First impressions are important. This is true for meeting your date’s parents, for in-person job interviews and introducing your business to new customers or visitors. The latter is what we’re going to focus on today, specifically when it comes to your building’s appearance.
If you own a commercial business, your facility is an extension of yourself. It’s what visitors see and experience when they arrive and can have a big impact on how the rest of the introduction will go. While appearances aren’t everything, they do make an impression—especially if the building is worn down, damaged or unsightly.
Fortunately, as a commercial building maintenance and janitorial company that has years of experience in the industry, we know a few ways to ensure your facility is always looking its best. Let’s go over six techniques for improving your building’s appearance.
1. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
First, we’ll start with the basics. Cleaning and maintenance aren’t just a good idea—they’re essential for maintaining a pristine environment and making a good first impression. A clean building is a welcome building, after all. Some regular cleaning and maintenance tasks you should always have on the schedule include:
- Daily cleaning: Especially important for high-traffic areas like the lobby, restrooms and common spaces, your interior must be cleaned daily to reduce the building of dirt, grime, germs and trash.
- Window washing: Clean windows have a big impact on a building’s overall appearance. Regular window washing prevents streaks and spots, allowing natural light to brighten the interior. Not cleaning windows is like not cleaning glasses you’re wearing; it’s impossible not to notice.
- Floor maintenance: Whether you have carpet, tile or wood flooring, it should be cleaned regularly (and maintained). This includes vacuuming, mopping and occasional deep cleaning.
Fernic Building Solutions provides comprehensive janitorial services tailored to the needs of each client, so we can ensure that every corner of your business shines.
2. Landscaping and Exterior Maintenance
The exterior is just as important as the interior, especially when it comes to first impressions, as the visitor sees the outside first. Landscaping is key in making a positive first impression. Key areas to focus on for this area of your building’s appearance include:
- Lawn, shrubs and flower beds: Regularly trimmed foliage can transform the appearance of your property. Consider adding seasonal flowers for a splash of color.
- Parking lots and walkways: These areas should be free from debris, potholes and cracks. Regular sweeping, pressure washing and repairs will help this for both safety and appearance reasons.
- Building facade: Keep the building’s exterior walls free from dirt, mold and graffiti. Power washing and periodic repairing can keep the facade looking fresh and inviting.
Fernic also can help in this area with our exterior maintenance services like power washing.
3. Upgrade Lighting
Whether for the interior or exterior, lighting plays a crucial role in a building’s appearance. Proper lighting enhances safety, highlights architectural features and creates an inviting atmosphere for guests. Your two options here are:
- Interior lighting: Replace outdated fixtures with modern, energy efficient LED lighting that reduces energy costs and provides better illumination. Accent lighting also helps highlight artwork, plants and other details.
- Exterior lighting: Well-placed exterior lights enhance security and can light up pathways or highlight trees and landscaping.
Fernic Building solutions can plan and install lighting upgrades for your business to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your building.
4. Modernize Signage
Don’t forget about the signs that identify your business. They also contribute to the overall look and signs that are damaged stand out. Consider the following upgrades to your signage:
- Branding: Ensure signage reflects your brand’s current image, identity and messaging. Use modern materials that are in line with these as well.
- Readability: Signs should be easy to see and read from a distance. Proper lighting can help with this, day and night.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect signs for damage and wear, replacing faded or outdated components as needed.
Fernic Building Solutions can help you maintain your signage and ensure it always looks its best.
5. Interior Design Updates
There are some additional opportunities inside the building as well, which always helps with creating the environment you envision for employees and visitors. Here are some updates to consider for your building’s interior:
- Furniture: Update old or worn furniture with modern, comfortable pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Colors: Refresh the color scheme of your interiors if you’re looking to freshen or change things up. Just don’t forget to complement your brand.
- Artwork: Adding art, plants or decorations can enhance the visual appeal of your space.
Fernic Building Solutions offers consulting services to help you choose the best design updates for your space, as well as install them.
6. Go Green
Going eco-friendly is another potential area that could be appealing to your customer base, but it can also save you money and contribute to a healthier environment. Here are some tips for this area:
- Energy efficiency: Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems, lighting and appliances, lowering utility costs as you reduce your carbon footprint.
- Waste management: Consider implementing recycling and an official waste management program to keep your building cleaner and more organized.
- Green spaces: Improve air quality by incorporating indoor plants and green spaces.
Fernic Building Solutions can guide you in implementing green practices that benefit both your building’s appearance and the environment.
If you’re looking for more ways to improve your building’s appearance, or you need help addressing the items on this list, contact Fernic Building Solutions today for a consultation or no-obligation quote.