IMPROVE SATISFACTION & COMPLIANCE:

CLEAN THAT TRASH CHUTE

Daily trash output increases more than twenty-five percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to some estimates. Consider all of the extra food waste, party cleanups, and packaging that gets thrown into the burgeoning trash bin, just like a portly Santa Claus squeezing down the chimney.

Bulky packaging often clogs the chute and blocks the clean flow of garbage into the bin. Then food waste piles on top and splashes along the walls in an oozing mess. Or the trash accumulates so high that garbage blocks the chute. These are all common problems that occur this time of year.

High-rise commercial properties and multifamily residences are the worst offenders. Irregular holiday trash pickups and facility staff vacation schedules compound the problem. If left unchecked, these sanitation problems can create cascading issues for property managers.

Here are some of the top reasons why professionally servicing your trash chute is highly recommended, especially at the beginning of the year.

KEEP PESTS AWAY

Trash chutes are the perfect breeding ground for pests. Cockroaches, flies, maggots, mice, rats, raccoons, and all kinds of other pests thrive in dirty trash environments. These conditions offer everything pests need: food, humidity, darkness, privacy, and accessibility. Roaches and rodents can even use filthy chutes to climb from floor to floor, taking their infestation to a higher level. At the lower level, the area immediately around a dirty trash bin can become a breeding ground for these pests. In no time, a building could be facing a full-blown infestation.

PREVENT ODORS FROM SPREADING

There are more than 30 types of bacteria and biological growths that commonly occur in uncleaned trash chutes. These growths and other accumulated waste thrown down the chute can lead to repulsive odors that permeate the building. Occupants will soon be dealing with the lingering smell of dirty trash. 

DAMAGE CONTROL

If neglected, some trash chutes can start to show serious damage. Corrosive bacteria and acids can line the walls of a dirty trash chute. These elements can destroy protective finishes and weaken fasteners, leading to structural damage of the chute. Not only will you be dealing with pests and odor, but you will eventually have to replace the chute. Regulations also require properly functioning discharge doors, which limit the spread of odors and serve as fire breaks between floors. 

IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

While smell can be an indicator, unclean garbage chutes can create poor air quality throughout a building. Airborne spores and mold can develop in this environment and spread from floor to floor with each opening of a chute door. Toxic conditions can lead to illness among building occupants and visitors. Also consider tenant satisfaction and occupancy retention. Less tenant turnover leads to higher operating income for property companies.

UPHOLD SAFETY

Damaged chute doors are a common problem, especially among older buildings. Doors that do not close completely can offer a permanent passageway to unwanted odors, molds, and pests. Unclosed chute doors can also create fire hazards and leave your building vulnerable to safety code violations and fines. NFPA 82 requires an annual inspection and certification of chute intake and discharge doors.

Since 1987, CAM Property Services has provided a full range of building and common area maintenance for customers throughout California. Professional trash chute services include free inspections, steam cleaning, high-pressure washing, chute repair, full replacement, door maintenance, eco-friendly enzyme solutions, innovative odor blockers, and industry safe practices.

After a month of especially hard use, now is the time to refresh your building’s trash facilities. Call the property professionals now at CAM Property Services to discuss and evaluate your specific cleaning needs.

Combating homelessness and graffiti: CAM provides comprehensive solutions for complex problems

Homelessness and graffiti are two pressing issues that continue to challenge communities throughout Southern California. At CAM Property Services, we recognize the gravity of these problems and are committed to providing comprehensive solutions to address them.

CAM Property Services understands that homelessness is a multifaceted and sensitive issue. Which is why our highly informed Property Pros are uniquely trained and equipped to assist landlords, building managers, and tenants in addressing homeless encampments on commercial and residential properties. By taking an effective-yet-compassionate approach, we can navigate local ordinances and regulations, liaise with law enforcement and public officials, and factor in humanitarian concerns to achieve desired results.

Property owners, landlords, and managers are often held responsible for promptly removing graffiti from their buildings to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Failure to do so can result in costly fines and penalties. Our Property Pros are well-versed in the laws and regulations governing graffiti removal, ensuring strict compliance while upholding community standards and values.

At CAM Property Services, we believe in proactive solutions that enhance the liveability and vibrancy of our communities. If you require assistance with homeless encampment removal or graffiti abatement, don’t hesitate to contact the Property Pros at CAM today. Together, we can work towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive tomorrow.

As businesses reopen in the post COVID-19 era they may have only one opportunity to win customers back. While there are plenty of unknowns, there are things of which we can be certain. The public is on high alert regarding sanitization and will remain so indefinitely. Future purchasing decisions might easily be made based on which companies are showing signs of looking out for customer and employee health.

