In today’s rapidly evolving real estate landscape, the line between physical infrastructure and digital systems is blurring. Commercial property owners are no longer content with reactive maintenance strategies. Instead, they’re seeking intelligent solutions that anticipate risks, automate workflows, and preserve asset value — before issues emerge.
As a founder operating at the intersection of AI and real estate operations, I’ve watched this shift unfold firsthand. The move toward preventative intelligence is transforming how buildings are monitored, maintained, and monetized.
Why Reactive Maintenance Is No Longer Enough
Traditionally, building maintenance has been cyclical and manual. Facility managers conduct periodic inspections, flag visible issues, and address problems after they’ve escalated — often with hefty price tags. Leaks, drainage failures, and minor structural damage can go undetected for months until they become major liabilities.
These legacy systems aren’t just inefficient — they’re costly. According to Propmodo (2023), inefficient maintenance contributes to over $30 billion in avoidable operational costs in U.S. commercial real estate annually. What’s worse, reactive processes make it difficult to allocate resources proactively, manage long-term capital planning, or meet rising ESG (environmental, social, governance) goals.
The Rise of Intelligent Infrastructure
The solution lies in smart, automated systems that turn data into foresight. Whether embedded into structural elements or deployed as standalone sensors, these AI-powered tools analyze patterns and detect issues early. Harvard Business Review (2022) notes that intelligent facility systems improve response time, reduce inspection costs, and enhance tenant satisfaction.
Imagine a system that analyzes weather patterns, historical wear data, and material conditions to predict the risk of damage before it happens. Now imagine it sending real-time alerts, scheduling preventative work, and logging it all for compliance. This isn’t a vision for the future — it’s already here in early-stage commercial applications.
In my own work, I’ve helped develop platforms that give building owners visibility into rooftop conditions, blockage risks, and structural integrity — all without the need for constant manual inspection. The result? Fewer emergencies, optimized budgets, and a competitive advantage in an increasingly data-driven market.
Founders Driving Operational Innovation
This transformation isn’t being led by legacy providers. It’s being driven by founders — people who understand the gaps in property workflows and have the flexibility to build new solutions from the ground up.
Bringing a real estate-focused AI solution to market isn’t easy. It requires a deep understanding of both technology and the operational nuance of commercial property ownership. It also demands a willingness to navigate regulation, pilot partnerships, and integrate with legacy software environments.
As a founder, my role spans everything from business development to strategic product alignment. This cross-functional visibility allows me to guide development decisions that truly meet the needs of landlords, engineers, and maintenance staff — not just technologists.
Unlocking Long-Term Asset Performance
Preventative maintenance isn’t just about preventing problems. It’s about extending the life of valuable assets, ensuring safety, and boosting net operating income. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences (2021), proactive systems can extend infrastructure life cycles by 30% or more while lowering energy consumption.
And in an era of rising insurance costs, regulatory oversight, and tenant expectations, proactive upkeep isn’t optional. It’s a strategic advantage.
Smart maintenance platforms also support broader ESG and compliance objectives. GreenBiz (2022) also emphasizes that automated diagnostics reduce waste and increase environmental compliance — critical factors in LEED certification and carbon reporting. And data-backed capital planning helps organizations demonstrate transparency to stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
As intelligent property systems become more mainstream, the next frontier will be integration. AI-powered diagnostics will connect to energy systems, security tools, and financial models to deliver end-to-end operational intelligence.
According to Smart Cities Dive (2023), the future of commercial property is data-responsive — where buildings continuously learn, adapt, and communicate needs autonomously.
The future is one where properties operate with the same intelligence as software — constantly monitoring, learning, and optimizing in the background. With more founders entering the space, innovation will accelerate. The winners will be those who can combine deep technical understanding with a clear grasp of real-world real estate problems. And as startups continue to push the envelope, we’re getting closer to that reality every day.
Jianyu Sun is the Co-founder of a U.S.-based startup building smart maintenance solutions for commercial real estate. She holds a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of California, Irvine, and has worked across real estate, technology, and operations.
References
- Propmodo. “How Predictive Maintenance is Reshaping Commercial Buildings.” 2023.
- Harvard Business Review. “How Smart Tech is Changing Facility Management.” 2022.
- National Institute of Building Sciences. “Lifecycle Performance and Facility Optimization.” 2021.
- GreenBiz. “Data-Driven Buildings Are Key to Environmental Progress.” 2022.
- Smart Cities Dive. “The Rise of Real-Time Infrastructure.” 2023.
