Businesses invest in many valuable assets, including their buildings and systems. To get the most out of these investments, they must be well-maintained and operating smoothly. That’s where facilities management comes in.
The responsibilities of a facilities manager include: overseeing building maintenance, managing contractors and vendors, meeting with tenants, and ensuring safety and compliance regulations get followed.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of janitors and building cleaners will grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. It is partly due to the increasing number of commercial and industrial buildings. As a result, the demand for facilities managers will likely continue to grow in the coming years. Maintenance of these buildings will be crucial to ensure they operate efficiently and don’t fall into disrepair.
However, it doesn’t mean the facilities management team should do everything alone. There is a limit to what they can handle, and there are benefits to outsourcing some of the work. Here are some examples of what tasks you should consider outsourcing.
Pest Control
Pest control is a job best left to professionals. Pests can damage your property and pose a health hazard to your employees and customers.
Many pests can infest commercial buildings, including rats, mice, cockroaches, ants, and termites. These pests can spread diseases and cause allergies, among other health problems. They can also damage equipment, inventory, and furniture, making it necessary to eliminate them.
A professional pest control company will have the knowledge and experience to quickly and effectively eliminate these pests. If your in-house team does not know the do’s and don’ts of pest control, they should avoid doing it. They will also be able to provide preventive treatments to keep pests from coming back in the future.
Roofing Maintenance and Repairs
The roof is one of the most critical parts of your commercial building. It protects the rest of the structure from the elements and can be expensive to repair if not properly maintained.
A professional roofing contractor should perform roofing maintenance and repairs. They will have the experience and expertise to correctly inspect and repair your roof. They will also be able to identify potential problems before they cause damage.
Commercial roofing repair services can be expensive, but they are often worth the cost to prevent more extensive and costly damage down the road.
HVAC Maintenance and Repairs
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is another critical part of your commercial building. It helps to regulate the temperature and improve indoor air quality.
Like the roof, the HVAC system can be expensive to repair if it is not maintained correctly. That’s why it’s crucial to have a professional HVAC contractor perform regular maintenance and repairs.
A well-maintained HVAC system will operate more efficiently and last longer. It will also help improve indoor air quality, reducing health risks for your employees and customers.
If your HVAC system is not maintained correctly, it can lead to various problems, including poor indoor air quality, higher energy bills, and decreased comfort.
Lighting Maintenance
Your commercial building’s lighting system is another crucial element when outsourcing facilities management tasks. Proper lighting can improve the safety of your employees and customers and make your business more inviting.
It can also help you save money on your energy bill. Energy-efficient lighting can reduce your electricity costs by up to 75 percent.
When outsourcing lighting maintenance, be sure to hire a contractor who specializes in commercial lighting. They will have the experience and expertise to maintain and repair your lighting system properly.
Landscaping Services
The appearance of your commercial building’s landscaping can significantly impact your business. First impressions are essential, and potential customers may judge your business based on the condition of your property.
That’s why it’s essential to keep your landscaping well-maintained. Hiring a professional landscaping company is the best way to ensure your property looks its best.
A professional landscaping company will have the equipment and knowledge to care for your lawn and landscaping properly. They can also advise on how to improve the appearance of your property.
Snow Removal
Snow removal is another task that is better left to professionals. Trying to remove snow yourself can be dangerous, and you could end up damaging your property.
A professional snow removal company will have the equipment and experience to quickly and safely remove snow from your property. They will also be able to de-ice walkways and driveways to prevent accidents.
Hiring a professional snow removal company is the best way to ensure your property is safe and accessible during winter.
Final Thoughts
It would be ideal to have an in-house facilities management team to handle all the abovementioned tasks. However, for most businesses, that’s not realistic.
Outsourcing facilities management tasks is a more cost-effective and efficient solution. When done correctly, it can help improve the appearance and function of your commercial building.
Just be sure to research and hire reputable contractors who specialize in the services you need.
