The construction industry has to deal with a slew of fire hazards during the course of any given project – which is usually chalked up as the cost of doing business.
But when the stakes are this high, a single fire incident can lead to devastating damages, loss of lives, and put your construction schedule on hold for an indefinite period of time.
However, with advanced fire protection systems and protocols in place, you can protect your employees, customers, and property, as well as comply with local laws. Since every building has its own layout and unique features, it would be foolhardy to take a one-size-fits-all solution. This is why you need the services of the best fire protection contractors who have experience in commercial fire solutions.
The best fire protection companies will focus on maintenance repair, custom fire protection, and inspection services. They will deliver a functional and effective fire protection system to give you the peace of mind that you’re in safe hands.
You should always look for the following four qualities before hiring a fire service contractor for your construction project.
1. Comprehensive Experience
Nothing tops experience, especially when it’s related to fire prevention systems. To be on the safe side, hire professionals who have at least 20 years of relevant experience. Besides professional and educational expertise that only comes from years of work in the field, experienced contractors have seen it all. All this will ultimately translate into cost savings for you since these experts know how to avoid common errors and pitfalls.
2. Read Customer Reviews
The best indicator of a fire service contractor’s qualifications are their reviews. Even if the business has been in operation for several years, it is important to go through reviews – both online and offline.
Ask the fire contractor service about their list of commercial clients. Get their contact details and send them questions that are important to you. Is the company easy to work with? Are they dependable? Do they have the know-how about fire protection systems relevant to your business? How quickly do they respond when their services are requested?
A good fire protection company will not hesitate to provide you with a list of references. You can also take a look at their online reviews on places such as TrustPilot and Yelp. This will give you a better idea of what you can expect.
3. Immediate Accessibility
You will need periodic maintenance and immediate access when something goes wrong with the fire equipment on your construction project. You cannot afford to halt construction because time is money. This is why you should consider companies that proactively respond to your call when something goes wrong. Doing so will save you time and money.
With proactive service, you have fewer chances of a leaky sprinkler system. The best fire protection companies make themselves available round the clock, 24/7. When contacted, they can ask you the right questions to identify your problems and solve them right away. Access to an expert should be just one phone call away.
4. Focus on Customer Care
Look for businesses that prioritise customer care above all. They streamline regular maintenance, repair, and cost savings to ensure your construction project is conducted safely.
They also provide you with dedicated specialists who will regularly keep you updated about your fire protection solutions. It’s easy to build relationships with these companies because they put their clients’ needs front and center.
Asking the Right Questions
It is helpful to have a list of questions to evaluate a potential fire protection company.
Hiring a fire protection company is easier said than done. You can make this easier by asking them the following questions:
- How many years have you been in business?
- What materials do you use when installing fire protection systems? (get into the specifics if possible)
- Will a project manager be assigned to me?
- Do you perform a safety audit before you start the job?
- How many technicians do you currently have? What are their qualifications?
- Do your staff complete an initial training period?
These questions can help you gain a better understanding of the fire protection company and how they run their business. Moreover, their answers to these questions will offer insights about their standards, values, and dedication to service. When you set up a meeting to discuss your questions, you might also want to visit their facility to see how they operate.
Leave a Reply