Facility cleaning and sanitizing, which has typically occurred afterhours or at the very least out-of-sight, may very well be moving to the forefront as consumers demand the confidence and security that comes with knowing a company’s cleaning practices. Customers are asking questions they have never asked before, such as when was the last time that door handle was cleaned or what product do you use to wipe down tables?

Landlords and tenants have a common goal in bringing customers back to businesses. The cost of restarting in-person transactions just might be an investment in stronger cleaning regimens. Letting the public know about better sanitization through certification from a third-party source improves the effort.

While questions about sanitization are on a steep rise, they follow the pattern of recent changes in consumer behavior. Businesses have already seen shifts in consumer habits this millennium with advertisements seeped in social awareness replacing traditional consumer messages. Large companies now invest heavily in building trust with communities to establish a millennial-friendly tone.

Brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks have long tapped into the belief systems of their loyal customers, mimicked in socially responsible behavior and corporate practices. TOMS shoe company, founded in 2006, skyrocketed to success by supercharging their corporate giving to include donating a free pair of shoes for every pair sold. Similar companies have followed.

In 2017, the conversation delved even deeper with companies forced to move beyond what they stand for into declaring publicly what they stand up for. And consumers began to proactively make purchasing decisions based on these declarations.

A recent study on Corporate Social Responsibility shows just how important these messages are to potential customers. An incredible 87% of consumers said they would purchase a product from a company that advocated a cause they also cared about. Equally alarming is that 76% would refuse to purchase from a company which supported an issue contrary to their own beliefs.

Which brings us to present day, where consumers demand to know the practices, beliefs, and inner workings of companies where they do business. Wouldn’t it be great if you could head these questions off at the door? You can.

For years, companies have been signaling all kinds of information. Think about the signs you see on a regular basis, posted on a business door – accepted credit cards, armed security company, ADA compliance, se habla español, and health board rating.

Due to popular client demand, CAM Property Services has designed a variety of signs to let customers know that the businesses they enter have strict professional sanitization practices in place. Facilities that undergo superior sanitization and anti-virus fogging to combat the Coronavirus are specially designated with certification.

CAM has been providing professional, commercial grade sanitization to restaurants, national retail chains, shopping centers, government facilities, office buildings, transportation companies, and more since 1987.

You can let your customers know that you are looking out for their health and safety by hiring professional cleaners. Clients are using table tent cards, wall signs, pedestal signs, front window stickers, and even lawn signs to announce a space has been sanitized with anti-virus fogging.

Cleaning has taken center stage and CAM Property Services is proud to be a longstanding partner for retail, commercial, government, and industrial properties in California. Contact CAM now at 800-576-3050 to join in protecting customers as they transact their business safely and confidently.

Harnessing Steam Power: How CAM can help you extend the lifespan of your shopping center

In today’s ultra-competitive retail landscape, the appearance and cleanliness of commercial properties is pivotal in attracting customers and retaining tenants. As leaders in the property maintenance industry, CAM Property Services recognizes the importance of enhancing property appeal to provide a positive experience for visitors, tenants, and employees.

By entrusting CAM with high-pressure steam cleaning, shopping center owners and managers can benefit in several ways. Firstly, it enhances curb appeal by removing stains, gum, and debris from sidewalks, parking lots, and building exteriors, without leaving unsightly marks. Moreover, it extends the lifespan of shopping centers by eliminating years of built-up grime that can lead to structural deterioration over time, thus deferring costly repairs and CapEx projects like building painting.

Shopping center owners and managers can trust CAM Property Services to incorporate high-pressure steam cleaning into their maintenance programs, ensuring their properties remain clean, attractive, and safe for all. With our collective expertise and innovative solutions at your disposal, CAM can help extend the lifespan of your shopping center and maximize appeal in an extremely competitive retail market.

When it comes to taking a stance on issues customers care about, companies can no longer afford to stay on the sidelines. According to Envirotech, 65 percent of sales measured globally were generated by companies that conveyed a commitment to social and environmental value.

The takeaway is clear — to stay competitive, you must use your voice.

When considering how your company approaches this challenge, it helps to break it down into three categories: environmental, societal, and governance, otherwise known as ESG.

Environmental issues include reducing your carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment. Societal issues include promoting volunteerism to increase employee well-being. Finally, governance involves demonstrating an adherence to following government guidelines.

Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle ESG alone, CAM Property Services is here to help you practice what you preach.

ENVIRONMENTAL

The environmental aspect of ESG most typically involves the implementation of green energy to reduce your carbon footprint. That can mean moving to solar energy or driving electric vehicles. Another way companies are being environmentally mindful is by implementing more water-wise strategies and consumption practices.

