practical for all warehouses, but they may be a good solution in the right facility.
  3. More Heaters. If you find that you have spots that are constantly cold, despite making other changes, the best solution may just be adding more heaters. New radiant heaters are highly efficient and create a good amount of heat for large spaces.
  4. Service Your HVAC System. Finally, make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the winter. Have a HVAC professional visit your facility and give your system a good tune-up and service to ensure that it is functioning as efficiently as possible.

Tips from: https://www.forkliftcertification.com/tips-staying-warm-in-warehouse-during-winter/

Fire Protection Systems for High Rise Buildings

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to fire safety, high rise buildings have additional challenges that are not found in low rise buildings. In high rises, the time it takes to exit a building is longer, the number of people in the building is higher, and fire department accessibility may be more difficult.

Keeping Building Occupants Safe

If you live or work in a high-rise building, there are some safety measures you should take in order to stay safe during a fire. When choosing somewhere to live, be sure that you select a building that is fully sprinkler. Ask your landlord about the fire protection systems the building has including sprinklers, fire alarms, and voice communication.

You should make sure that you know the locations of all available stairs and exit routes that you can take to evacuate the building. During a fire in a high-rise, the time to evacuate is limited so being prepared and knowing the exit routes is very important.

High Rise Fire Sprinklers

High-rise sprinkler systems are often required to have fire sprinkler systems installed. Fire sprinklers can be installed in newly constructed buildings or retrofitted into an existing building. Having a fire sprinkler in your building save lives in the event of a fire. Sprinklers can limit the amount of damage that the fire can cause, and they prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building which is very crucial in a high-rise.

Fire sprinklers in high-rise buildings must be well maintained and inspected regularly. If a fire sprinkler system is not working properly, it can have devastating consequences for the property and the people inside. Inspections and testing of high-rise sprinklers can help make sure the sprinklers are ready to protect the building from a fire.

High Rise Alarm Systems

Fire alarm systems, with the addition of voice communication, are an important addition to any high rise fire protection system. Fire alarm systems will alert occupants of a fire so they have time to evacuate. Time is invaluable in high-rise fires, especially for people who are on higher floors, where it takes extra time to exit the building. Make sure that alarm systems are up to code and inspected regularly. An alarm system that is not working can lead to a loss of lives.

Are You Ready?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire or water damage emergency happens will you be READY?  None of us like to consider that we will become victims of a water or fire damage disaster.  Unfortunately, it could and inevitably will happen to each of us either at our home or at our place of business.  It’s extremely important to know what to do in the event of an emergency.  As leaders in the Fire and Water Damage Restoration Industry, SERVPRO is here to help you prepare for an emergency before it happens by offering to assist you with creating an ERP.

What is an ERP?

An ERP stands for an Emergency Ready Program.  It is a no-cost readiness plan designed to help home and business owners recover from a disaster faster, which leads to lower recovery costs.  Make sure you’re ready and not ruined with our Emergency Ready Program. 

Contact our office today for more details on how to get started creating your own ERP.  

Emergency Ready Profile's For Businesses

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

If you run or own a business, getting an ERP from SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd would be a highly intelligent choice to make. An ERP is an emergency response plan and lets our franchise know what you want us to do when you suffer a fire or water loss. This could be crucial in saving your property from more damage. Information included in this emergency plan is contact names like plumbers and emergency contacts, where we should park, plan of action, etc. The best part about our ERP's is the fact that they are a free service we provide for all of our customers! Please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd at 610-667-9080 today to get your ERP!

Large Commercial Water Losses

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

In the event of a rain storm, flooding could occur anywhere at any time. We never really know exactly when the next weather event could happen. This means it is important to prepare for this before it happens. ERP's (emergency ready plan) are one way businesses can prepare for water or fire losses. Regardless, if a water loss occurs at your business give SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd a call at 610-667-9080 to receive fast and professional work. We understand the importance of getting businesses back up and running ASAP because that is money and time that can not be made up. You never know if you are going to experience an emergency loss, so ask yourself, is it better to be ready or not?

Commercial Properties Seeing Steady Growth in 2020

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

ARLINGTON, VA -- Property values in Arlington, both commercial and residential, continued a steady climb into 2020, according to an a county press release. The total assessed value of all commercial and residential property grew by 4.6 percent, compared to 3.5 percent last year.

The value of commercial properties had the greater increase at 4.9 percent overall, compared to a 4.3 percent increase for residential properties.

Arlington splits its real estate tax base almost equally between commercial (49 percent) and residential (51 percent) property assessments. In 2019, 57 percent of all county revenues came from real estate taxes.

 About 85 percent of Arlington residential property owners saw an increase to the assessed value of their homes, while the rest saw a drop in value or no change. The average home value, including townhouse, condominiums and detached homes, is $686,300.

