Building-Service-Provider

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Building Service Provider

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Choosing the right building service provider is paramount for property managers and building owners. The stakes are high, as a poor selection can lead to inadequate maintenance, increased liability, and even property devaluation. Making an informed decision means considering expertise, safety standards, and customer feedback.

This comprehensive guide will assist you in navigating through the selection process, ensuring you partner with a service provider who aligns with your property’s specific needs and maintains its value and integrity.

Consequences of Poor Selection: Liability and Cost Implications

With so much on the line, the consequences of choosing a substandard service provider can lead to significant liability claims, fines, and costly repairs.

  • Premises Liability Claims: This type of claim arises when injuries occur due to a dangerous condition on another person’s property. To establish a premises liability claim, it’s typically necessary to prove three key elements: a dangerous condition existed on the property, the property owner was negligent in creating or not addressing this condition, and this negligence directly resulted in injury or property damage. Building service providers who lack experience, perform low-quality work, or use cheap materials put building owners at greater risk of falling victim to this type of claim.
  • Lost Time Managing Subpar Vendors: Hiring subpar vendors often results in poor communication, lack of follow-through and response time, and rework. Spending time constantly following up with vendors or even chasing down an unresponsive vendor wastes your time. In the long run, you will likely need to find another provider to do the job correctly.
  • Costly Repairs: When vendors fail to make repairs correctly the first time or to perform preventative maintenance, it will lead to expensive repairs. For instance, the cost of correcting someone else’s mistake will most certainly cost more than the original quote. Ignoring preventative maintenance can cause issues to go unnoticed and fester into larger problems.
  • Lower Property Value: Structural integrity, curb appeal, and safety are critical to your property’s value. Unlike factors such as the economy and interest rates, maintaining your property is within your control. One way or another, your choice of building service provider directly impacts the value of your property.

Selecting a reliable and competent service provider is crucial for efficient property management, property value, and avoiding repeated interventions, hassles, and expenses.

Selecting the Right Building Service Provider

The ideal building service provider should not only fit within your budget but also possess the capabilities to meet your property’s unique demands. Make it a priority to choose a building service provider who aligns well with your objectives and ensures that your property is maintained effectively, enhancing its value and appeal. This decision is about more than just immediate service needs; it’s about forming a partnership that supports your property’s ongoing success and sustainability.

1. Evaluate for Expertise and Experience

Evaluating a building service provider’s expertise and experience is a crucial step. You can achieve this by exploring several avenues, such as online reviews, the provider’s website, and direct inquiries.

  • Online Reviews and Ratings: Check online platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific sites for reviews and ratings. These can provide insights into the provider’s performance and customer satisfaction levels.
  • Provider’s Website: Visit their official website to explore case studies, project portfolios, and testimonials. This information often reflects their experience and areas of specialization.
  • Professional Networks: Contact your network of property owners and managers for recommendations and firsthand experiences with various providers.
  • Industry Forums and Online Communities: Engage in forums or platforms where property management professionals discuss and share experiences with different service providers.
  • Direct Inquiry: Contact the provider directly and request detailed information about their past projects, years in business, and client references.

These methods can collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of a provider’s expertise and reliability in the field.

2. Assess the Provider’s Service Offerings

When selecting a building service provider, it’s vital to ensure they offer a comprehensive range of services that cater to the diverse needs of your buildings. This adaptability is crucial for addressing unique maintenance requirements effectively.

  • Wide Range of Services: A proficient provider should offer various services, such as window cleaning, waterproofing, and concrete and leak repair. This flexibility includes customizing maintenance plans, adjusting service schedules, and being able to handle unforeseen issues promptly.
  • Specialized Solutions: Providers should have tailored solutions catering to these building types, showcasing their understanding and expertise in various fields.
  • Resource Availability: Examine the provider’s resources, including their workforce, equipment, and technological capabilities. These resources should align with the scale and complexity of your building’s maintenance needs.
  • Commitment to Preventative Maintenance: A focus on proactive strategies to mitigate wear and tear is essential. This approach helps maintain the building’s aesthetics and structural integrity, prolonging its lifespan.