CAM Property Services can be of assistance in this undertaking. Our experts can ensure that your business’ solar panels are well maintained and that the energy being collected is being put to good use. We can also assist in the installation of EV charging stations and secure rebates to reduce the cost. CAM can help ensure that water isn’t being wasted from leaks while transitioning your business to more water-friendly landscaping to reduce overall use.

From solar to water, CAM is your go-to expert in being a more environmentally mindful business.

SOCIAL

The social aspect of ESG is commonly associated with maintaining the emotional well-being of your employees. People take note of companies that treat their employees well and studies show that mental well-being can lead to an increase in productivity. It may seem like a daunting task, but there are several ways one can improve the mental wellness of their employees.

One major way is to improve and maintain the workspace. CAM Property Services’ consultants are specially trained to evaluate the workplace, ensuring everything is optimally designed, safe and up to code. By keeping the workplace in order, employees feel safe and are often more productive.

GOVERNMENT

The final aspect of ESG concerns following government ordinances. In California, there are plenty of restrictions and regulations that can cost you a pretty penny if left ignored. Fortunately, CAM’s experts can help you navigate this minefield. From following the Clean Water Act to making sure your building is ADA compliant, CAM is the team you can trust.

Whether your company needs assistance with the environmental, societal, or governmental aspects of ESG, CAM Property Services is your go-to helping hand. Learn more by clicking HERE.

The drought has hit the state of California hard. In March, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the first three months of 2022 were the driest ever recorded in the state’s history. On top of this, in 2021, all 58 California counties were under a drought emergency proclamation.

It’s clear that we all need to do our part to help reduce water usage and get California back on track. As individuals, the state of California recommends water usage tips such as turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth and taking five-minute showers, but what can companies do to conserve water usage and avoid overuse fees?

CAM Property Services, your commercial property management expert, recommends the following best practices:

1. Install Smart Irrigation Systems
A large amount of our water is used outdoors for landscaping, but according to the state of California, much of it can be lost through evaporation, wind, and runoff. More efficient irrigation systems can prevent this, resulting in reduced water usage and preventing overuse fees. Our CAM Property Services experts can help not only pinpoint water loss but also install smart irrigation systems to prevent it.

2. Install Drought Tolerant Landscaping
Another way to reduce the amount of water used outside is to install drought-tolerant landscaping. According to Save Our Water, the use of drought-resistant plants and trees can save you 30-60 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water them. CAM can help in this process by removing your current landscaping and installing more water-conservative fauna that is indigent to the area.

3. Set Your Mower Blades to 3 Inches
If you’ve grown attached to your lawn, don’t fret! Another easy-to-implement tip to save water is to set your mower blade to three inches. According to the state of California, such a simple trick can allow your grass to grow deeper roots, saving up to 50 gallons of water per day. Our experts at CAM Property Services can easily implement this tip, saving you water without sacrificing the landscaping you’ve grown to love.

4. Fix Leaks On Your Property
This may come as no surprise, but fixing any leaks both outside and inside your building is one of the most effective ways to save water. According to the state of California, a leaky faucet that lets out one drip-per-second can lose you over 3,200 gallons of water per year! Luckily for you, the experts at CAM Property Services are trained not only in fixing leaks inside and outside the building but in identifying them as well. You’ll have peace of mind in knowing that we identify and eliminate all leaks, reduce the amount of water your building uses, and help avoid costly fees.

There are many ways to reduce water usage for your building. Let CAM Property Services help get the job done.

Call (800) 576-3050 to find out the many ways we can help you be water-wise and do your part during the drought.

Accessible routes for pedestrians are an ongoing debate for commercial and office retail spaces,  although the requirement for a property owner to have accessible routes from the public walking path to connecting all buildings on the site is part of the 2013 California Building Code. The question arises when a site only has a vehicular access point from the building entrance to the facility, and whether or not there should be pedestrian access.

Most property owners believe that if a concrete or asphalt path is the access point between buildings in a facility, they are not responsible for providing a pedestrian route of travel. These property owners come to the conclusion that they do not have to provide pedestrian accessibility because the property was originally built without such connections, exempting them from providing access – don't believe this myth because these property owners are wrong. The law¹ states that if it can be anticipated that the route between access points will be used by pedestrians, property owners must provide an accessible route.

In some situations, the investment of installing connections to public sidewalks can be done without destroying the property, reducing landscape areas or creating financial burdens on ownership². Depending on the city/county, building codes require certain amount of landscape to be maintained which makes it harder to create these access points for pedestrians. CAM Services has ADA + CASp experts and can manage all types of different situations regarding access points on a property. Call CAM at 800-576-3050 for an inspection today!