The county credits the increase in commercial property values to the decline in office vacancies, new construction, growing rental property demand and leasing-activity related to Amazon's new headquarters.

Arlington County mailed assessments to property owners on Friday, Jan. 17, and posted assessment information online at 11 a.m. The 2020 assessments are based on an estimate of fair market value as of Jan. 1, 2020.

TV Sets Fire

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

WESTPORT - A TV at a commercial property on Bluff Point started a fire that extended inside the wall of the building.

The call came in around 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The initial dispatch was for Engine 4, Engine 2, Truck 1 and the Shift Commander.

Assistant Chief Brian Meadow said in a release when Engine 4 arrived, firefighters were met by a property representative who stated seeing flames through a window on the second floor and using a fire extinguisher.

“Crews made entry and found evidence that the TV fire had extended to the wall of the structure. Members from E4 and E2 worked together to stretch a 300-foot attack line while the Truck Company opened the wall to check for extension and shut off power to the building.”

Engine 5 and Engine 6 were added to the assignment as well as mutual aid from Fairfield and Norwalk.

  “The fire was confined to the wall in the area of the TV with no other extension,” Meadows said.

The Westport Fire Marshal’s office was on scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

Additionally Westport EMS and Eversource responded to the scene.

The scene was turned over to the property manager. The last Fire Department unit cleared at 9:01 p.m.

How to Become a Great Commercial Property Manager

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

One of the greatest ways to increase the value of commercial real estate is through good property management. While buying a property at the right price is critical, what you do with it after the purchase is often more important. Here are some key tips for good property management.

Keep tenants happy
Unlike residential properties, it is very difficult and expensive to find new tenants for commercial properties. It can take two to nine months. A leasing commission isn’t due until you sign the lease, and often you have to spend money on the space to make it leasable. Therefore the best way to maintain your income is to keep existing tenants from leaving.

Maintaining a positive tenant relationship involves regular communication, anticipating their needs, and being proactive.

Maintain the property
The appearance of a building is important for a business’s success and tenants pay more for better maintained properties.

In the commercial real estate business we designate properties as Class A, B, or C based on the state of the property. Class A properties have higher rent and lower turnover than Class B or C. While a tenant may settle for a Class C property, as the business grows (or rents decline), the tenant will often move to a Class A property.

As with all properties, deferring maintenance can lead to costly fixes later. For example, resealing a parking lot every three years can seem expensive and unnecessary, but it pushes out the need for asphalt replacement (at 10 times the cost of sealing) by decades.

For a large commercial property, the list of things that need to be regularly maintained is extensive. If you don’t have experience managing commercial properties, you should rely on a seasoned property manager to do the necessary inspections.

Improve the property
Perhaps the best way to increase the value of a property is by making targeted improvements. Since the value of a commercial building is derived solely from the income it generates, it is easy to quantify the value of an improvement based on the potential increase in rent.

For example, if a landscape upgrade costs $20,000 and it’s expected to increase the rent by $750 per month (due to increased rental rates or filled vacancies), not only will you get your money back in two years, but that minor upgrade increased the value of the property by $150,000 (at an 8 percent cap rate)!

Know your product
Owning and managing commercial real estate requires specific knowledge about that product type. Retail, office, and industrial properties each require different skill sets, understanding of your customer, and maintenance expertise. Know what amenities your tenants require, what services you’re expected to provide, and the aesthetic standards typical of that product type.

In addition, each product type has different equipment (signage, boilers, roll up doors, bathrooms) and different preventative maintenance requirements. Because of this, it’s important you have a team that is experienced with the type of property in which you are investing.

Know the leases inside and out
Leases are complex, cumbersome, and hard to read. Yet one of the greatest ways to increase property value is through diligent analysis and follow through of the lease provisions in place.

There are many provisions in leases that either allow the owner to collect more money or the owner to bill back expenses. Often rental rate increase and late payment provisions are not followed. In large properties, there are typically multiple variations of leases for different tenants. Having a clear understanding of each lease and the diligence to follow through during the entire period you own the property will significantly increase its value.

Have an asset management plan
Like any investment, commercial real estate should involve a plan. Each property should have its own strategy. Why are you investing in that property? What is the upside potential? How do you achieve it? What is your holding period? Five years? Ten years? Until death? How does your holding period affect the investments you make in the property? How do you achieve optimal value (cash flow or sale value depending on strategy) during your holding period?

These are the types of questions you should ask when evaluating a property. After purchasing, you should put the game plan in place for achieving your strategy. An experienced asset manager knows how best to achieve objectives based on the stated strategy.

Owning commercial real estate can be a tremendously rewarding investment. But unlike investment in stocks or bonds, it requires active management and participation. Following the steps above will help ensure you achieve the highest income and sale price for your commercial real estate.


