The Cost of Deferred Maintenance

Published on

May 14, 2025

Facility managers are tasked with a long list of responsibilities when it comes to the upkeep of their building(s). Consistent maintenance is a crucial part of any facility management plan. However, we have seen time and again that when budgets are tight or resources are limited, it’s tempting for facility managers to delay routine upkeep. Putting off maintenance may seem like a good way to save money in the short term, but it can cause substantial costs down the road. What begins as a minor fix can easily escalate into a costly repair or even a full system replacement.

The Hidden Costs and Long-Term Consequences of Deferred Maintenance

Accelerated Deterioration of Your Facility and Equipment

Regular maintenance ensures that facilities and systems operate efficiently and last longer. Without it, natural wear and tear will cause premature failure and higher lifecycle costs.

Higher Repair Costs

That leaky pipe or flickering lightbulb might seem insignificant now, but left unchecked, these small issues can lead to extensive water damage, energy inefficiency, mold growth, or fire hazards, requiring repairs that cost exponentially more than the original issue.

Operational Disruptions

It’s no secret that unplanned outages and equipment failures disrupt daily business operations. For commercial properties, that can mean lost revenue, tenant complaints, business downtime, and even regulatory noncompliance.

Reduced Asset Value

Facilities that aren’t well-maintained age poorly. Deferred maintenance affects property value, lease appeal, and increases insurance premiums due to higher risk.

Liability and Safety Risks

Neglecting facility maintenance can create a dangerous environment and put your facility’s occupants at risk—exposing your organization to legal claims, insurance disputes, and reputational damage. With hefty fines and other repercussions of deferred maintenance, legal and reputational costs from such incidents often far exceed the original maintenance expense.

A Smarter Strategy

Instead of deferring maintenance, adopt a proactive maintenance plan. Schedule inspections, set aside contingency funds, and use asset management tools to track service history. Investing in preventative care is almost always cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a preventable failure. Facility owners and managers need to remember—what you postpone now can come back later as a much bigger, more expensive problem.

Don’t let deferred maintenance drain your budget—partner with City Wide for smart facility management. With City Wide on your side, you gain a facility management partner committed to protecting your assets and budget. Don’t let short-term savings blind you to long-term costs.