Purpose:
The article critically evaluates maintenance strategies and analyses the extent to which models
from other sectors can be applied to building maintenance.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is of a theoretical nature and is based on a number of Swedish case studies and
questionnaires from which a number of stylized facts have been identified. These have then been
used to explain and draw conclusions on maintenance strategies.
Findings
The main finding is that there are a number of specific uncertainties that affect building
maintenance planning, which makes detailed long term plans less meaningful. The paper proposes
a new structure for maintenance that focuses on long term goals for various buildings/components
and then short run adjustments when new information is acquired.
Research limitations/implications:
The case for the new model needs to be strengthened by further studies including some from other
countries.
Practical and social implications
Maintenance activities will become more important as the need to renovate or demolish the large
building stock from the 50s and 60s increases. A rational structure and realistic expectations
concerning maintenance planning are therefore important.
Originality/value
The most important contribution of the article is to underline the importance of different types of
uncertainty for the structure of building maintenance planning.