Does your Eastern Main Line Home Contain Lead?

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Older homes, older child care facilities, schools and other buildings are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Homes may be private, government-assisted or public housing. Schools are preschools and kindergarten classrooms. They may be urban, suburban or rural.

Percentage of homes likely to contain lead:

    • Built between 1960-1978 = 24%
    • Built between 1940-1960 = 69%
    • Built before 1940 = 87%

What can you do to protect your family from lead in pre-1978 homes?

  • If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
  • Clean up paint chips immediately.
  • Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
  • Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
  • Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often.
  • Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.
  • Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/ Bala Cynwyd follows the EPA's strict guidelines for lead paint

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by the EPA. These firms also must use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.

According to EPA requirements (40 CFR Part 745) contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:

  • Contain the work area.
  • Minimize dust.
  • Clean up thoroughly.

SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/ Bala Cynwyd technicians always take the necessary precautions according to current laws. Our technicians have been trained and certified to follow lead-safe work practices while performing renovation and repair projects in your area.

Safety Tips For The Workplace

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

1. Remove clutter like papers, trash, unused equipment etc. from the office the reduce the chances of falling employees. 

2.  DO NOT use rolling office chairs as step ups or ladders. 

3.  Carpet may be a safer choice as it doesn't get slippery when wet like tile or hardwood floors. 

4.  Employees should understand how to operate all equipment that they are expected to use by completing a training beforehand. 

5.  Try to not repeatedly look up and down from a computer screen to paper as it could strain employees necks. 

6. OSHA recommends workers take a 10 minute break for each hour spent looking at a computer screen. 

7. Position your computer screen so that you can work comfortably. More work does not get done when an employee is uncomfortable. 

8.  Make sure you have the right prescription glasses for computer time and reading. This can be detrimental to your eyesight if you don't. 

9. Make sure cords and outlets are in good condition. Older cords are much more likely to break and create fire hazards. 

10. DO NOT block fire escapes, exits, or sprinkler systems. You never know when an emergency will happen and if these things aren't accessible that is not good. 

11. Establish employee reporting systems so that you can get feedback/concerns with things around the office. Obvious issues may be pointed out that management never noticed before. 

ERP's for Businesses

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

If you run or own a business, getting an ERP from SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd would be a highly intelligent choice to make. An ERP is an emergency response plan and lets our franchise know what you want us to do when you suffer a fire or water loss. This could be crucial in saving your property from more damage. Information included in this emergency plan is contact names like plumbers and emergency contacts, where we should park, plan of action, etc. The best part about our ERP's is the fact that they are a free service we provide for all of our customers! Please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd at 610-667-9080 today to get your ERP!

Large Commercial Water Losses

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

In the event of a rain storm, flooding could occur anywhere at any time. We never really know exactly when the next weather event could happen. This means it is important to prepare for this before it happens. ERP's (emergency ready plan) are one way businesses can prepare for water or fire losses. Regardless, if a water loss occurs at your business give SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd a call at 610-667-9080 to receive fast and professional work. We understand the importance of getting businesses back up and running ASAP because that is money and time that can not be made up. You never know if you are going to experience an emergency loss, so ask yourself, is it better to be ready or not?

Restoring Your Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd

SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Commercial Cleaning Checklist

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

As a business you must run as efficiently as possible. This is important to make money and not be wasteful while doing it. To do that your work area must be clean at all times! Here are a few pointers on where to clean at your building. 

  • Dust all areas routinely 
  • Vacuum floors and other upholstery 
  • Clean out vents and change air filters
  • Spray glass surfaces with glass cleaner and wipe down
  • Disinfect door knobs and other commonly touched surfaces
  • Polish hardwood floors
  • Take out all trash!

If you do this, it will help your business run more smoothly. Organization is very important to any business. If you need any help with cleaning SERVPRO of Eastern Main Line/Bala Cynwyd is just a phone call away at 610-667-9080. 

SERVPRO Commercial Cleaning Services

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

When most people hear “SERVPRO” they think of water and fire restoration but we actually provide many other services like commercial cleaning and duct cleaning!

While most offices do a pretty good job at keeping their office clean, the everyday wear and tear will gradually build up. When it gets too much for your regular janitor to handle, call in SERVPRO! We do a fantastic job at removing odors, deep cleaning of carpets, flooring and much more. Every member of our crew is trained specifically to be able to handle a commercial cleaning job of any size.

Our cleaning services include:

  • Air ducts and HVAC - Drapes and Blinds
  • Biohazard Cleanup - Odor Removal
  • Carpet and Upholstery -Sewage
  • Ceilings, Floors, and Walls - Trauma and Crime Scene
  • Vandalism

Content by: SERVPRO Corporate