Running a business is no small feat, since you're usually juggling many important tasks and responsibilities all at the same time. Something that can often fly under the radar as you're managing your daily operations is the safety of your business exterior.

Having a great business exterior is about more than just appearances – it's about creating a safer environment for your customers and employees. In today's blog post, we discuss some of the areas of your commercial property that need extra time and care, and how routine exterior maintenance can help prevent accidents, injuries, or liability claims against your business.

What's The Value in Exterior Maintenance?

Do you want to welcome a new customer to your retail store, only to have them trip and fall in the parking lot and sue you for damages? Could your restaurant survive negative online reviews because of customers constantly having their cars burglarized while they're dining at your café?

Regular property maintenance, repairs, and added security measures may add an additional cost to your bottom line, but the reality is that these proactive steps help prevent costly accidents or even potential liability claims. A single lawsuit can cost your business valuable time, energy, and money, all while your business reputation takes a hit.

In addition, it can be hard to find and keep great employees, and they deserve to feel safe while they're on the clock. A safer work environment results in happier employees, which can decrease worker turnover and improve operational efficiency.

Investing in the safety of your business exterior can protect your property, your valued customers and employees, and the financial future of your small business.

Inspect These Areas Regularly

Too often small business owners focus more on making the interior of their business welcoming and accommodating, and overlook the outside. In reality, the outside of your business, whether it's a retail store, restaurant, or service provider, should be just as safe and attractive to customers.

All of these exterior areas should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure customers, as well as your employees, have a positive first impression and safe experience while on your commercial property.

Walkways and Entrances

Inspect for Tripping Hazards: Regularly check walkways for uneven surfaces, cracks, or loose paving stones and bricks. Repair any tripping hazards right immediately to prevent accidents.

Well-Lit Entrances: Ensure that entrances are well-lit, especially during the darker hours. Good lighting enhances security while also creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Parking Lots

Regularly Seal and Stripe: Maintain your parking lot by regularly sealing and striping it. It significantly improves traffic flow and organization while also making your parking area more visually appealing.

Security Lighting: Adequate lighting in the parking area is crucial for the safety of your customers, employees, and their vehicles. Brighter parking lots can scare off criminals looking to burglarize unattended cars or rob customers and employees.

Landscaping and Tree Care

Trim Overhanging Branches: Keep trees and bushes pruned and shaped, especially near entrances and parking areas. This improves visibility and also prevents potential injuries or damages during storms.

Regularly Inspect Irrigation Systems: If you have landscaping features like sprinklers, ensure they are in good working order. Poorly maintained irrigation systems can create slippery surfaces or large puddles on walkways.

Business Signage

Ensure Visibility: Check that your business signage is visible and well-lit. Your signage is a huge billboard for your business to attract customers, so it should be visible from all angles and offer working lights to draw attention.

Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your signage for any damage caused by weather, vandalism, animals, or accidents. A great-looking, functional sign projects a professional image, but a broken or faded sign can hurt your business reputation.

When your business wants to make a great first impression with customers or potential employees, start with offering a safe and attractive business exterior. It can encourage customers to return and share their positive experience, and it can help employees feel safer and valued.

Protect Your Small Business with Insurance Solutions

Your small business is an investment worth protecting, whether by improving the exterior, keeping employees and customers safer, or having the right kind of Commercial Insurance in place. Small business owners need the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they will have the financial resources needed if something goes wrong on their property.

Aegis Insurance & Financial Services excels at providing small business owners with customized Business Insurance solutions that meet your unique industry needs, all at competitive rates. We offer a full range of Commercial Insurance policies, including Commercial Property, General Liability, Excess Liability, and Workers Compensation coverage.

Contact our office at 713-850-7622 to speak with a Commercial Insurance Agent today, or fill out our online form to request a free quote.