When it comes to fire protection services, there are good contractors and there are bad contractors.
You might be asking yourself, "How do I know what kind of contractor I am going to get?"
That's a really important question to ask. We always recommend that project owners interview and evaluate contractors before deciding to work with them on a commercial remodel, much like interviewing an employee. A healthy quantity and quality of communication with a potential subcontractor are extremely important in order to evaluate them properly.
Ask the Right Questions
Here are some questions that project owners should be asking prospective fire protection service subcontractors when evaluating a remodel:
- ‘Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?’
More and more these days, people assume that the answer to this question is yes. The unfortunate reality is that there are many companies doing business in violation of the law. Always protect yourself by working with subcontractors that are in good legal standing.
- ‘Do you offer emergency services?’
Not all companies can deliver on the promise of being there outside of business hours in the event of an emergency. The best fire protection contractors are there when you need them, 24-hours a day.
- ‘What are your emergency response times?’
Shorter times demonstrate a desire by the company to be of the utmost help to you, and this care and concern most likely bleed into all other facets of how they do business.
- ‘What is your service area?’
It's important to make sure your location falls into where a subcontractor does business. You don't want to work with a subcontractor who's too far away from your project to get there when you need them.
- ‘What services do you provide?’
This one seems obvious, and it is. It should be one of the first things you discover because different fire protection service companies offer different things. For example, FPS Technologies is beginning to get into the electrical security and safety sector, which very few other companies in our industry do.
- ‘What is the tenure and skill level of your technicians?’
During the bidding process, you are talking to someone who has been appointed to be the face of the company. Once inspection and maintenance work begins, however, you want to make sure that the people actually doing the work maintain the professionalism you experienced in your initial meeting with the company during the bidding process.
- ‘What does your continuing education program consist of?’
Knowing the answer to this question will demonstrate that you truly care what kind of work you will be receiving from the prospective company. It shows them that they better have their act together if they're going to protect your business.
Good Signs & Bad Signs
A great fire protection subcontractor is reliable, efficient in their work, and cost-effective.
However, a subcontractor's professionalism on the front end of the bidding process doesn’t always guarantee quality work by technicians on the back end.
Here are some signs that indicate that a fire protection services company can be reliable, efficient, and cost-effective:
- Having A Reputable Name
This is demonstrated by many factors, but mostly by a subcontractor's online footprint. Search for the subcontractor on Google. Read their website and see how often it's updated. Read their reviews on Google, Facebook, and other websites like Yelp or Manta.
- Consistent & Clear Pricing Structures
It's never a good sign when a subcontractor doesn't hand you a formal estimate, quote, or bid. A great subcontractor will provide you with pricing promptly after reviewing your project details and have as much of the pricing calculated beforehand as possible instead of throwing in extras when the project is underway.
- Clean & Professional Technicians & Equipment
If a subcontractor doesn't care about their image or their equipment, chances are they won't care about yours either. Good subcontractors always look and act the part.
Just as there are indicators of a positive experience when it comes to fire protection services subcontractors, there are telltale signs that sometimes prove that a given company is not someone you should be doing business with.
Here is a list of some red flags:
- No Company Vehicle with Markings Showing the Company Name
This is a great rule of thumb to follow. Sure, the "solopreneur" working out of his truck has the lowest bid, but he's may not be insured or bonded. Avoid the headache and find a subcontractor who has a reputation to protect.
- Lack of Punctuality
If a subcontractor shows up late to your first meeting, you better get used to it if you hire them. It can get busy going from job site to job site, but a great subcontractor is able to manage their schedule as well as your project's timeline.
- General Over-Promising
If you're speaking with a subcontractor who is promising you the world, it's almost always too good to be true. Be sure to cross-check a subcontractor's process, pricing, and opinions with other subcontractors you speak with. If other subcontractors think someone is lying to you, they're probably right.
- Lack of Answers & Abundance of Excuses
If a subcontractor isn't able to answer your questions or makes excuses about various problems, you should move on. A great subcontractor will be able to educate you clearly on how to handle your project and will look for solutions to your problems, not excuses.
Efficiency & Reputation
Overall, the main traits you should be looking for in a fire protection company are efficiency and reputation.
Efficiency with your time and money.
A reputation of helping protect businesses for several years.
FPS Technologies fits both of these categories to a ‘T’.
We would love to become your go-to contractor for all of your fire protection needs, whether that be regularly scheduled maintenance of your fire sprinklers or revamping your fire alarm system. Get a free assessment of your building today from the most reputable fire protection contractors in Oklahoma.