To maintain equipment and services in a building is to keep them in a state in which they can perform their required functions. In contrast, to refurbish is to extend the useful lives of current equipment and services via improvement and modernisation.

Calculating the costs of maintenance is a complex matter. It involves an assessment of whether it is more economic to retain those equipment and services installed years ago than simply replacing them. Issues needing careful consideration include new and emerging technological and compliance requirements, efficiency and reliability of existing equipment and services, and availability of components needed for ongoing maintenance. A greener future and its associated costs – those of installing and sustaining environmentally friendly building services such as photo-voltaics and solar water heating – are also important.

On the other hand, the more existing equipment and services can be renewed and upgraded, the longer the economic life of a building can be extended. Major refurbishment works alter the structures of whole buildings, which need to be vacated. Even in occupied buildings, where minor and medium refurbishment projects need to be carefully planned in order to minimise their impact on business operations, surface and structural alternations can enhance general accessibility and performance standards. Because of the many options available to building operators and the multifaceted effects that refurbishment projects may have on businesses, it is necessary to consider costs associated with reduced productivity and profitability.

Professional advice on the ownership, operation, maintenance and refurbishment of building services can be sought from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).