Cleaning Checklist: Is your cleaning provider ticking all the right boxes?

Finding the right commercial cleaner for your premises can be time consuming and requires you to trust that provider in your business. There are standards in professional cleaning that businesses should expect. How does your cleaner stack up?

 

1. Correct industry experience

Experience and commitment to quality is a must for commercial cleaning. Newer cleaning businesses are often unable to meet the same high standard of service quality and delivery as more established commercial cleaners, as they do not have the ability to provide the necessary resources, operational procedures, and staff training.

CMBM have been providing quality commercial cleaning to Queensland businesses for over 15 years, and were named Outstanding Cleaning Company at the BSCAA 2019 Excellence Awards.

 

2. Comprehensive services

There is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to commercial cleaning for your building. Each premises is unique: a busy office tower may require a cleaning crew each night as well as fortnightly abseil window washing, compared to a childcare centre, where frequent sanitisation misting and responsive maintenance repairs are essential. Likewise, a shopping centre or car dealership may require a mix of commercial cleaning, carpark sweeping, graffiti removal, and line marking.

Your commercial cleaning provider should be able to deliver your core cleaning requirements, whilst having the flexibility to meet more specific needs too.

 

3. Compliance with industry standards

A quality commercial cleaner will outline the cleaning protocol for your premises and what you can expect from them. They will also have strict processes around Workplace Health and Safety compliance.

A good indication that your provider is compliant with industry standards is if they hold an ISO Certification. CMBM are ISO Certified in Quality Management, Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems, and Environmental Management Systems, meaning we have stringent, industry standard processes embedded in our operations to ensure service excellence.

 

4. Reliability and emergency contact

Has your cleaner provided you with the details of who to call when there is an issue? Unplanned incidents such as l spills, sprinkler malfunctions, and storm damage can be difficult to manage without a reliable point of contact with your cleaning provider.

CMBM provides clients with a dedicated Client Services Manager (CSM) as your main point of contact, as well as access to our 24/7 Helpdesk, for peace of mind in emergencies. In the event your call is missed, we guarantee a 30-minute call back so you know when you can expect a response.

 

5.Transparency

Innovative technologies, such as client portals, provide transparency and clear lines of communication between you and your commercial cleaner.

CMBM use a Quality Management System (QMS) that is customised to your site’s requirements, so you can access job management, view reports, and schedule work at any time, giving you peace of mind that your cleaning is being completed to your requirements at all times.

 

CMBM ensure your premises is always cleaned to the highest of standards. Contact us on 1800 26 26 37 or at helpdesk@cmbm.com.au to find out how we can work with you.

Top 5 reasons to leave house washing to the professionals

It may seem tempting to give your home a quick spray down before your guests arrive, but did you know that DIY pressure washing can often do more harm than good?

From risk of injury to accidentally damaging your home, here are five reasons why it is best to leave house washing to the professionals.

 

1. You need the correct equipment

Depending on the type of dirt and build-up on your home, you may use different chemicals and concentrations to clean the exterior effectively and efficiently. While CMBM prefer to use hot water to break down any contamination, we also use only environmentally and paint friendly Australian Made products for surfaces with requiring a stronger solution.

 

2. You may injure yourself

Pressure cleaning involves climbing ladders, walking on slippery surfaces, and using pressurised equipment.

Getting to those hard-to-reach spots can be dangerous, especially if you are wanting to remove tough build-up such as dust, insects, and cobwebs.

Pressure cleaning specialists have the correct safety equipment and processes in place to minimise risk of injuries. CMBM are ISO Certified in Safety Management, meaning our staff are trained to Work Safely at Heights (RIIWHS204D Certification)

 

3. The money you save may not be worth the time you spend

While pressure washers can be bought relatively cheaply at hardware stores, they operate at a much lower frequency than commercial grade equipment. This means it is likely to take you a lot longer than a professional to clean your home. Consider if the money you save by purchasing a home pressure washer is worth your time and health risk.

 

4. You could cause damage to your home

Incorrect levels of pressure results in oxidation streaks on your external walls. Similarly, using the inaccurate pressure or wrong chemicals can result in damaging paint and tiles, and damaging fly screens.

Damage caused by inexperienced pressure washing can end up costing more than the money saved by doing the work yourself.

Please consider the risks of damaging your home before you take on the task yourself.

 

5. You may not have the correct experience

From using the correct PSI, to preventing water damage, and washing at the appropriate angle and distance, pressure washing specialists have extensive skills that can only be obtained through years of experience.

When it comes to minimising risk of injury and damage, we recommend hiring a professional to pressure clean your home.

 

CMBM’s pressure cleaning specialists are experienced in washing homes, roofs, driveways, buildings, and more. For a brilliantly clean exterior, contact them on 1800 26 26 37 or at helpdesk@cmbm.com.au.

What does an insurance broker do?

An insurance broker is a professional adviser who is an expert in insurance and risk management.  They work on behalf of their clients, not for insurance companies, and can be relied on to provide professional advice and guidance when insuring your strata titled property. Some of the benefits of using a broker for your body corporate.

