Dreaming of launching your own exterior building maintenance business? Understanding the foundational steps, from securing initial funding to mastering client acquisition, is paramount for success in this lucrative industry. Ready to build a solid financial roadmap for your venture? Explore how a robust exterior building maintenance financial model can pave your way to profitability.
Steps to Open a Business Idea
Opening a business in the exterior building maintenance sector requires a strategic and methodical approach. The following table outlines the essential steps to establish a successful enterprise in this industry, from defining your niche to implementing efficient operational systems.
| Define Your Niche For Exterior Building Maintenance | Clearly define your target market and specialized services, such as focusing on commercial properties, multi-family residential complexes, or specific exterior cleaning services like window cleaning or roof cleaning. The commercial property management sector alone accounts for over $100 billion in annual spending, presenting significant opportunity. Specializing can allow for premium pricing; for example, high-rise window cleaning services can command rates 2-3 times higher than standard residential services. |
| Develop A Robust Business Plan For Exterior Building Maintenance | Creating a detailed business plan is crucial, outlining services, marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational procedures. A well-structured plan is essential for securing financing, with banks and investors often requiring a 3-5 year financial forecast. The plan should project revenues based on a scalable model, such as achieving $50,000 in monthly recurring revenue within 24 months. |
| Secure Necessary Licenses And Insurance For Exterior Building Maintenance | Obtain all required business license requirements, permits, and comprehensive insurance coverage before commencing operations. General liability insurance typically costs between $500 and $2,000 annually. Workers' compensation insurance can add 1-5% of payroll costs, while specialized certifications might be required. |
| Acquire Essential Equipment And Supplies For Exterior Building Maintenance | Invest in high-quality, durable equipment and eco-friendly practices to ensure efficiency, safety, and client satisfaction. Initial equipment costs can range from $15,000 to $30,000. Ongoing supply costs typically represent 5-10% of monthly revenue. |
| Establish Effective Marketing Strategies For Exterior Building Maintenance | Implement a multi-channel marketing approach, including a professional website, local SEO, social media, and direct outreach. Businesses investing in SEO often see a 20-30% increase in inbound leads. A marketing budget of 5-10% of projected gross revenue is common. |
| Recruit And Train Skilled Personnel For Exterior Building Maintenance | Develop a robust hiring and training program, emphasizing safety protocols and customer service. The average hourly wage for an entry-level technician ranges from $15-$25. Ongoing training can reduce incidents by 15-20%. |
| Implement Efficient Operational Systems For Exterior Building Maintenance | Utilize software for scheduling, client management, and invoicing to streamline operations. CRM and scheduling software subscriptions can range from $50 to $300 per month. Developing clear pricing strategies and service level agreements ensures consistency and manages client expectations. |
What Are Key Factors To Consider Before Starting Exterior Building Maintenance?
Before launching an exterior building maintenance business, like Apex Exterior Care, understanding the market is paramount. Thorough market research helps identify the demand for services, the specific types of clients you want to target (e.g., commercial properties, residential complexes), and who your competitors are. This foundational step informs your entire business strategy, from service offerings to marketing efforts.
The building upkeep service sector is substantial and growing. Globally, the building maintenance services market was valued at approximately $2978 billion in 2022. Projections indicate a significant increase, expecting it to reach $550 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 62%. This robust growth suggests a strong and expanding opportunity for new entrants in the exterior building maintenance startup space.
When considering where to focus your efforts within this large market, it's important to note segmentation. The commercial segment currently holds the largest share, accounting for over 50% of the total revenue. This means focusing on commercial facade cleaning, large office buildings, and retail spaces can be a strategic starting point for your exterior property maintenance business plan. Understanding these client types helps tailor your services and marketing messages effectively.
Market Segmentation and Client Focus
- Commercial Properties: These often require regular services like window cleaning business and pressure washing business, with contracts potentially ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars monthly, depending on the property's size and the frequency of service.
- Multi-Family Residential Complexes: These clients, such as apartment buildings and condos, also represent a significant opportunity for consistent service contracts.
- Homeowners Associations (HOAs): HOAs often manage multiple properties within a community and can offer larger, recurring contracts for services like roof cleaning company and general exterior upkeep.
