As a building owner, you rely on occupied units to generate income, cover your costs, and ultimately provide a respectable return on investment (ROI). Here we explore how façade restoration and maintenance helps attract and retain tenants, while boosting your property’s valuation.
What is façade restoration?
Façade restoration returns a building’s exterior appearance to its original state through repairs, cleaning, and material replacement.
What is involved in façade restoration?
At WellDone Inc. we follow a thorough process that includes the following steps:
- Inspection of the building’s envelope to determine what areas require repairs or replacement including the cladding, windows, doors, curtain walls, seals, railings, balconies, etc.
- Estimation of costs based on the inspection findings
- Historical considerations for heritage sites to retain original characteristics in accordance with heritage building designation best practices
- Recommendations based on a prioritized approach to restoration
- Review of possible consequences of not performing each aspect of the restoration process as required
- Advice on an ongoing maintenance program to help prolong the life of the restoration
- Recommendations for building envelope upgrades to protect interiors, reduce air/water infiltration and improve energy efficiency/occupant comfort
What issues are commonly addressed in a façade restoration?
The typical issues addressed in façade restoration include:
Masonry repairs and brick/block replacement
Masonry begins to deteriorate over time, which calls for a wide range of repairs or in more severe cases, replacements. Some recommendations might include:
- Tuckpointing repairs
- Stonework repair and replacement
- Masonry helical-ties installation
- Shelf-angle repairs
- Through-wall flashing
Coatings and waterproofing
A wide variety of coatings are found on GTA buildings which require specific processes that help them retain their protective qualities and appearance. For example, coatings can be applied for cosmetic purposes such as fresh paint or reapplication of wall coatings such as stucco. Other examples might include metal refinishing for aluminum siding or balcony railings. We can introduce innovative coating solutions designed to prolong life such as densifiers and penetrating sealers to help repel water. We can also apply waterproofing membranes to protect cladding and surfaces such as concrete balconies or metal roof systems.
Caulking & sealants
Repairs to caulking and sealants helps restore energy efficiency while protecting against water and air infiltration.
How does façade restoration improve tenant retention?
Façade restoration is critical to both attract and keep tenants by addressing the following issues:
- Improved energy efficiency: Sealing windows and doors as well as repairs to building envelop vulnerabilities improves energy efficiency. We can help reduce operating costs and avoid unnecessary rent increases that drive tenants away. Energy efficiency is also a selling point that appeals to a growing number of tenants interested in eco-friendly spaces. As a bonus it can also help you reach net zero targets set by the government.
- Comfort: The restoration process includes sealing air and water leaks that interfere with occupant comfort.
- Safety: Façade restoration prevents moisture and water related issues such as mould growth to improve air quality and increase tenant satisfaction.
- Curb appeal: Improved curb appeal elevates the perception of your building both aesthetically and from a maintenance perspective.
How does façade restoration improve property value?
A well-maintained façade appeals to potential buyers and investors who look for low vacancy rates that improve their ROI. When a building is attractive, it also attracts premium tenants who are willing to pay more for a building in good condition. This, in turn, increases profitability.
Façade restorations offer many benefits. They extend the life of building envelopes, enhance curb appeal, improve the comfort, health, and safety of tenants for increased retention, and maximize property value.
At WellDone Inc, we offer a safe working environment, timely execution of work and quality results from inception to completion of your building façade restorations. Click here to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation with our façade restoration experts.