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The facility manager position for your company is a very important one, meaning you want to hire the best possible team for the job. When you’re entrusting the success of your business operations and employee safety in the hands of your facility maintenance team, it makes the hiring process that much more important. Here are a few questions to ask your potential facility maintenance team.

Are you qualified for the position?

As a business owner, you want to make sure you hire a team who can handle the work load your facility demands. Although this is a broad question, it will give your interviewee the opportunity to explain their work experience and highlight the skills they have to get the job done right.

What are your strongest qualities?

The main reason you are interviewing prospective maintenance teams is to make sure their standards align with yours. You want technicians who meet and exceed your project requirements. The candidate should discuss their knowledge and problem-solving skills here.

What are your career goals?

You want someone who is as passionate about maintaining your business and help you grow. Asking this question will tell you if this individual is looking for a challenge and opportunity or simply aims to get the job done. This question should also reveal if they are passionate about what they do.

Do they have questions?

Allowing the prospective facility manager to ask you questions can show if they have a genuine interest in helping your business succeed. A good hire will ask questions about your expectations, hopes, and quality of work. This shows motivation and an eagerness to do the best they can.

Finding the perfect facility maintenance team can pose a challenge. However, with these helpful interview questions, you’ll be sure to find the right technicians to maintain your growing business.

In a field as all-encompassing as facilities management, companies are constantly looking to improve efficiency among their technicians. Assessing constant work orders and paperwork for a number of different clients is time consuming and requires strict scrutiny. Thankfully, there are many dfferent ways to improve the efficiency of your facilities maintenance team. Keep reading to discover tips to make your business model more effective.

Engage Employees

Taking the time to engage your employees can make a big difference in your team’s efficiency levels. An engaged workforce is very powerful and can be easier to motivate and inspire. Listen to your workers’ concerns, involve them in the decision-making process and catch up with them when possible. These simple steps will generate efficiency among employees.

Rely on Automation

Technology has transformed the way we do business and this is no different for facility maintenance. There are many different kinds of technology software available to help streamline your management approach. Work orders, action items, and even billing can all be completed online through harmonized online portals.  

Think Smart

Increasing your efficiency can in turn also mean increasing your clients’ efficiency. By making your clients’ buildings smarter and more energy efficient, you’ll reduce time wasted fixing small, minor repairs. This will allow you to better allocate your resources.

Use Data

Use data to discover how to improve your team’s efficiency. By look at work orders, customer feedback, and internal information, you can pinpoint where the most time is spent and how to improve that area of expertise. If technicians are spending three times as long on air conditioning issues, what can be done to increase efficiency in this facet of the company? Use your team’s work data as a learning tool to improve.

Equip your Team

Every team needs the proper tools to do work in the most efficient way possible. Therefore, another way to increase the efficiency in a facilities management team is to provide employees with the right tools and technology to get the job done right. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the latest and greatest gadget on the market, but having the right kinds of resources will ensure that technicians have everything necessary to get work order completed quickly and correctly.  

The efficiency of a facilities management team contributes greatly to the overall success of the company’s operations. With these helpful tips, you’ll be sure to increase your team’s efficiency in no time.

Although bugs are small, they can have a big impact on your business or facility. It’s important to take proper precautions with your pest control to avoid a financial loss or damaged reputation to your company. In order to help keep bugs out of your business, here are a few tips to stop critters in their tracks.

Dispose of Garbage

Your facility needs to have a suitable garbage management system. All garbage cans on scene should have a closable lid and should be taken out on a regular basis to prevent the attraction of bugs. Dumpsters should also be emptied regularly.

Seal Cracks

It’s important to prevent bugs from getting into your business in the first place. Seal all cracks and crevices in your building’s structure with caulk. Be certain to cover entry points for pipes as well, as this can be an additional way critters can creep in.

Line Doors and Windows

Another way to proactively keep bugs out of your business is to line all doors and windows with weather stripping. This will help prevent unwanted critters from slipping through the cracks. Weather stripping is an inexpensive option and is easy to install.

Change Mop Heads

Damp mop heads can be an ideal environment for bugs, such as fruit flies. To make sure your cleaning supplies don’t cause a bug infestation, change your mop heads regularly. To lengthen the life of your mop head, let it dry fully by hanging it upside down in your storage closet.

Hire the Professionals

Finally, it can’t hurt to bring in the professionals. Hire a pest control company to walk around your facility and inspect for any pest activity. They will be able to spot any particular areas in your building that are prone to critters or bugs. The pros will also spray the parameter with repellent to deter bugs from entering your premises. Be sure this team is well-versed in commercial pest control.  

Bugs can become quite the pests in your building or facility. With these helpful tips, you’ll be sure to keep critters out of your company.

It is very important to have strong fire protection elements in any building, regardless of the size or space. Although all companies are required to have fire inspections, there are still maintenance duties you can complete yourself to ensure that your fire protection system is always working. Keep reading to discover easy steps to maintaining your company’s fire safety.

