Whether you’re managing a school campus, preparing for the return of students or an office facility looking ahead to colder months, late summer is the ideal time to get ahead on seasonal maintenance. Before fall routines kick in, use this facility checklist to ensure your space is safe, clean, and fully prepared for the months ahead:

Exterior Maintenance 

Facilities like schools, HOAs, and commercial campuses require ongoing landscape care throughout the summer. But what about those special projects you had in mind earlier this year, or that stubborn overgrowth you’ve been meaning to tackle?

As summer winds down, now is the perfect time to check off those lingering to-dos. Schedule that final mow or weed pull, treat problem areas, trim back trees, and give your property a thorough clean-up before the seasons change. Your fall landscape will thank you for it.

Late summer is a great time to wrap up essential outdoor tasks and address lingering landscape issues. Take stock of your property’s needs and schedule final services like:

• • Weed control and removal

• • Managing exposed roots

• • Trimming trees and shrubs

• • Refreshing seasonal color

• • Checking and adjusting irrigation systems

• • Evaluating turf health and treating
  • Pavement cleanup and repair

• • Lighting installations or repairs

• • Special enhancements or project completion

• • Exterior entrance cleanup

Inside Facilities 

Summer is also an ideal window for indoor maintenance, especially while students are out of school or office buzz winds down. Take advantage of this slower period to complete deep cleans, preventative care, and minor upgrades, including:

• • Full-scope deep cleaning and disinfecting

• • Upholstery and carpet cleaning

• • High dusting of vents, beams, and ledges

• • Interior and exterior window washing

• • Kitchenette and fridge clean-outs

• • Inspecting and servicing HVAC systems

• • Repairing lighting and ceiling fixtures

• • Touch-up painting and wall repairs

• • Reorganizing storage and supply areas

• • Updating signage or facility maps

• • Sanitizing high-touch surfaces and shared equipment

• • Repairing restroom fixtures or regrouting tile

Floor Care

Floor care is both preventative and essential, especially in high-traffic areas like lobbies, hallways, cafeterias, and restrooms. Over time, dirt, moisture, and daily wear can dull and damage surfaces, leading to costly repairs if not properly maintained.

Late summer provides the perfect opportunity to restore floors before the busy fall season begins. Schedule services such as:

• • Stripping and waxing for hard floors

• • Buffing and burnishing to restore shine

• • Refinishing worn surfaces

• • Deep cleaning and extraction for carpets

Regular floor maintenance not only keeps your facility looking polished, it also extends the lifespan of your flooring and helps prevent slip hazards in wet fall and winter months.

Planning for Winter

It might feel early to think about snow and ice, but now is the time to plan ahead. Many commercial snow removal providers begin booking their winter service routes as early as August, and spots fill up fast. Waiting until the first storm hits can leave your facility unprotected and scrambling for help.

Proactive winter planning is a key part of late-summer facility management, especially for critical locations like schools, medical campuses, and high-traffic commercial sites. Even when winter forecasts are uncertain, having a solid plan in place helps reduce risk, avoid service delays, and ensure safety for your staff, students, or customers.

Your winter maintenance plan should include:

• • Securing a snow removal and anti-icing contract

• • Identifying priority areas for snow and ice treatment

• • Confirming site access and service expectations with your provider

• • Stocking de-icing materials and safety signage

• • Inspecting drainage systems to prevent pooling and refreezing

• • Reviewing emergency procedures and contact protocols

Planning now means peace of mind later, when the weather turns, you’ll be ready.

Facility Safety 

Before students return to campus or office foot traffic increases, it’s important to conduct a comprehensive safety check, both inside and out. Catching small issues now can prevent accidents, liability risks, and costly emergency repairs later.

Inside:

• • Test emergency lighting and exit signs

• • Check fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and alarm systems

• • Ensure stairwells and walkways are well-lit and clear of hazards

• • Inspect flooring for tripping hazards or damage

• • Confirm first aid kits are fully stocked and accessible
  • Review emergency evacuation maps and procedures

Outside:

• • Inspect walkways, parking lots, and steps for cracks or uneven surfaces

• • Ensure exterior lighting is functional, especially in entry areas

• • Check railings, curbs, and ramps for stability and compliance

• • Clear overgrown vegetation that could obstruct views or pathways

• • Make sure signage is visible and properly mounted

• • Review snow and ice response plans for accessibility and safety

A well-maintained facility is a safer facility. Regular checks like these are key to keeping your building secure and ready for daily operations.

As summer winds down, taking the time to prepare your facility for the fall and winter seasons can make a big difference in safety, appearance, and operational readiness. Whether it’s completing deep cleaning tasks, scheduling essential floor care, refreshing your exterior, or securing winter services, a proactive approach now will help you avoid headaches later.

Need Help Getting It Done?

MSNW is here to support your facility with expert maintenance services, both inside and out. From deep cleaning to snow removal, our team can help you check every box on your fall prep list.

Contact us today to schedule services or build a custom seasonal plan that keeps your facility running smoothly, no matter what the seasons ahead bring.