Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)

13 February 2025

For property owners and managers in London, implementing a robust planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme is key to effectively maintaining ageing building stock while avoiding costly reactive repairs.

With both residential and commercial real estate in the city ranging from modern high-rises to historic row houses, having proactive maintenance schedules customised to each property is crucial. Let’s examine what planned preventative maintenance entails along with its benefits for London landlords and building owners. We’ll also look at how PPM saves money in the long run compared to reactive maintenance as well as top services to include in PPM programmes for both residential and commercial properties.

What is Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)?

The core difference between planned preventative maintenance and reactive maintenance is being proactive versus reactive. With preventative maintenance, the goal is to anticipate potential issues and address them before they occur.

Reactive maintenance involves fixing things like equipment breakdowns, leaks, or other issues only after they have already happened and caused a disruption. Being reactive means more emergencies, greater costs for repairs, and unintended property deterioration. 

PPM involves creating a maintenance schedule based on the specific needs of each property. This includes routine tasks like safety checks, equipment servicing, part replacement, upgrades, inspections, and general repairs. 

Being proactive with maintenance keeps properties in optimal shape over the long run by tackling maintenance needs head-on before they spiral into larger problems. Identifying issues early is always more efficient and affordable than waiting until systems fail or damage is extensive.

The Importance of PPM for Property Owners

Implementing a PPM programme is highly beneficial for London property owners and landlords. It helps maintain property value, meet compliance standards, reduce downtime from breakdowns, and improve energy efficiency and safety. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, for example, states that mechanical and electrical plants must be serviced regularly with PPM programmes in place.

Tenants also appreciate well-maintained properties, which is an important consideration in the London property market.

With London’s large stock of ageing residential and commercial buildings, being proactive avoids deteriorating property conditions. Issues like damp, mould, and leaking roofs can arise if not addressed promptly. Having a PPM schedule ensures defects get fixed quickly before causing bigger problems.

How PPM Saves Costs on Long-Term Repairs

While PPM requires upfront investment, the cost savings from avoiding major repairs down the road make it well worth it. Addressing maintenance preventatively is less costly than reacting to emergencies or problems after they escalate.

PPM also extends the lifespans of building systems and equipment by keeping everything functioning optimally. Fewer unexpected breakdowns lead to less downtime as well. This minimises disruptions to tenants and business operations.

Regular inspections and servicing ensure fire detection systems, elevators, electrical systems, and other critical building infrastructure meet legal standards. Avoiding compliance failures reduces risk and liability for owners – compliance failures can lead to expensive fines.

Top PPM Services for Residential and Commercial Properties

PPM services for residential and commercial properties in London vary depending on what the building is used for, but some of the main areas include:

• Annual roof inspections and gutter/downspout clearing
• Regular HVAC servicing and filter changes  
• Electrical system testing and wiring checks
• Fire detection/alarm checks and certifications
• Plumbing inspections and leak checks
• Exterior facade inspections for cracks or damage
• Elevator/escalator servicing and safety checks
• Commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning
• Parking garage door maintenance 
• Landscaping and grounds maintenance

Implementing a comprehensive planned preventative maintenance programme requires commitment but pays dividends through well-maintained properties and avoided costly repairs. 

London property owners and managers can benefit greatly from being proactive with regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs tailored to their specific portfolio. Investing in PPM provides excellent returns and keeps tenants satisfied.

Here at TCL we have a team to assist with contract management services, get in touch today to see how we can help.