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Flooring: Working with a Contractor
flooring, outsourcing, floor care, maintenance and operations July 26, 2010
This is Chris Matt, Managing Editor of Print & E-Media with Maintenance Solutions magazine. Today's tip is working with flooring contractors.
In cases where managers decide to outsource floor care, the real solution in reducing costs comes from selecting certified, qualified technicians who know the craft. Unfortunately, managers too often select contractors based on the amount they charge, as opposed to the company's skill level. Managers should not have to spend time with crews explaining the tasks. Instead, they should be able to rely on the contractor to understand the job.
When managers rely on unskilled building service providers, managers will have to spend time telling them what to do, as well as when to do it. Ultimately, this situation leads to a floor-maintenance program that has specific requirements at designated intervals, and an inflexible schedule is rarely conducive to efficient floor care.
A rigid program can result in services performed in areas that do not need it and negligence in areas that need more attention. A knowledgeable service provider will have the ability to make the necessary adjustments to meet the manager's objectives.
Certified providers are trained to identify different floor coverings and understand the requirements for maintaining each type, including the most effective chemicals, the proper equipment for the greatest efficiency, the best tools and materials to accomplish the task, and the frequency with which to do the job.
Using certified technicians ensures the floor-maintenance program delivers tangible benefits. By maintaining the floor when it needs to be maintained and consistently keeping it in the best condition, providers can help managers and their organizations save a great deal of money.