A building service provider’s ability to offer wide-ranging, specialized, and flexible services, supported by adequate resources and a preventative approach, is crucial in selecting the right partner for your building’s maintenance needs.

3. Ensure Safety Standards and Compliance

Prioritizing safety in building maintenance is non-negotiable. Ensure the provider adheres to industry-standard safety protocols and requires OSHA-required certifications & inspections when suspending from your roof anchorages. A commitment to ongoing employee training and safety education is vital.

This commitment to safety protects workers and ensures the integrity and security of your property.

  • OSHA Certifications: Confirm that the provider has relevant safety training certifications from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other industry associations, like OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training. These certifications are indicators of a provider’s dedication to maintaining high safety standards in their operations.
  • Standards & Regulations: Question your provider’s knowledge of compliance with various regulatory bodies. This knowledge demonstrates their commitment to following legal safety requirements and industry best practices.
  • Ongoing Training and Education: Evaluate the provider’s commitment to continuous employee training and safety education. Regular training ensures that the workforce is up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and techniques, minimizing risks and enhancing the quality of service.

A safety-minded building service provider adheres to regulatory compliance and fosters a safe working environment, safeguarding the workforce, tenants, and property.

4. Review Risk Mitigation Capabilities

Assessing risk mitigation capabilities involves examining whether the provider is sufficiently equipped to manage and minimize potential risks associated with building maintenance, repairs, and emergencies. Such capabilities are pivotal in ensuring the provider can support your property effectively, not just under normal circumstances but also in unexpected situations that may arise.

  • Licensed, Bonded, and Insured: A building service provider that is licensed, bonded, and insured offers legal credibility, financial protection against potential job failures or damages, and insurance coverage for accidents or liabilities.
  • Proactive Business Continuity Approach: The ideal provider will have well-developed business continuity and emergency preparedness plans. For example, evaluating the work site for hazards before starting a job, planning active job-site hours when it’s best for the safety of your property and its tenants, properly blocking off the job site area, and having emergency rescue plans when using suspended access equipment.
  • Emergency Preparedness: A provider with robust emergency response protocols, such as emergency leak repair, ensures that your property receives prompt and effective service during critical situations, minimizing potential damage and downtime.

A building service provider who prioritizes risk mitigation understands the impacts on your tenants and property when things don’t go as planned. A provider who has this mindset ensures prompt building repairs and takes measures to prevent future problems.

5. Making Your Selection

After narrowing down your choices based on expertise, service offerings, safety standards, and risk mitigation, it’s time to make the final selection. This crucial step involves a detailed evaluation of how each candidate aligns with your needs and goals.

  • Request and Compare Proposals: Review detailed proposals from your shortlisted providers. Assess how each proposal addresses your requirements, including service scope, timelines, and cost.
  • Site Visits and Meetings: Arrange site visits or meetings with potential providers. Observe their professionalism and ask in-depth questions about their approach to your project.
  • Final Evaluation: Consider all the information gathered, including feedback from references. Evaluate each provider’s ability to deliver quality services within your budget.

Choose the provider who best fits your criteria and demonstrates the capability to maintain and enhance your property effectively. Remember, the right provider is not just a contractor but a partner in maintaining your property’s value and functionality.

Valcourt’s Expertise in Building Services

At Valcourt Building Services, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive range of specialized building services. Our expertise encompasses waterproofing, window cleaning, facade repair and restoration, rapid leak repair, comprehensive safety system installations, and anchor inspections & certifications. We are committed to delivering high-quality services tailored to meet the unique needs of each building.

Our team, equipped with industry-leading knowledge and tools, ensures every project upholds the highest standards of safety and excellence. Contact Valcourt today and partner with a team dedicated to preserving and enhancing the value and functionality of your property.

 

exterior building repair

Concrete, Masonry, Sealant: How to Approach Minor Exterior Building Repairs

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As the saying goes, “Little things can become big problems.” Small cracks or separations in concrete and masonry can quickly evolve into larger, more expensive repairs if not addressed promptly. Addressing these repairs rapidly and correctly is crucial for prolonging the building’s lifespan and ensuring safety. Minor repairs on concrete and masonry may seem straightforward. However, the type, size, and cause of the crack may call for a specific approach to fix the issue and mitigate more damage. 

