Important Questions To Ask When Seeking A Building Maintenance Company

Hiring an outside building maintenance company can save you time, energy, hassle, and of course, money! But how can you make sure that you're getting the best service your money can buy? The following questions can help uncover whether the commercial property maintenance company you're interviewing is the one for your needs.

How long have you been in business?

While everyone has to start somewhere, an ideal building maintenance company will have at least 15 years of experience to draw from. This not only shows that they have long term experience, but also that they are successful in a competitive industry, have sustained business through hard times, and are more likely to be in business quite a while in the future.

What range of services can you provide?

When outsourcing your building maintenance, the ideal scenario is to find one company that can address all of your needs. Look for a company that not only offers emergency services, but also licensed HVAC, plumbing, knowledge of proper code, fire safety, general carpentry, and of course, preventative maintenance.

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Sadly, not all companies are bonded and insured, meaning that if something goes wrong while on your property, you're left holding the ball (and the bill!) A simple mistake in plumbing could potentially cost tens of thousands of dollars in damages if the vendor does not carry sufficient coverage.

Do you guarantee your work?

We often hear the term, "satisfaction guaranteed," but find a company that truly sticks by this. Commercial property maintenance can involve a very wide range of required tasks, and it gives you peace of mind when you know that the work completed is guaranteed to meet both your and your tenants' expectations.

Do you have references?

A reputable company will be happy to give references of past clients that have utilized their services. Remember that a company who provides many services may have references that are not just building maintenance, but janitorial services, lawn care, healthcare facility maintenance, and more.

What are your hiring practices?

The personnel of the building maintenance company you choose will be accessing your property, so it is important to know what types of background checks and training the employees will have.

What type of equipment will you be using?

A major benefit of outsourcing commercial property maintenance is that you don't have to use precious capital to buy top of the line maintenance equipment. Ensure that the building maintenance company you choose will be well-trained in the most up-to-date techniques, and be using quality products.

Do you offer emergency or on-call services?

Knowing when the building maintenance personnel are available is a very important thing to consider, as you may need service at any time during the day or night. While you may not want to retain a commercial property maintenance company full time, you can certainly find one to cover holidays, emergencies, or off-peak hours.

With so many building maintenance companies to choose from, it's important to get it right the first time. When interviewing companies, ask these questions to ensure you are hiring someone with the experience and expertise you need.