Keeping common areas clean starts with a service plan that reflects how the property is used. Clear expectations help boards and management evaluate the work and address areas that need attention. Craig Saxner of Professional Building Services shared five practical tips for South Florida associations.
Match the cleaning schedule to the property
Organize tasks by frequency. Daily work can include elevator buttons, door handles, lobby surfaces, and trash bins. Weekly work may include deeper floor care, glass cleaning, and amenity cleaning. Plan pressure washing, light fixture dusting, and carpet extraction on a monthly or quarterly schedule as appropriate. Confirm each frequency with the vendor based on the property's traffic, conditions, and finishes.
Include areas that are easy to overlook
The scope of work should name the less visible areas that also need attention. These include pool furniture frames, elevator tracks, stairwell handrails and ledges, mailroom counters, waste room walls and chutes, and hallway baseboards. Listing these areas makes expectations clearer and gives management specific items to review during inspections.
Account for South Florida conditions
Warm, humid weather and coastal exposure should inform the cleaning plan. Review exterior walkways for mold and mildew buildup, lobby glass for salt residue, and pool areas for added cleaning needs during busy seasons. Adjust the schedule with the vendor as conditions and use change.
Review the scope together on site
Use a scope of work written for the association's actual buildings and amenities. Identify the areas covered, the tasks to be performed, and their frequency. Periodic walkthroughs with the janitorial vendor give management and the board an opportunity to review results, discuss concerns, and confirm that service expectations are being met.
Check insurance and staff supervision
Review the vendor's qualifications and confirm appropriate commercial liability and workers' compensation coverage with the association's insurance adviser. Ask how employees are trained, who supervises their work, and how service concerns are handled. Establish a clear contact for quality issues and urgent service calls.
Thank you to Craig Saxner and Professional Building Services for contributing these tips.
Professional Building Services|954-473-0025|probuildingsvcs.com
For help coordinating janitorial services and routine property care at your association, schedule a conversation with Precision Property Management.
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