Three Strategies for Concrete Repair

Embarking on concrete repair requires not just identifying the issue but also selecting the most effective method to address it. Here, we will outline three proven strategies for concrete repair: Clean and Fill, Epoxy Injection, and Polyurethane Injection, detailing how and when each method can provide optimal results.

Clean and Fill

The “Clean and Fill” method is a staple for minor exterior repairs, particularly effective for small cracks and separations in concrete and masonry. When done right, this technique thoroughly cleans the damaged area to remove any loose material or debris, thus ensuring a strong adhesion for the repair materials. Utilizing low-viscosity sealants or fillers allows for deeper penetration into narrow cracks, providing a comprehensive fill that closely mimics the properties of the original surface. The choice of these materials not only facilitates a quick and straightforward application but also offers long-lasting protection against further damage, preserving the structural integrity and appearance of the exterior elements.

Epoxy Injection

Epoxy injection aims not just to fill cracks but also to create a bond that restores the concrete beyond its pre-cracked strength. Best in dry settings, the process begins with diligent cleaning and selecting the best epoxy formula. At Valcourt, our technicians meticulously apply the epoxy to ensure complete penetration and a monolithic bond. With a focus on proper curing, our service ensures the epoxy repair is as enduring as it is efficient, providing a cost-effective alternative to significant structural replacement.

Polyurethane injection

Polyurethane injection stands as a versatile solution in the realm of minor exterior repairs, particularly noted for its efficacy in sealing wet and leaking cracks. This method involves injecting reactive polyurethane resins that expand upon contact, offering a robust seal even in the presence of moisture. The resin’s expansive nature means it can fill voids, conforming to the irregularities within a crack, and does not necessitate water to activate. Its non-shrinking, closed-cell foam composition ensures that once it sets, it maintains a flexible yet water-tight barrier that adapts to the natural movements of the building materials, providing a durable fix to prevent water ingress and the resultant damage.

Avoiding Cracks Through Effective Maintenance and Mitigation

The nature and composition of concrete and masonry make them susceptible to cracking. By focusing on three critical areas—regular inspections and maintenance plans, effective mitigation strategies, and partnering with a skilled building service provider—we can illustrate how to intercept problems before they escalate into significant concerns. 

Regular Inspections and Maintenance Plans

Instituting a schedule of regular inspections and adhering to a detailed maintenance plan is foundational to the longevity of any building. Routine checks can reveal early signs of wear and tear, allowing for timely interventions that prevent minor issues from becoming major structural problems. A maintenance plan acts as a roadmap, providing clear instructions and schedules for upkeep, which can extend the life of the building’s exterior elements and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repair needs.

Effective Mitigation Strategies

Understanding and implementing effective mitigation strategies is critical to safeguard against potential damage. This involves identifying at-risk areas and applying measures such as waterproofing, using protective coatings, and ensuring proper drainage around the structure. These strategies reduce the exposure of concrete and masonry to harsh environmental conditions, thereby mitigating the risk of damage.

Partner with a Building Service Provider

A crucial component in maintaining the exterior of a building is the partnership with a reliable building service provider. A provider with a track record of excellence brings expertise, precision, and the latest technologies to your maintenance efforts. They ensure the highest standards of maintenance and repair work by offering tailored solutions that fit the specific needs of your building.

Securing Structural Longevity Through Expert Repairs and Proactive Maintenance

Clean and fill, epoxy injection, and polyurethane injection are vital in repairing and reinforcing your buildings. When you pair these methods with preventative maintenance and mitigation strategies and partner with the right building service provider like Valcourt, these approaches form a robust defense against the natural wear and tear inflicted upon concrete and masonry over time.

Valcourt’s services go beyond mere repairs, encompassing a comprehensive suite of maintenance and inspection options designed to maintain your building’s integrity. Our experts specialize in a wide range of services, including but not limited to:

  • Customized maintenance plans based on the building’s specific needs.
  • Application of protective coatings and waterproofing solutions.
  • Advanced repair techniques utilizing the latest industry standards and materials.

