EMV 4236: Building Maintenance

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Definition of A building and Building Maintenance

A building is defined as any roofed structure that encloses space and is intended for
use as a shelter (for people, animals, or property) or for recreational, industrial,
commercial, or other functions.

Building maintenance is the practice of keeping the building in a proper and

acceptable condition and preserving/protecting it from failure in order for the building
to perform a required function that meets the business needs of the occupier.

1.2 Definition of Common Terms Used in Maintenance:

Assignment: Define each of the following maintenance related concepts:

 Refurbishment
 Renovation
 Rehabilitation
 Conversion
 Demolition
 Retrofit
 Façade Retention
1.3 Source/Options of obtaining Property Maintenance service
 Outsourced property maintenance service providers
 In-house property maintenance Team

N.B: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above

sources/options?

Advantages of outsourced property maintenance service providers

 Contracting property maintenance service provider saves significant time and

effort in taking care of every detail, no matter how minor it may be.
 If the property is rented by several tenants, having a property maintenance
crew in place presents an enormous advantage for prospective tenants
 Contracting professionals to do the job they are trained to do is cost effective
since it saves the owner from the cost of purchasing all necessary cleaning
tools and equipments which may be substantial.

Disadvantages of outsourced property maintenance service providers

Advantages and disadvantages of In-house property maintenance Team

1
Group Assignment:

Choose a building of your choice within the University Campus, carry out a
comprehensive survey and inspection, prepare a detailed report that indicates all the
building defects and suggest the best possible measures to solve the defects noted
(15 marks).