Maintenance issues

Managing planned maintenance - Planned maintenance needs to be managed at strategic, operational and work levels. There are always options to consider.

Maintenance plans and information - Decision making about when and what to maintain depends on relevant and up to date information. There are many ways of obtaining and holding this information. Useful tools include maintenance plans and log books, but there are alternative information systems.

Carrying out planned maintenance - Procuring, contracting, specifying and supervising maintenance activities. Invariably maintenance is carried out in occupied buildings. Managing maintenance with minimum disruption is a critical aspect of planned maintenance.

Finance and cost - The availability of finance, the overall cost and the timing of expenditure may drive decision making. Carrying out maintenance to too high a standard may be an unnecessary use of resources; deferring maintenance risks higher future repair costs or reduction in asset values. Tax and grant allowances may be available.

'Best value' is the key concept. Maintenance can offer fantastic value for money: consider a £500,000 repair to rotten roof timbers that could have been prevented by an annual gutter cleaning regime costing £250.

Legislation and government policy - new legislative requirements or policies may drive the content of a planned maintenance plan. In the case of housing, the Decent Homes Standard has a significant impact on planned maintenance policy.

Responsibilities and duties under health and safety legislation may be met through planned maintenance. Correspondingly planned maintenance should be carried out with due regard to health and safety issues.