Proactively protect your investment with Valcourt’s expert services. From precision repairs to preventative maintenance, we have the expertise to ensure your building stands firm against the test of time. Contact Valcourt today for a comprehensive assessment and quote, and partner with us to safeguard your property’s future.

building_maintenance_emergency

Tips for Better Urgent and Emergency Facilities Maintenance & Repairs

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Facility managers play a vital role in building emergency maintenance service management. Facilities managers are the control point for all maintenance, restoration, and repair concerns, including emergency maintenance. Therefore, they must be able to communicate and allocate resources effectively and as quickly as possible during building maintenance emergency scenarios. 

Emergency maintenance services include critical elevator cab concerns, water leaks, flooding concerns, and safety features. With preparation and professionalism, facility managers can handle emergency repairs swiftly without affecting the business flow and its occupants. 

As the facilities management industry continues to grow, facility managers’ jobs are expanding to include more duties and skill sets, including emergency maintenance service. In addition, the physical environment of buildings is becoming more crucial to how modern society conducts business, enjoys entertainment, and enjoys lifestyles leading to increased facilities management budgets, which means managers have a more significant influence. But first, it’s essential to understand what urgent maintenance truly is and how it differs from standard maintenance.

What Constitutes a Maintenance Emergency?

How often do you think about the answer to, “what is emergency maintenance?” Emergency maintenance is a repair that occurs on an as-needed basis and requires immediate attention. An emergency repair must be made immediately when a piece of machinery or the structural integrity is in jeopardy, causing an emergency maintenance concern. Emergency repairs can happen at any moment and need a fast response as they could pose a danger or safety hazard to building occupants and staff. Some building maintenance emergency circumstances can cause a complete shutdown or even an evacuation, which can cause a loss of product and profit for business owners while also affecting the safety and health of patrons. Therefore, the longevity of the building is dependent upon prompt and effective responses to emergency maintenance and emergency maintenance service. 

After-hours emergency maintenance and facilities management is an undisputed necessity for building owners. Fortune Business Insights states that “the global facility management market is projected to grow from $1,260.36 billion in 2022 to $1,856.44 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.7% in the forecast period…The global facility management market is projected to grow from $1,260.36 billion in 2022 to $1,856.44 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.7% in the forecast period”. 

When unanticipated emergency maintenance occurs in a building, a reliable professional must repair it swiftly and affordably. However, most contractors are neither prepared nor created to tackle all the emergency maintenance demands during a building maintenance emergency. Seek a professional with an entire staff that assists building owners and property managers with critical and urgent emergency repairs.

Work with industry leaders that create and implement proactive and preventative maintenance that will inevitably increase building value by keeping it in tip-top shape. Implementing planned maintenance will help prevent future fixes, problems, and emergency maintenance. Below are upkeep practices and maintenance tips to remember to reduce the cost and frequency of emergency repairs and maintenance needs:

1. Address Issues When First Detected to Ensure Timely Response and to Reduce Further Risks

Routine and emergency maintenance issues can be detrimental if not addressed promptly. Putting off minor leaks, commercial glass restoration, loose floor tiles, and other repairs can be tempting. Still, these minor issues can quickly grow, leading to emergency repairs and even safety issues when ignored. 

Repairs should be dealt with as soon as possible before they become emergency repairs and become more severe by producing additional risks to the building and its occupants. For example, a leaking outdoor faucet does not seem like a deal. Still, suppose a water leak is ignored for a long time or goes undetected. In that case, it will cause after-hours emergency maintenance, incurring extensive damage and costing thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Response time is vital. A safe and effective maintenance plan must be adequate to lower risk and maintain satisfaction. Using qualified and after-hours emergency maintenance specialists available around the clock for emergency repairs is a game-changer for facility management.

2. Define What Constitutes an Emergency and Who to Contact. 

What is a maintenance emergency? Who is in charge of an emergency maintenance situation? Facility management teams should answer these questions and implement a plan. Ensure all parties in an authoritative position know what plan to implement, what constitutes an emergency maintenance concern, who to contact, and the difference between emergency repairs and routine maintenance. 