Identifying your niche is a critical part of starting an exterior building maintenance company. While the market is broad, specializing can help you stand out. For example, some businesses focus on high-rise window cleaning, while others might concentrate on specialized building restoration services. Understanding the profitability of exterior building maintenance, as explored on sites like financialmodel.net, can guide your service selection and pricing strategies.
The cost to start an exterior building maintenance business varies widely based on the services offered and the scale of operations. Initial investments can include equipment for pressure washing, window cleaning, and roof cleaning, as well as insurance and licensing. For a comprehensive breakdown of potential costs, resources such as financialmodel.net provide valuable insights into the financial aspects of launching such a venture.
What Are The Initial Steps To Start An Exterior Building Maintenance Business?
To successfully launch an exterior building maintenance business, like Apex Exterior Care, you need a structured approach. The foundational steps involve clearly defining the specific services you will offer, from commercial facade cleaning to window cleaning business operations. Alongside this, conducting thorough market research is crucial to understand local demand, identify potential competitors, and pinpoint your target clientele. Finally, developing a comprehensive exterior property maintenance business plan will serve as your roadmap, detailing your mission, services, marketing strategies, and financial projections.
Starting an exterior building maintenance startup requires a financial commitment. The estimated capital needed can range significantly, typically from $10,000 to $50,000. This initial investment covers essential components such as purchasing necessary equipment, securing adequate business insurance, and funding early marketing efforts to attract your first clients. Understanding these upfront costs is vital for accurate financial planning.
Funding Your Exterior Building Maintenance Startup
- Small business loans are a common source, with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) reporting that approximately 60-70% of qualified applicants receive loan approvals.
- Personal savings offer a direct way to fund startup expenses, reducing the need for external financing and interest payments.
- Friends and family can be a source of initial capital, though it's important to formalize any agreements to maintain clear expectations.
- Crowdfunding platforms can also be explored, especially for businesses with a unique approach or strong community appeal, such as eco-friendly exterior building maintenance practices.
When launching your building upkeep service, consider the variety of services you can provide. Apex Exterior Care, for instance, might focus on pressure washing business operations, roof cleaning company services, and general building restoration services. Offering a diverse yet focused range of services allows you to cater to a broader market while specializing in areas where you can excel. This strategic approach helps in finding clients for exterior building maintenance and building a strong reputation.
Is Exterior Building Maintenance A Profitable Business?
Yes, exterior building maintenance can be a highly profitable venture, particularly when incorporating recurring revenue streams. Companies like Apex Exterior Care, which offer subscription models for services such as commercial facade cleaning and roof cleaning, tap into a consistent income flow. This model not only stabilizes income but also fosters customer loyalty, making it a smart strategy for long-term profitability.
The financial outlook for an exterior building maintenance startup is robust. Profit margins in this sector typically fall between 20% and 40%. This range is influenced by several factors, including how efficiently a business operates, the pricing strategies it employs for its exterior property maintenance services, and its overall overhead costs. For instance, a well-run pressure washing business or window cleaning business can achieve significant revenue. Data suggests that successful operations can generate annual revenues exceeding $100,000 to $500,000 within their first 3-5 years, indicating substantial growth potential.
Key Profitability Factors for Exterior Building Maintenance
- Recurring Revenue: Subscription-based services ensure consistent income.
- Service Pricing: Strategic pricing for services like building restoration services directly impacts profit.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce costs and boost margins.
- Service Specialization: Focusing on niche services like commercial facade cleaning can command higher prices.
When considering the cost to start an exterior building maintenance business, initial investments can vary, but the potential return is significant. The profitability of exterior building maintenance is further supported by the consistent demand for these services. Property owners understand the value of maintaining their building's exterior to preserve its appearance and structural integrity, which can prevent costly future repairs. This inherent demand is a strong indicator of sustained business viability and profitability, as detailed in analyses of exterior building maintenance profitability.
What Equipment Is Essential For An Exterior Building Maintenance Startup?
To effectively launch your exterior building maintenance startup, like Apex Exterior Care, you'll need a core set of professional-grade equipment. This includes robust pressure washers, often with adjustable GPM (gallons per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch) settings, and soft washing systems for gentler cleaning. Essential safety gear, such as harnesses, gloves, and eye protection, is non-negotiable. You'll also require a variety of ladders, extension poles, and brushes suited for different surfaces and heights.
