Maintaining a State of Good Repair: A Strategic Imperative for Facility Owners and Operators

By Devraj Balbir

In the realm of facility and infrastructure management, the phrase “State of Good Repair” (SGR) represents more than a catchphrase—it’s a measurable goal and a critical benchmark. Whether managing a school district, a transit system, or a portfolio of government or commercial buildings, maintaining assets in a state of good repair ensures safety, reliability, and long-term cost-effectiveness.

But achieving—and sustaining—SGR requires more than routine maintenance. It demands strategic planning, thoughtful investment, and a commitment to lifecycle management.

What Is “State of Good Repair”?

Simply put, a facility or asset is considered to be in a state of good repair when it is functioning as intended, structurally sound, and not in need of immediate major repair or replacement. It encompasses not only physical condition but also code compliance, performance, and safety.

SGR is commonly used in sectors such as transit, education, and government infrastructure to set standards, secure funding, and guide capital investment decisions. It's also becoming increasingly important in the private sector, especially for large-scale real estate and campus environments.

Why State of Good Repair Matters

1. Safety and Reliability

When systems and structures fall out of good repair, the risk of failure increases. Whether it’s a faulty HVAC system, a deteriorating roof, or aging electrical infrastructure, deferred maintenance can lead to safety hazards, service disruptions, and even liability exposure.

2. Cost Control and Predictable Budgeting

Allowing assets to degrade beyond repair leads to unplanned capital costs and emergency fixes that are far more expensive than planned upgrades. SGR-driven planning enables asset owners to budget predictably and avoid the “run to failure” trap.

3. Service Quality and User Satisfaction

Buildings in poor condition affect occupants—students, tenants, employees, or the public. Maintaining SGR ensures that the environment is functional, clean, and efficient, which directly impacts user experience and productivity.

4. Asset Value Preservation

A facility portfolio represents a major capital investment. Preserving its value over time requires disciplined stewardship. SGR-focused management protects that investment and extends the useful life of critical systems.

5. Compliance and Funding Eligibility

For many public agencies, especially in transportation and education, access to grants or government funding is tied to demonstrating progress toward achieving SGR. Having the right data and plans in place is essential for compliance and competitiveness.

How to Achieve and Maintain a State of Good Repair

Achieving SGR is not a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process. Here are the essential steps:

1. Conduct Facility Condition Assessments (FCAs)

Regular FCAs are foundational. They provide the data needed to understand the current condition of assets, identify deficiencies, and estimate costs for repair or replacement.

2. Create an Asset Inventory

Maintain a detailed, up-to-date inventory of all assets—mechanical systems, roofs, windows, pavement, elevators, and more—with relevant metadata like age, condition, and expected lifespan.

3. Establish SGR Metrics

Define what SGR means for your organization. This might include a Facility Condition Index (FCI) threshold, code compliance standards, or energy performance benchmarks.

4. Develop a Capital Renewal Plan

A long-term capital plan should reflect the cost of bringing assets up to and maintaining them in SGR. Prioritize projects based on criticality, risk, and lifecycle stage.

5. Use Technology to Monitor and Manage

Modern facility management software can track asset conditions, automate work orders, and model different funding scenarios to maintain SGR over time.

6. Advocate for Adequate Funding

SGR requires investment. Use data and real-world examples to make the case for sustained funding from stakeholders, board members, or public agencies.

Maintaining a State of Good Repair isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about preserving value, protecting people, and planning for the future. For facility owners and operators, SGR is a strategic imperative that bridges day-to-day operations with long-term resilience. With the right tools, data, and commitment, achieving SGR is not only possible—it’s essential.

By Devraj Balbir