Choose the appropriate leaders for after-hours emergency maintenance situations. Defined roles enable decisive and quick-thinking action. Share your emergency plan with others. Inform those in positions of authority and those with specific duties. Make the simplest, most straightforward after-hours emergency maintenance plan available to staff. 

What is a maintenance emergency? In a June 2022 event in Wicker Park, Illinois, part of a building’s facade fell on a woman after authorities warned the owner to make repairs weeks earlier. According to CBSNews.com, The Department of Buildings contacted the building owner and told them to ”immediately put up a heavy-duty canopy on the public way around the front of the buildings, get a licensed structural engineer to assess the building façade, [and], get a licensed masonry contractor to make emergency repairs.” Also, the same article states, “While the heavy-duty canopy was put in place, the owner did not make any repairs.”

While this building owner may not have viewed this as an emergency maintenance issue, it resulted in the critical injury of an innocent passerby due to the delay in response to this after-hours emergency maintenance. 

3. Weigh Options and Determine the Best Course of Action

Consider all available options when an emergency maintenance issue arises. Look at the best opportunity to reduce the impact of the emergency repair on other components and implement the best course of action and next step to address the situation. 

A clearly defined plan, operating procedures, and proactive checklist will help ensure after-hours emergency maintenance have as few hiccups as possible, allowing business to proceed as usual and as quickly as possible. 

4. Have a Team of On-Call Field Service Vendors Ready for Urgent or Emergency Maintenance. 

An emergency maintenance service provider guarantees that emergency repairs are met with professionalism and competence. Facilities managers can handle the demanding nature of their work while cross-identifying problems, responding fast, and resolving emergency maintenance as soon as possible by accessing their network of on-call vendors available for emergency maintenance.

According to Landport X1, “the 3 AM wake-up call is often a reality for facility managers. Only 6% of companies have a well-established maintenance department. Yet maintenance issues threaten the very existence of a business.” An expert emergency maintenance partner has a network of contacts that assists with immediate and on-demand emergency repairs. 

An emergency maintenance service provider with a well-established network can contact multiple resources if one is not readily available. A partner for commercial building maintenance takes the pressure off the building and business owners, allowing them to concentrate on business-oriented tasks. 

If a network of after-hours emergency maintenance vendors is not available, a Plan B must be implemented. Planning and preparing as much as possible is vital. Have a list of preferred vendors to contact when an emergency repair arises. Ensure that a dedicated team is assigned ahead of time in charge of a building maintenance emergency. 

5. Check Prior Emergency Routes and Evacuations and Follow Predetermined Plans as Necessary

For the health and safety of patrons, occupants, and staff, ensure that all evacuation plans are posted in the required spots in an emergency maintenance situation. When immediate action is needed, develop and implement an emergency plan, including emergency repairs and hazard and safety precautions that need to be considered. The strategy should consider immediate structure deterioration, chemicals, fire, and flood emergencies. Ensure that all staff is aware of the evacuation routes and up to date on new regulations and changes made to emergency maintenance service needs of the building. 

6. Ensure All Field Service Vendors Have Proper Training

Vendors, team members, and other personnel must know their job and responsibilities in the event of an emergency maintenance issue. They must be fully trained in carrying out those duties, including updating processes and procedures if necessary and knowing when to provide emergency maintenance services. All should also abide by all safety-related rules and regulations.

All reputable organizations that provide building maintenance emergency and routine building maintenance services are highly qualified and hold the appropriate licenses for emergency maintenance services. Having written safety policies is highly important and must be effectively conveyed to all personnel, team members, and vendors involved in the facility. Each person has a role and needs to be trained in their specific duties and expectations.

7. Only Make Emergency Repairs According to Code and Engineering Specifications

Never take shortcuts or veer from regulated codes, standards, or procedures to save time or money. Faster and easier do not equal safer and more accurate. Shortcuts are great for driving but not for emergency maintenance services. Only qualified personnel should do emergency repairs and follow all building and safety requirements.

In 2021, it was estimated that 42.5 percent of commercial businesses spent between 21 and 40 percent of their operating budget on cleaning and maintenance equipment, personnel, and supplies, according to Statista. Therefore, prioritizing a facility’s upkeep and emergency maintenance service is vital to its longevity, functionality, and prevention of emergency maintenance. 