1) They not only have access to the general strata insurance companies, but also the broker only insurance providers, so can give you more options at renewal time;

2) They are proficient in the insurance requirements under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (the BCCM Act), so can make sure you comply with the necessary legislation;

3) They assist with claims from start to finish;

4) They can efficiently answer any concerns owners may have about their policy, including how the body corporate policy may impact their own contents or landlords covers;

5) They are fully licensed to provide recommendations on all aspects of your insurance program.

We know you wouldn’t dream of doing your own legal work or medical tests. So why should your insurance be any different?

If you haven’t worked with an insurance broker before, you’re probably oblivious to the many benefits they can bring, so let us help you navigate the market and find competitive tailored insurance cover.

5 Ways to Reduce Roofing Costs

As the owner of an apartment building or block of units, you are responsible for the common areas of the property, including the roof. Not only is proper roof maintenance essential in preventing structural damage and ensuring the safety of your tenants, it can also drastically reduce repair costs.
Check out 5 ways to reduce your roofing costs:

1. Annual roof inspections
Annual roof inspections can help you save on significant repair and maintenance costs by addressing issues earlier, often even before damage becomes visible to the untrained eye.

A good roof inspector will be able to detect weak areas, potential hazards, and estimate the roof’s lifespan. They can also provide a formal report for auditing purposes. When CMBM carry out roof inspections, the team also complete minor repairs. This is an efficient want to minimise separate visits and services performed, saving you time and money.

2. Have your roof and gutter regularly cleaned
In addition to maintaining the aesthetics and value of your building, having the roof and gutters regularly cleaned prevents buildup of dirt and debris, and reduces weathering. Uncleared gutters can also cause blockages or pools of water to form, leading to water damage and early roof and gutter deterioration.

Reflective membranes on roofs should also be cleaned regularly, as dirty membranes reduce heat reflection whilst increasing heat absorption, leading to faster aging.

3. Inspect the roof after storms
It is crucial to have your roof inspected immediately following a severe weather event, such as a hailstorm or heavy rain, to ensure there is no leakage or other damage. Even a small leak can result in severe damage, including mould growth, plaster issues, or major structural defects.

A professional roof inspection can identify leaks before they seep into the interior. CMBM can carry out emergency roof inspections and storm damage repairs, please contact us for more information.

4. Be proactive with preventative maintenance
For a cost-effective way to maximise the lifespan of your roof, take a proactive approach to preventive maintenance. Investing in annual roof inspections allows for earlier detection and repair of roof damage. Early preventative maintenance will also lessen the impact of unpredictable weather conditions, especially during storm season.

5. Consider sustainable roof options
Consider the cost benefits of switching to an environmentally friendly roofing option, such as terracotta tile. It is also worth having the proper coating and sealant to protect your roof from the extreme Queensland weather. If you are unsure about which type of roof might be best for your building, contact our expert building team today.

Need a hand with roofing repairs or inspections?
CMBM can manage your preventative and reactive roofing works, including emergency storm damage, providing you with long-term cost savings.

Contact CMBM Facility Services on 1800 26 26 37 or at helpdesk@cmbm.com.au for a complimentary quote today. For more information about CMBM Facility Services, visit www.cmbm.com.au.

5 quick fixes to refresh your home

Whether you are the landlord, tenant or owner-occupier, reduce wear and tear with these quick fix ideas.

  1. Holes in Walls
    Photo frame hooks, screws, and other wall attachments can leave behind ugly holes in your walls. These can be easily filled in with a wall filler which can be purchased at hardware stores. For smaller holes, apply filler directly into the hole and smear over with a putty knife. Holes larger than 1cm should be covered with a wall repair patch first. Once the filler is dry, sand down the edges so that it blends completely into the wall. Look out for the various colours of filler available to blend in with your existing wall colour.
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  3. Scuff Marks
    Scuff marks on the walls can make your apartment appear dirtier than it is. While an all-purpose household cleaner can remove some scuffs, stubborn marks can be covered with touch-up paint. Hardware stores can mix the matching colour if you are able to provide a paint chip from your wall. Dilute the paint with a paint reducer first to slow down drying time – this helps the newer paint blend in better with the surrounding area. Latex paint should be diluted with water.
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  5. Carpet Stains
    Stains on your carpet make your home appear unclean. The best way to remove a stain is to tackle it with a carpet stain remover before it sets in. For heavily stained carpets, professional carpet steaming is the way to go. Not only does it remove stains, professional carpet steaming also penetrates deep into the fibres to lift out dirt and pollutants, extending the life of your carpet and creating a healthier environment. It is generally recommended that carpets be professionally steamed once a year. Apartments with children and pets, allergy suffers, and smokers should have the carpets professionally steamed more frequently.
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  7. Wall Indents
    Dings and indents can make your wall appear uneven. Indented or rough patches on the wall can be smoothed by lightly sanding over the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Run your hand over the area every couple of sands to ensure you do not accidentally over-sand the area. Repeat this process until the area is smooth.
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  9. Hardwood Scratches
    While hardwood floors are much easier to clean than carpet, they can also be much more easily scratched. For shallow scrapes, use a stain pen along the scratch until it begins to blend into the surrounding hardwood. For deeper scratches, fill the scrape in with a wood filler first before using a stain pen.

Need a hand with repairs? Our building repair team can help!

Contact CMBM Facility Services on 1800 26 26 37 or at helpdesk@cmbm.com.au for a complimentary quote today.