Blog: Is Deferred Maintenance Setting you up for Failure?

Is Deferred Maintenance Setting you up for Failure?  Not doing important maintenance is sometimes a decision made to make sure there are funds available for ministry and covering utilities and other “must pay” expenses. However, you could be setting yourself up for disaster!

While deferred maintenance can be a useful tool when funding is tight, it can also lead to a developing scenario where the following might happen:

• Safety Risks.  This category should have obvious concern.  Falling ceiling tile, broken steps, or appliances such as ovens, if not in good repair can lead to serious injury to a member or visitor.
• A leaking Roof.  We all know the damage that water can do to structures and ceilings.
• Increased maintenance costs.  Not getting your HVAC system serviced or inspected can lead to expensive corrective maintenance costs.  Replacing an HVAC system is usually much more expensive than regular service and minor repairs.
• Curb appeal.  While not as critical as maintenance costs, poor curb appeal on the outside and interior appeal can impact a visitor’s decision to make subsequent visits.

Did you know that Industry benchmarks show that deferring maintenance increases your maintenance costs overall by over 7%?

Consider an LCEF Ministry Improvement Loan if you don’t have immediate funds to make the necessary repairs.  Take a look at the following LINK to find out more.  You can borrow up to $150,000 to fix, repair, upgrade, or even make cosmetic improvements.  You can even use these funds to upgrade playgrounds and the landscaping around your worship center.

These funds are also available to schools.