9. Keep Your Window Accesses and High-Rise Platforms in Tip-Top Shape

A building’s plaza deck systems, rooftop doors, windows, window cleaning scaffolding, fire escapes, and other emergency equipment must be frequently examined to ensure they are safe, undamaged, and still in compliance with the law. 

Depending on the type of building and its location, its cleaning and emergency maintenance service needs vary. For example, if the building has frequent foot traffic and faces a busy street, the need for window and platform cleaning is much higher than that of a building used for storage and facing a parking lot. Pollution and birds can also play a significant role in the frequency of cleaning. Bird proofing and deterrents in commercial buildings are necessary preventative measures that building owners can implement to reduce the cleaning frequency and emergency repairs.

10. Coordinate Scheduled Maintenance and Repair Services to Reduce Risk of Emergencies

The final way to reduce expenses related to emergency repairs of commercial buildings is to coordinate and schedule routine checks and emergency maintenance services and stick to the emergency maintenance service schedule. 

Taking advantage of the technologies offered to facility managers is a proven game-changer for proactive and emergency maintenance management. According to FortuneBusinessInsights.com, “Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software tools streamline management and control of facility management maintenance operations. It comprises a variety of tools, including CAFM space applications, software, and systems. 

Large organizations widely adopt CAFM solutions to design, observe, and execute their facility management tasks precisely. It combines administration, architecture, engineering concepts, and behavioral science to optimize business functions.” These capabilities make it easier to coordinate maintenance, both planned and emergency or urgent needs, in tandem, allowing facilities managers to stay strategic and avoid the pitfalls of missing one or the other. 

11. Stay Informed of Emergencies Beyond Your Control, Such as Weather-Related Events

Staying informed and educated on natural disasters and weather-related emergencies is fundamental for emergency repairs and situations. Mother nature is unpredictable, and an event can happen anytime. Preparing an emergency maintenance service plan is the only way to ensure the health and safety of the building, its guests, and personnel. 

Given that there are only so many ways to prevent weather-related emergencies and natural disasters, it is crucial to be as informed and proactive as possible. It is essential to monitor the situation closely and have a weather-related emergency maintenance service plan for emergencies like fires or gas leaks.

12. Retrain Your In-House Building Management Team on How to Respond to Emergencies

An emergency maintenance plan is only as effective as the staff implementing it. Providing up-to-date information is vital to ensure staff and personnel are able and ready to implement an emergency maintenance service plan when an emergency occurs. Through education and training, all employees are to be made aware of potential risks and the actions needed to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. 

Performing routine drills and practices is a simple way to keep plans fresh in employees’ minds. Use various types of scenarios and techniques that can occur. Training must include communication, an emergency maintenance service plan, designated roles, warnings and alarms, evacuation, shutting down of necessary equipment, and sheltering. 

13. Leverage Building Management Software & Partnerships While Also Tracking Lessons Learned From Urgent or Emergent Situations

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; the same goes for building maintenance, emergency management, and planning. Facility managers can learn from previous problems and emergency circumstances. This enables them to be better prepared for an emergency maintenance issue. As teams use scheduling software and cutting-edge technology, update monitoring and security systems, and collaborate with industry experts, they can avoid problems while learning what happened and why. 

Further, working with Industry partners that specialize and are trained in emergency maintenance service and preparedness reduces risk. Essentially, this level of outsourcing takes the brunt of the building owner’s responsibility and allows them to focus on maintaining business as usual. 

Stay on Top of Commercial Building Maintenance and Reduce Emergency Repair Costs by Partnering With Valcourt Today

Emergency maintenance is unpredictable and inevitable. Keeping staff trained and updated, maintaining an on-call vendor list, addressing issues immediately, and staying proactive are critical ingredients in the urgent facility management recipe. 

Reduce the risk and costs by partnering with a thoroughly trained and established partner in the field of emergency repairs. Staying prepared and on top of all proactive and preventative emergency maintenance service plans can be overwhelming and costly. Streamlining the process through a pro is the way to go. So stay on top of building maintenance, reduce building maintenance emergencies, and contact The A1orange Group today!