Keeping facilities in excellent condition goes a long way in enhancing the organisation's public image, growing the client base and preventing property depreciation. Given that facility maintenance is a complex task, it is only reasonable that organisations outsource this service. The article below details how to choose a facility maintenance contractor.

Check The Contractor's Experience

Given that there are numerous building contractors in your area, you should narrow your search to contractors experienced in facility maintenance. For instance, it could be that the contractor has maintained a hospital, museum, strata unit or commercial building. The advantage of dealing with experienced contractors is that the challenges they faced in their previous engagements can positively influence their approach to facility maintenance. For instance, they can instantly tell the frequency at which you need to maintain the various amenities and the longevity of the different fixtures. 

Ask For Proposals 

Ask the shortlisted contractors to send proposals of how they plan to maintain the facility. Ideally, they will need to examine the building to determine the necessary maintenance works. This guide should help you compare the proposals. Ask:

• How exhaustive is the contractor's proposal? Besides standard maintenance procedures such as maintaining the drainage, electrical and plumbing system, does the contractor consider minor repairs such as cleaning the AC ducts, replacing faucets, upgrading the landscape and cleaning the roof?
• What is the proposed maintenance frequency? All systems do not need maintenance at the same time. The recommended schedule should be on a need basis and should include regular maintenance to track the condition of the various amenities.
• How will the contractor conduct the maintenance and repairs? For example, they could propose working at night or during the weekends to avoid interruptions.
• Does the contractor give guarantees? You should not have to pay for poor quality work. 

Examine The Contractor's Services

Assess the contractor's operations to establish the services that they provide. For example, the contractor might not have a roofing or plumbing licence. In this case, they would be compelled to subcontract the work to professionals with these licences. Ask the credentials of who they will hire. This background search will improve your confidence in the contractor's work. 

Insist On Insurance Coverage

Your contractor must have the required insurance coverage. For example, general liability insurance will compensate you if the contractor damages some of your items or if their work injured a customer visiting your premises. On the other hand, workers compensation liability coverage will protect you from injury suits if some of the contractor's employees suffer injuries at your site. 

When hiring a facility maintenance contractor, assess their experience, ask for proposals, examine the contractor's services and insurance coverage.