Investing in the right gear is crucial for efficiency and safety. A complete professional pressure washing setup can typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000. This often includes the pressure washer unit, hoses, spray guns, and a selection of nozzles. For specialized services like roof cleaning, which requires specific safety considerations and equipment, you might need to budget an additional $2,000 to $5,000 for specialized tools and safety apparatus.
Key Equipment Checklist for Exterior Building Maintenance
- Professional-grade pressure washers (hot and cold water options)
- Soft washing systems (for delicate surfaces like stucco or certain types of siding)
- Extension poles and wands for reaching high areas
- Various pressure washing nozzles (0°, 15°, 25°, 40° degrees, and soap nozzles)
- Durable hoses and hose reels
- Water tanks or access to water sources
- Eco-friendly cleaning solutions and detergents
- Safety equipment: non-slip footwear, safety glasses, gloves, harnesses, hard hats
- Ladders (extension ladders, step ladders) and ladder stabilizers
- Scaffolding or lifts for very high structures (depending on service scope)
- Gutter cleaning tools
- Window cleaning kits (squeegees, extension poles, buckets)
The quality of your equipment directly impacts your service delivery and long-term costs. High-quality, durable equipment not only performs better but also lasts longer, often exceeding 5-7 years with proper maintenance. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and minimizes downtime. For instance, a reliable engine on a pressure washer can mean the difference between completing a job on schedule or facing costly delays and customer dissatisfaction.
When starting an exterior building maintenance business, consider the types of services you plan to offer. If you're focusing on commercial facade cleaning and building restoration services, you might need more specialized, heavy-duty equipment compared to a business primarily offering residential window cleaning business services. For Apex Exterior Care, offering comprehensive services means a broader initial investment in equipment, but it also opens up a wider client base.
How Can I Find My First Clients For Exterior Building Maintenance Business?
Securing your initial clients for an exterior building maintenance startup, like Apex Exterior Care, requires a strategic blend of local engagement and targeted digital outreach. Think about your immediate community first. Local networking events, chambers of commerce meetings, and even casual conversations with local business owners can open doors. Many businesses prefer working with local providers they can trust.
For Apex Exterior Care, focusing on commercial property managers and homeowner associations (HOAs) is a direct path to consistent business. These entities manage multiple properties and often have annual maintenance budgets. A well-crafted proposal highlighting your comprehensive, eco-friendly solutions can be very persuasive. Remember, building trust and demonstrating reliability are key when you're just starting out.
Digital marketing is also crucial for finding your first clients. Optimizing your website and online presence for terms like 'commercial facade cleaning' or 'building restoration services' can attract businesses actively searching for your expertise. Data suggests that businesses often see a 2-5% conversion rate from website visitors to actual inquiries. This means even a small stream of website traffic can translate into valuable leads for your new venture.
Effective Client Acquisition Strategies for Exterior Building Maintenance
- Local Networking: Attend community events and join business associations to build local connections.
- Direct Outreach to Property Managers/HOAs: Target decision-makers at commercial properties and residential communities with tailored proposals.
- Digital Marketing: Utilize SEO for relevant search terms like 'commercial facade cleaning' and 'building restoration services' to attract online leads.
- Referral Programs: Incentivize satisfied customers to refer new business, which can significantly boost your client base.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with real estate agencies and property management firms, as referred clients often exhibit a 30% higher retention rate.
Implementing a referral program can be a game-changer for a startup. Offering a discount or a service upgrade to existing clients who bring in new business encourages word-of-mouth marketing. This is particularly effective in the exterior building maintenance sector, where client satisfaction often leads to repeat business and valuable referrals. Partnering with complementary businesses, such as real estate agents or general contractors, can also provide a steady flow of new opportunities.
Define Your Niche For Exterior Building Maintenance
When starting an exterior building maintenance business, like Apex Exterior Care, it's crucial to pinpoint a specific niche. This helps you focus your efforts and resources effectively, rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
Think about who you want to serve. Will you target commercial properties, focusing on things like commercial facade cleaning? Or perhaps multi-family residential complexes? You could also specialize in particular exterior cleaning services, such as running a dedicated window cleaning business or a roof cleaning company. Each of these requires different equipment, expertise, and marketing approaches.
