When you have a repair needed for facility equipment, who do you call? Do you look to your trusted handyman to take a look, or do you go straight to the specialist? Different facility managers have different go-to contractors for their maintenance needs, but its important to know when to go to the specialist versus when your handyman can do the job. Making the wrong choice can, and probably will cost you.
If you have a trusted handyman at your facility, it may be tempting to contact them for any minor repair to your roofing, plumbing, or HVAC system. However, there are times when a licensed specialist is required to do the job done right. Before you make the call, consider this advice from the facility maintenance experts at MaintenX.
Call the handyman if you know exactly what the problem is.
Some repairs don’t need much explaining, and in these cases, a handyman will cost you less. Tasks such as cleaning gutters, changing HVAC air filters, or cleaning floors can be done by the jack-of-all-trades. However, there are times when you need a more deft hand to complete the work.
Call the specialist if you need a diagnosis.
If you’re unsure of what’s causing your plumbing, electrical, or HVAC system trouble, always call the specialist. They will be able to complete a diagnostic process that will pinpoint the problem. A handyman will likely tinker and experiment, which can cost you time and potentially cause more problems.
Call the handyman if the task is simple but bothersome.
The handyman is there to complete tasks and services that you could do by yourself, but would rather not. A handyman is more skilled in repair work and will be able to get the job done more efficiently. Hiring the handyman will also save your staff from spending time on maintenance tasks that they could better use doing their job duties. A handyman is your best friend for a simple and routine maintenance service.
Call the specialist if the service requires a significant investment in time or parts.
If the service you need is complex or will require an extended repair time, its best to call a specialist. They have dedicated their career to learning one craft and will be able to expedite the process. Specialists will also have access to a greater variety of tools and materials. This can save you the hassle of tracking down parts on your own time.
Call the handyman if its a service they’ve completed successfully in the past.
If you trust your handyman to take care of a more complex service, there is no reason not to call them, especially if they are more affordable. Some of these contractors have experience in a particular trade work and are close in skill level to the specialists. If this is the case and you know they can complete your service on time, call your handyman.
Call the specialist if this is a first-time problem.
Your handyman may be reliable, but there are some things that only a specialist should handle. If you’re experiencing a new or novel problem with your HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems, call the specialist for a diagnosis and repair. You’ll be glad you did.
MaintenX employs teams of specialized contractors as well as handymen for all kinds of facility maintenance and repair. Our dispatch team carefully selects the contractor for your service based on their experience and specialties.
For more information about our HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and general contractor services, contact MaintenX today!
