Raise your hand if you have ever been disappointed or let down by a contractor?
Whether it’s over charging, missed deficiencies, late reports or incomplete inspections, vendors always find some way to set the wrong expectations with you. This only leads to missed budgets, deadlines and even sometimes property damage.
Well, there’s good news: choosing a partner in the Fire and Life Safety industry doesn’t have to come with disappointment anymore. With these 5 steps, you can make sure that you are choosing a dependable, quality partner that has the qualifications you need to feel that your building is safe.
Step 1: choose someone with experience in the industry
Whether it’s a certain number of years in the FLS industry or a number of square feet serviced by a company, experience is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing the right partner.
With an experienced company, you can feel comfortable they are up to date with the changes occurring in the industry. As an example, earlier this year, it is now mandatory for all sprinkler technicians to be certified. An experienced partner should also have strong relationships with the governing bodies in the FLS industry, which include the CFAA and CASA.
Working with an experienced partner is also important because it directly relates to their credibility. A more experienced organization should have both long term clients and employees that represent the company well.
Step 2: choose someone who has strong systems in place
When a company invests in their internal systems, you know you’ve picked a winner.
Whether it’s a system to ensure that your reports are completed properly or the development of a digital information management system like Apollo, your FLS partner should have strong systems in place that ultimately will make your job easier.
Step 3: choose a partner who can provide you with 24/7 service
Being able to reply on your FLS 24/7/365 for emergency service should also be a top priority when choosing the right partner. Along with this accessibility, you should be able to contact your technicians directly and not be routed to an answering service or any kind. Emergency service calls are stressful enough, getting your team to site shouldn’t be.
Step 4: choose a partner that specializes in your building
No matter what type of building you manage or its size, your FLS partner should be your security blanket. If you choose a company that specialize in residential spaces but you manage government spaces, chances are something will get overlooked or the team might not have the right clearance to get in and you will miss your inspection date.
Harding Fire Protection, as an example, specializes in servicing customers that manage highly complex buildings with both fire alarm and sprinkler systems as well as customer who manage high value buildings with high value assets. Continuity of building operations is critical for our clients and that is why when customers choose the right FLS partner, they will know their building is safe and secure and fire protection is one less thing for them to worry about.
Step 5: choose a partner who employs dependable and certified technicians
No matter what, all of the technicians on staff at your FLS partner should either be members if the Union Local 853 or CFAA certified (depending on their discipline).
Additionally, all staff should be cross trained to ensure that no matter what fire alarm or sprinkler system they encounter, they preform above your expectations.
Last but certainly not least, you want to have strong communication with the FLS partner that you choose. This way, you can feel confident that you will be able to have a discussion and understand the decisions that need to be made.
Now, you know the crucial steps to follow when you need to choose a FLS partner. No more late inspections, lost reports or missed budgets!
If you want to learn more about how Harding Fire Protection and see if we are the partner you’ve been looking for, please feel free to reach out to Molly Orpin: morpin@hardingfire.com