Specialization Benefits
- Premium Pricing: Specializing allows you to command higher rates. For instance, high-rise window cleaning services can charge 2-3 times more than standard residential window cleaning due to the specialized equipment and rigorous training involved.
- Targeted Marketing: Focusing on a niche makes your marketing efforts more effective, reaching the right clients with tailored messages.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlining your services means you can optimize your equipment, training, and processes for that specific niche.
The commercial property management sector alone represents a massive opportunity, with annual spending on various services exceeding $100 billion. By carving out a specific segment within this market, such as providing specialized building restoration services or consistent pressure washing business for commercial clients, you can position yourself for significant growth.
Consider the long-term vision for your exterior property maintenance business plan. A clear niche helps in defining the scope of services, identifying necessary equipment for exterior building maintenance, and understanding the specific client needs you aim to fulfill. This focused approach is key to building a successful exterior building maintenance startup.
Develop A Robust Business Plan For Exterior Building Maintenance
Creating a detailed business plan is a fundamental step when starting an exterior building maintenance business. This document serves as your roadmap, clearly outlining the services you will offer, such as commercial facade cleaning, pressure washing, and window cleaning. It also details your marketing strategy to find clients, your operational procedures for tasks like roof cleaning, and critically, your financial projections. For an exterior building maintenance startup, this plan is vital for securing financing. Banks and investors typically require a comprehensive 3-5 year financial forecast to assess the viability and potential return on investment of your launching building upkeep service.
A well-structured exterior property maintenance business plan should project revenues using a scalable model. For instance, a key financial goal for Apex Exterior Care might be to achieve $50,000 in monthly recurring revenue within 24 months. This projection could be based on successfully securing 10-15 mid-sized commercial contracts. Such a plan demonstrates a clear path to profitability and growth, making it more attractive to potential lenders and investors interested in the profitability of exterior building maintenance businesses. It also helps define the cost to start an exterior building maintenance business by forecasting operational expenses.
Key Components of Your Exterior Building Maintenance Business Plan
- Service Offerings: Clearly define the specific exterior building maintenance services you will provide, such as pressure washing, window cleaning, commercial facade cleaning, and roof cleaning.
- Market Analysis: Research your target market, identify competitors, and understand demand for services like building restoration services in your area.
- Marketing and Sales Strategy: Outline how you will find clients for your exterior building maintenance business, including digital marketing, local outreach, and networking.
- Operational Plan: Detail how you will manage daily operations, including equipment needed for exterior building maintenance, safety protocols, and scheduling software for exterior building maintenance scheduling.
- Financial Projections: Develop a 3-5 year financial forecast including startup costs, revenue projections (e.g., aiming for $50,000 monthly recurring revenue), operating expenses, and profitability analysis.
- Management Team: Describe the experience and roles of key individuals involved in running the exterior building maintenance company.
When developing your exterior building maintenance business plan, consider the legal structure for your exterior building maintenance company. This includes understanding exterior building maintenance business license requirements and ensuring you have adequate exterior building maintenance business insurance. For instance, general liability insurance is crucial to cover potential damages during operations. A solid plan addresses these aspects upfront, minimizing risks for your exterior building maintenance startup and demonstrating preparedness to potential partners.
Secure Necessary Licenses And Insurance For Exterior Building Maintenance
Before you officially launch your exterior building maintenance startup, like Apex Exterior Care, it's crucial to ensure you're legally covered. This means obtaining all the required business licenses and permits specific to your operating location. These requirements can vary significantly by city, county, and state. Failing to secure the correct licenses can lead to fines and operational shutdowns, hindering your progress in establishing a reliable building upkeep service.
Understanding Exterior Building Maintenance Business License Requirements
The specific exterior building maintenance business license requirements will depend on the services you plan to offer. For instance, if you're planning commercial facade cleaning or building restoration services, you might need specialized trade licenses. Researching these needs upfront is a key step in starting an exterior building maintenance company. It’s also wise to look into permits for specific activities, such as working at heights or using certain cleaning chemicals, as these can be mandated by local authorities to ensure public safety.