Maintain your Sprinklers

One of the first steps that you can take to maintain your fire protection system is to optimize the sprinklers. It’s your responsibility to keep your sprinklers up to date and up to code. In the event of an emergency, your sprinklers are crucial to putting out a fire. It’s also important to never block sprinklers. Do not place tall objects near a sprinkler head and never paint over sprinkler heads.

Check Fire Alarms

Your system and alarm equipment are both important when it comes to notifying you of a potential threat. Your alarms should be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly. Simply pressing the “test” button on your alarm system will allow you to showcase the system is in working order throughout your facility. It is also helpful to keep the alarm sensors dusted and dirt-free.

Test Smoke Detectors

Similarly, smoke detectors are vital when it comes to indicating a fire threat. Replace your batteries regularly and keep the detectors clean. Be sure to never paint over your detectors either. There should be at least one smoke detector on every floor of your building, including a basement level. These devices should never be installed near windows or vents.

Maintain Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers give you the opportunity to stop a fire before it has a chance to spread. Educating your employees on how to use a fire extinguisher is very important. To make sure your extinguisher stays in working condition, make sure the nozzle is not damaged or dented, check to see if the pin is intact and frequently check the pressure to make sure it’s at the recommended level.

You don’t want your fire protection system to fail if a fire breaks out at your facility. These maintenance tips will ensure that your system is working when you need it to most.

There are many different aspects to facility management and being able to manage all of the moving parts is a key to success in the industry. When operations don’t go as planned, it is important to have insurance to protect you and your employees from financial burdens and legal battles. In fact, insurance certificates are most often required by federal, state or local laws. Understanding the different types of insurance certificates and what they mean for you and your facility is key to mastering this aspect of the facility management role.

An insurance certificate is simply the paper proof that the company and facility are insured. However, having your company’s name on the insurance certificate as an additional insured does not mean that your company is covered for every type of scenario. Often, there are situations where additional paperwork is necessary to gain additional coverage. It’s crucial to read and understand the requirements that accompany insurance claims so you don’t find yourself uninsured in a time of need.

The concept of endorsements or riders is also important to understand. An insurance endorsement is an amendment to an insurance contract that alters the scope of the policy. In most cases, an endorsement is used to incorporate additional coverage, but it can also exclude or eliminate aspects of an original insurance policy as well. For a facility manager or contractor, there are two types of endorsements you want to be aware of for ensuring your company is verified as an additional insured entity. One endorsement covers when a tenant or contractor is actively working in a building and another covers when the contractor has left the building. Having both of these endorsements is important to make sure you are appropriately insured. If you have any questions regarding your coverage, talk to your insurance agent right away.

Finally, understand the certificate’s liability limits. You’ll want to see the dollar amount you are covered for on the contract. If an issue occurs that costs more than the upper limits of the insurance certificate’s liability, you could be caught paying the rest. Having this knowledge can help you avoid costly issues down the road.

Paying close attention to insurance certificates is important in the facility maintenance field. These tips will make sure you’re properly covered.

One of the primary goals of any facility manager is to ensure that operations in the building are running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The most successful facility manager is one who can overcome challenges and make the necessary decisions to reach the goal of maximum efficiency. That being said, even veteran facility managers make mistakes. In your pursuit of becoming a great facility manager, it is important to be aware of some of the most common mistakes. Having this knowledge in your back pocket will help you avoid negative consequences in the future.

Failure to Maintain Inventory

Facilities management has a lot of moving parts. There are dozens of work orders, and technicians and clients to keep track of – which can get quite messy. Tracking your company’s work orders and other assets is a key part of your job. You constantly need to know what’s going on under your roof. Don’t make the mistake of dropping the ball with a client because his or her work order got lost among the chaos.

Not Having Data

Another common mistake is making a decision without gathering enough data and information. If the data that you are working with is incomplete or outdated, it leaves too much to chance, which can cause major problems in the workplace. Relying on data to discover the most efficient solutions for your clients is a must.  

Lack of Resources

For technicians and employees to do well, they must have the necessary tools and resources to do the job at hand. If your team is not equipped with the proper technology, knowledge or gear, you are harming your own business operations and potentially putting clients and employees in danger.

Being a top tier facility manager is a difficult task with a lot of responsibility. With these helpful insights, you’ll be able to avoid major mistakes in your workplace.

For any facility manager, the safety of all of those who work inside the facility should be a high priority. It is important for employees to be able to work in an environment that is as safe as possible. It is just as important for patrons, customers or clients to be safe when visiting a company’s location. At the very least, safety procedures are required to pass audits from numerous government and other agencies. But, how can facilities managers ensure safe environments for all inside?

There are two major ways to increase the safety of a facility and create a safe environment for all. The first is to foster strong communication between managers and employees. Some of the most common workplace injuries can be easily prevented by employees by simply following the recommended safety protocols. However, if these protocols are never communicated to employees, or employees are not properly educated about the intended safety measures, injuries will still occur. Being able to not only relay safety information, but also reinforce it, goes a very long way to creating an overall safe environment in the facility.

