In the past, having private vehicles was something that was reserved only for the highly affluent because of the expensive materials and labour that come with building cars. But with modern technology, it’s becoming easier and cheaper to manufacture cars, which is why anyone with good credit standing can afford to have their vehicles.
And with the rising numbers of car owners, it makes sense to experience a higher demand for good parking spaces, particularly in highly urbanized areas. Not only that but having a parking lot business can be a good passive income source because it’s not as demanding as other business endeavours. So, if you plan to start a parking lot business, here are five maintenance tips that may help you in the long run:
1. Repair the Cracks in the Pavement
Uneven roads and minor cracks in the pavement aren’t a problem for the vehicles, but they can be considered safety hazards for the owners. For instance, a customer could simply be walking back to their car after work when their foot got caught on cracked pavement, causing them to stumble and twist their ankle.
This hypothetical situation could be a lawsuit in the making, so it’s better to preempt such happenings by making sure that your parking lot is free of cracks, gaps, and uneven pavements. If you notice any cracks, you should choose an oxidized bitumen-based sealant to fill them because this material is much more durable than the usual asphalt.
2. Check the Surveillance Cameras Regularly
You won’t always be around to guard the vehicles inside your parking lot. Even if you hire security personnel, it would be impossible for them to be everywhere at once. It’s important to have surveillance cameras around the lot so that you can see and record what’s happening in real-time.
The larger your parking lot, the more CCTV cameras you’ll need to have. But make sure to regularly check your cameras because they might need repairs from time to time due to eventual wear and tear. It’s also possible that someone attempting to break into your parking lot will intentionally break the cameras, so keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trespassing.
3. Replace the Light Bulbs in Lamp Posts
All parking lots need to be properly illuminated, even more so because it’s outdoors. Your customers will be more enticed to park their cars in your lot if they see that it’s well taken care of, which is why you have to ensure that you don’t have broken, flickering, or dead lamp posts inside the lot.
You should have your maintenance personnel regularly check on the lighting and make sure that the parking lot is well-lit at all times. It might also be wise to invest in a small generator, which can come in handy in case there’s a blackout in the city. This could be a good investment, especially since the generator can also power your CCTV cameras and automatic gate arm in your toll booth.
4. Inspect the Fencing Around the Perimeter
Having surveillance cameras around the parking lot is good because you’ll be able to capture anything out of the ordinary, and they help deter people from trespassing. But they can’t physically protect the parking lot and the vehicles inside it. For that, you’ll need a durable fence.
However, no matter how durable your fencing is, it won’t be able to protect itself against the bolt cutters of persistent trespassers. So, you have to remember to regularly inspect the perimeter of your parking lot and make sure that your fencing isn’t damaged or broken. If it is, then at least you can immediately repair it before anything bad happens.
5. Repaint the Markings as Needed
The parking lot markings are essential because they act as guides for the customers. For example, the lines between parking spaces ensure the customers that they aren’t parking too close to the car beside them, and it allows them to have ample room to get in or out of their car.
However, the paint markings can fade over time because your parking lot is situated outdoors, and the paint is continuously exposed to the natural elements. This means that you might need to repaint the markings regularly so that they will always be visible and comprehensible to your customers.
It doesn’t take much to maintain an outdoor parking lot. You just have to make sure that everything is working exactly how you intended them to and that nothing is broken or damaged beyond repair. That’s exactly the reason managing parking lots are considered among the best passive businesses in today’s time because you won’t have to put in too much effort to generate a profit.
Collaborative Post.