Essential Insurance for Your Exterior Property Maintenance Business Plan
- General Liability Insurance: This is fundamental for any exterior building maintenance business. It protects your company from claims of bodily injury or property damage that occur as a result of your operations. For an exterior building maintenance business, general liability insurance typically costs between $500 and $2,000 annually, though this can fluctuate based on your coverage limits and where your business is located.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: If you plan on hiring employees for your exterior building maintenance company, this insurance is mandatory in most states. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who get injured or ill on the job. The cost can range from 1-5% of your total payroll.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: If your business uses vehicles for transport or operations, this is essential to cover any accidents.
- Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions): This is important if you offer services that require a degree of professional judgment or advice, protecting you from claims of negligence.
Specialized Certifications for Exterior Building Maintenance Professionals
Beyond basic licensing and insurance, certain exterior building maintenance services may require specialized certifications. For example, operating aerial lifts or conducting specific types of roof cleaning company work might necessitate certifications to ensure professionals are trained in safe operating procedures. These certifications not only fulfill legal obligations in some regions but also enhance your company's credibility, demonstrating a commitment to safety and expertise. This is particularly important when marketing exterior building maintenance services to commercial clients who prioritize contractor qualifications.
Acquire Essential Equipment And Supplies For Exterior Building Maintenance
To successfully launch your exterior building maintenance startup, like Apex Exterior Care, acquiring the right tools is paramount. Investing in high-quality, durable equipment ensures efficiency and safety, leading to better client satisfaction. This is crucial for services ranging from commercial facade cleaning to pressure washing business operations. Remember, the initial investment can seem substantial, but it's the bedrock of your service quality.
The cost to start an exterior building maintenance business, specifically for equipment, can vary. A comprehensive setup, including specialized tools for pressure washing and commercial facade cleaning, might require an initial outlay of between $15,000 and $30,000. This figure often covers essential items like industrial-grade pressure washers, various cleaning solutions, scaffolding or lifts for higher work, and safety gear.
Essential Equipment for Exterior Building Maintenance
- Pressure Washers: Both electric and gas-powered units, with varying PSI levels for different cleaning tasks.
- Cleaning Solutions: Biodegradable detergents, degreasers, and specialized cleaners for different surfaces (e.g., concrete, wood, siding).
- Water Tanks and Hoses: For water supply and pressure delivery, especially for sites without immediate water access.
- Access Equipment: Ladders, extension poles, scaffolding, or even boom lifts for reaching higher areas of buildings.
- Safety Gear: Gloves, eye protection, respirators, harnesses, and non-slip footwear are non-negotiable.
- Specialty Tools: Gutter cleaning attachments, surface cleaners, and window cleaning squeegees and poles.
Beyond the initial equipment purchase, ongoing supply costs are a significant factor for your exterior property maintenance business plan. These typically include detergents, sealants, protective coatings, and replacement safety gear. For a well-run operation, expect these ongoing supplies to represent approximately 5-10% of your monthly revenue. Efficient inventory management is key to controlling these costs and ensuring you always have what you need on hand without overspending.
Embracing eco-friendly exterior building maintenance practices is not only responsible but also a strong selling point. This means opting for biodegradable cleaning agents and water-saving techniques. For instance, many modern pressure washing business tools offer adjustable pressure settings to minimize water usage. Offering such environmentally conscious services can help your exterior building maintenance startup, Apex Exterior Care, stand out and attract clients who prioritize sustainability.
Establish Effective Marketing Strategies For Exterior Building Maintenance
To successfully launch your exterior building maintenance startup, implementing a robust marketing strategy is crucial. Apex Exterior Care needs to reach potential clients proactively. A multi-channel approach ensures broad visibility and engagement. This includes developing a professional website that showcases services and testimonials, optimizing for local search engine results (local SEO), and leveraging social media platforms to build a brand presence and interact with the community.
Direct outreach is also a powerful tool for finding clients for an exterior building maintenance business. This can involve contacting property managers, homeowners' associations, and business owners directly to introduce your services. For instance, businesses that prioritize SEO and ensure their company is listed accurately on local online directories often experience a significant boost in inbound leads, with studies suggesting an increase of 20-30% compared to those relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals.