Secondly, a safe facility environment can be strengthened by eliminating obstructions and hazards. Some of the biggest dangers in a facility come from faulty equipment that breaks down at inopportune times and causes its operator to be injured. To remedy this, and prevent future problems from arising, it is important to perform regularly scheduled maintenance on all facility equipment to ensure that they are all in proper working order.

The safety of employees should be a top priority for all facility managers and it can be achieved through proper communication and maintenance of all equipment. If you would like to implement a customized preventative maintenance program, we at MaintenX can help by sending our own trained team of technicians to your site. To learn more about the services we offer, please call us at 855-751-0075.

In addition to high customer traffic and strong sales, it’s also important for a commercial property to have proper facility maintenance. A building that is well-maintained will attract customers and help you increase your bottom line. Here are a few tips for maintaining the key areas of your commercial property.

Exterior Maintenance – The exterior of your commercial property is very important. Maintaining a nice-looking facility is crucial for making a strong first impression on customers, patrons, and tenants. Landscaping and outdoor lighting can make a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal. Be sure to avoid overgrown shrubbery and yellowed and dirty light fixtures. Over time, these exterior finishes can hurt your company’s curb appeal. Sidewalks should not have any large cracks or safety hazards either. Make sure to regularly power wash the exterior and repaint when needed.

Restroom Maintenance – The maintenance of your commercial property’s restroom is a key area to maintain. Not only is a clean environment crucial for the health and sanitation of your employees and customers, it’s important to have a spotless bathroom to demonstrate your company’s commitment to cleanliness. Also, you may consider installing features such as automatic sinks, touchless toilets, and hand-dryers to eliminate the spread of germs. These additions will also help you save money, and show to your customers that you care about them.

Interior Maintenance – Whether you own a restaurant, office space or retail store, you want to ensure your customers are experiencing a tidy atmosphere while visiting your facility. Maintaining a comfortable store floor or workspace will not only increase the productivity of your employers, it will also leave a lasting impression on your customers. Carpets should be cleaned, wood and laminate floors should be buffed and tile should be mopped regularly. Your facility’s Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit should also be working at peak efficiency to make customers comfortable. It’s also important to have no chipped paint on the walls and no dust on surfaces.

There are many aspects to maintaining a facility. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a clean and inviting facility that will make a fantastic first impression on your patrons.    

Each season presents its own unique set of challenges for facility managers and business owners. The summer months are no exception and there are certain maintenance changes that you should take into consideration as we head into the warmest time of the year. Due to the summer’s heat, there should be a stronger focus on certain aspects of the facility’s maintenance than others. Here are a few tips for your facility during the summer:

One of the most important summer facility maintenance tasks is servicing the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit. Summer is the time to change air filters, clean condenser coils and tune up the system, making sure they are all in good condition. You’ll want to make sure preventative maintenance is completed to avoid a broken air conditioner on a hot summer day. It is also important to not turn off your air conditioning unit, even when the building is unoccupied. Completely shutting off your system can lead to increased humidity and mold. This is something you’ll undoubtedly want to avoid.

Due to hot temperatures and strong sun rays, the exterior of your building can take a brutal beating. Summer can be a great time to address all the exterior needs of your facility such as painting, roofing, and landscaping.

Another important maintenance task to complete during summer is plumbing and water-using appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water filtration systems. As the temperatures begin to climb, water usage tends to increase. With your water systems getting more use, you’ll want to make sure they are working at peak performance to prevent a breakdown. Have pipes water jetted to remove blockages, have sinks and toilets inspected to make sure drains are unclogged. This summer maintenance will make sure your facility stays flowing smoothly.  

Summer presents intense temperatures that can increase the maintenance your facility needs. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to beat the summer heat and make sure your facility stays in top shape.

With school out for the summer, it’s time for custodial crews and facility maintenance teams to start cleaning, and complete repairs and construction projects. Now is also the perfect time to focus on prevention to increase energy efficiency in your school’s building. Use this summer season to prepare the facility to conserve more energy (and save more money) and have it running in tip-top shape for when school starts.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit maintenance – Summer is the time to make sure air filters are changed, condenser coils are thoroughly cleaned and drain pans are properly drained. Another important tip is to not completely turn off the air conditioning unit for an extended period of time. Although it’s okay to increase the temperature when the facility is not occupied, completely shutting off the HVAC system can lead to heavy humidity and moisture in the space, resulting in mold.

Flooring maintenance – Floors, whatever the material, can take a beating during the school year. Summer months are the perfect time to steam carpets, buff linoleum floors and polish wood floors. You also have the opportunity to protect the floors with sealants and other products to prepare them for the next school year.

Window maintenance – In addition to removing all of the fingerprints and dirt particles that have gathered on or near windows, summer is also the time to repair them.       

Security and fire systems – Now is also the time to test security systems and fire systems. All of the emergency related equipment should be tested inspected.

Class might not be in session during the summer months, but technicians are still hard at work prepare the grounds for the next year and prevent larger problems from arising. With these helpful tips, your school will be ready when the kids return this fall.