From drone inspections to pressure washing and landscaping, our Property Pros can get the job done

With temperatures seemingly reaching all-time highs on a daily basis, this summer is proving to be a real scorcher — and the heatwave across Southern California shows no sign of letting up any time soon. With record temps in the forecast and the dog days of summer looming, it’s a critical time for property owners and managers to ensure that their buildings are running as efficiently as possible.

Enter CAM Property Services, well equipped with the tools and highly trained experts to help your building keep its cool, no matter how hot it gets. From drone inspections to pressure washing, landscaping and irrigation, our Property Pros can help:

Aerial drone inspection

Instead of climbing on top of a hot roof or walking a scorching asphalt parking lot, have CAM inspect your property using aerial drone video and photography. Our drone experts are FAA certified — not just glorified hobbyists — and can get you the data you need using GIS mapping. That information is then stored safely in the cloud, so it can be accessed at any point to create a detailed forecast of preventative maintenance and capital expenditures. Trust CAM to be your certified eye in the sky and collect high-value information.

Landscape and irrigation

Our team can handle the most valuable seasonal work on your property, such as sustainable irrigation and landscaping upgrades. To boot, we can help you take advantage of rebate programs for plant material and irrigation components that conserve water, saving you some green while making your property look ‘best on block’.

Pressure washing

Summer is a good time for pressure washing your property. With warmer weather and longer daylight hours, the conditions are ideal for effectively cleaning the exterior of your building. By removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that may have accumulated during the winter and spring, pressure washing not only enhances the appearance of your property but also prevents potential damage. It can also prevent paint from showing its age, postponing the need for a repaint down the line.

Parking lot services

Speaking of services that are ideal for summer, parking lot maintenance is a must. With longer days, projects can be performed in fewer moves, reducing the inconvenience for tenants. From applying parking lot seal, re-striping, and performing curb line painting and re-stenciling, there are many ways to refresh your parking lot and give it a new shine.

Take advantage of the summer season and partner with CAM Property Services to ensure your building is running as efficiently as possible. Call us today at (800) 576-3050 or visit www.camservices.com to get started.

Code enforcement against businesses violating The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continue to rise, while civil lawsuits set record levels year over year. California is particularly active in penalizing ADA code violations. In the first half of 2019, the state represented a staggering 43% of the country’s ADA lawsuits according to Seyfarth Shaw LLP. ADA compliance is an important aspect of facility management.

Courts continue to rule against businesses violating the ADA for failing to meet legal regulations with curb cuts, parking, signage, wheelchair ramps, countertops, and restroom facilities. Quite often, business owners have no idea of the violations prior to the lawsuit.

In addition to statutory citations, California courts are fraught with cases brought about by plaintiffs and law firms targeting small businesses for ADA violations. While Federal law offers a $1,000 minimum for violations, California awards a $4,000 minimum per violation plus plaintiff attorney fees, making the state a hotbed for lawyers seeking quick, out-of-court settlements.

Some of these cases are brought about by vexatious litigants seeking to shakedown business owners for unjust profit. One study showed 46% of the ADA lawsuits in California were filed by just 14 plaintiffs.

In recent years federal and state lawmakers have attempted to reform the rules around filing ADA cases. Some require giving a business time to make repairs prior to the filing of a lawsuit. However, plaintiffs have been quick to adjust, often moving lawsuits from one jurisdiction to another to circumvent such requirements. ADA lawsuits can typically be filed in state or federal court.

Most cases do not proceed through to a full court trial as businesses tend to settle these grievances out of court. The legal fees and penalties can be substantial, so businesses often begrudgingly settle with plaintiff attorneys for less than the estimated cost of a legal defense. This is especially true when a business is likely to be found in violation, whether they knew about the regulation or not.

It is clear that avoiding these types of complaints and lawsuits is most advantageous. The best way is to hire a company for an ADA inspection. If violations are found, repairs should be immediate. Most property managers find it advisable to hire one company that does both the ADA inspection and the ADA remediation, leaving no room for dispute.

In addition to code enforcement, California regulators also certify professionals specifically trained in ADA remediation. A Certified Access Specialist for Property Inspection (CASp) is educated and licensed through the Division of the State Architect (DSA) to inspect buildings and properties for compliance with state and federal accessibility standards. These certified CASp experts are best qualified to lead ADA compliance efforts.

As facility professionals in California since 1987, CAM Property Services is well equipped to handle any ADA concerns you might have. CAM offers ADA inspections, repairs, and remediation, for existing and new construction. CAM facility experts have extensive experience with buildings, access points, parking lots, and other common areas. Their certified CASp experts are available to assess and manage your ADA concerns.

Problematic ADA lawsuits can arrive without warning. Fortunately, property managers in California can call 800-576-3050 now for a consultation about ADA compliance before it becomes an even bigger issue.