When running a business or managing properties, it is easy to overlook parking lot maintenance. However, the quality and condition of your parking lot can have a significant impact on how customers perceive your company, and if they choose to patronize your business. For real estate developers, the condition of your parking lots can impact whether companies want to rent retail or office space in your properties. For companies and properties in cities or near busy roadways, a well-maintained parking lot can also be a valuable asset as an alternative to crowded street parking.

Regular parking lot maintenance can keep your parking facilities in the best condition by protecting your lot from damage and increasing its longevity. Proper upkeep can also reduce your parking lot maintenance costs. A well-maintained parking lot can create happier customers and safer facilities and even expand your customer base. Here are six reasons parking lot maintenance should be a priority for your business.

1. Improves Curb Appeal

Parking lots are more than just a place for your customers to park while they enjoy a meal at your restaurant or shop for your products. Your parking lot can influence potential customers’ perceptions of your business, and may even be a determining factor in whether they choose your business or head elsewhere. If you are leasing commercial space for offices or stores, the quality of your parking lot may sway potential clients to sign a contract.

If you fail to maintain your parking lot properly, it may gather dirt and debris. Leaves will accumulate in autumn and puddles will form during a rainy spring. Constant exposure to the elements may also cause the parking lot lines to fade and create unattractive potholes and cracks. This poor appearance may cause customers to perceive your business as unprofessional or sloppy. They may assume the manager or owner does not care to maintain their property well, and this perception may carry over to their opinion of your business itself.

A well-maintained parking lot, on the other hand, shows you take good care of your business to keep it in top condition. Customers may perceive your business as more reliable and better-managed. Your customers will enjoy a smooth and clean parking lot and will have a positive perception of your company before they ever step through the front door. Your business may even attract more first-time customers thanks to the excellent curb appeal of your store.

Here are a few ways parking lot maintenance can improve the curb appeal of your business and attract more customers.

• Restores bright color: A parking lot that has been resealed and restriped will have a like-new appearance. Fresh seal coating will restore the pavement to jet black, and the newly painted stripes will shine in bright white and yellow.
• Creates a smooth surface: Repairing potholes and sealing cracks in your parking lot will create a smooth surface that is more visually appealing and more enjoyable for customers to drive on.
• Eliminates trash and debris: Regular sweeping of your parking lot keeps it free of unsightly dirt and debris. Customers will appreciate the clean appearance and will perceive your business as well-maintained.
• Highlights landscaping features: A poorly maintained parking lot may have weeds, potholes, and debris that distract from your landscaping features. An attractive and clean parking lot will highlight your parking lot islands, trees, lampposts, and other features that boost your business’s curb appeal.

2. Increases Safety

Parking lot maintenance affects more than just appearance — it can play a significant role in improving the safety of your parking lot for drivers and pedestrians. A parking lot that has not been maintained will develop cracks and potholes over time and accumulate gravel and other debris. Potholes and cracks can cause flat tires, and sharp debris in your parking lot could also damage your customers’ tires or scratch their vehicle.

3. Maximizes Your Parking Lot Space

As your business grows or the company acquires more employees, your parking lot should be able to accommodate this growth. Without parking lot maintenance, however, your lot is likely to become crowded and disorganized. If parking spot lines are faded, customers may not park most efficiently and might impede traffic flow or prevent other customers from being able to park in adjacent spots. Potholes or cracks may also cause customers to avoid parking near these hazards and take up more than one parking space for a single vehicle. If your parking lot has large debris or trash, this can also block parking spots as well as create a poor impression of your business.

4. Reduces Liability

Creating a safer parking lot is crucial for protecting your customers and their vehicles, but it also reduces your risk of a lawsuit or liability issues. If potholes or cracks cause a customer to fall and injure themselves, your business may be legally liable. The risk of injury is even higher when customers are pushing shopping carts or carrying bulky products from your store. Puddles or patches of ice can also cause customers to fall and hurt themselves.

By repairing cracks and potholes regularly, you can prevent injuries on your property and protect your business from liability issues. Clearing debris and any potential hazards can also reduce your risk of a lawsuit.