Key Marketing Elements for an Exterior Building Maintenance Startup
- Professional Website: A well-designed site acts as your digital storefront, detailing services like commercial facade cleaning, building restoration, pressure washing, window cleaning, and roof cleaning.
- Local SEO: Optimizing for local searches ensures that when potential clients search for services like 'exterior building maintenance company near me,' your business appears prominently.
- Social Media Marketing: Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share before-and-after photos, client testimonials, and engage with local businesses and residents.
- Direct Outreach: Contacting property managers and business owners directly can secure initial contracts for your building upkeep service.
- Portfolio Development: Creating compelling before-and-after portfolios of your work is essential for demonstrating the quality of your exterior property maintenance services.
When developing your exterior building maintenance business plan, allocating a marketing budget is essential. For new ventures, a common recommendation is to set aside 5-10% of projected gross revenue for marketing efforts. The focus should be on online advertising, such as targeted social media ads and Google Ads, alongside creating high-quality visual content that highlights the transformative results of your services. This investment is key to how to market exterior building maintenance services effectively and stand out in a competitive market.
Recruit And Train Skilled Personnel For Exterior Building Maintenance
To successfully launch an exterior building maintenance startup like Apex Exterior Care, building a skilled team is paramount. This involves developing a robust hiring and training program specifically for exterior building maintenance professionals. A key focus should be on instilling rigorous safety protocols for all exterior building maintenance operations, ensuring every team member understands and adheres to best practices. Equally important is comprehensive customer service training, as your team is the direct representation of your brand to clients.
When considering hiring employees for an exterior building maintenance company, understanding compensation is crucial. The average hourly wage for an entry-level exterior maintenance technician typically ranges from $15 to $25. Experienced professionals, particularly those with specialized skills in areas like commercial facade cleaning or roof cleaning company operations, can command higher salaries. This investment in skilled labor directly impacts the quality of service provided, a vital factor in client retention and business growth.
Continuous professional development is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring high-quality service delivery in the exterior property maintenance business. Implementing ongoing training for exterior building maintenance professionals can significantly boost performance. Focusing on areas such as advanced pressure washing techniques, specialized building restoration services, and updated safety compliance can lead to a noticeable reduction in incidents, often between 15-20%. This commitment to training not only enhances safety but also elevates the overall quality of your exterior building maintenance services.
Key Training Areas for Exterior Building Maintenance Staff
- Advanced pressure washing techniques
- Building restoration services
- Safety compliance and protocol adherence
- Customer service and client interaction
- Eco-friendly exterior building maintenance practices
Implement Efficient Operational Systems For Exterior Building Maintenance
For an exterior building maintenance startup like Apex Exterior Care, robust operational systems are key to success. Implementing the right technology can transform how you manage your business, from initial client contact to final invoicing. This focus on efficiency directly impacts customer satisfaction and your bottom line.
Streamline Operations with Software
Utilizing specialized software for exterior building maintenance scheduling, client management, and invoicing is crucial. This technology automates many administrative tasks, freeing up your team to focus on service delivery. By having a centralized system, you can better track job progress, manage client communication, and ensure timely billing.
Key Software Benefits for Exterior Building Maintenance
- Scheduling: Efficiently book appointments, manage crew availability, and optimize routes.
- Client Management (CRM): Maintain detailed client records, track service history, and manage communications.
- Invoicing: Generate professional invoices quickly and track payments to improve cash flow.
Investing in Management Software
The cost for CRM and scheduling software subscriptions typically ranges from $50 to $300 per month. Investing in these tools can significantly boost efficiency. Studies show that such software can reduce administrative time by as much as 25%, allowing for more service calls and better client engagement.
Develop Clear Pricing and SLAs
Establishing clear pricing strategies for your exterior building maintenance services is vital. This includes defining costs for services like commercial facade cleaning, pressure washing, and roof cleaning. Equally important are Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which outline the scope of work, response times, and quality standards.
Well-defined pricing and SLAs manage client expectations effectively. This clarity leads to higher client retention rates. For businesses offering subscription models, retention rates often exceed 80%, demonstrating the value of consistent service and transparent agreements in building a loyal customer base for your building upkeep service.