Investing in fire protection and security measures is a must – no matter what industry you are in. As a property owner, you must know you’re working with the best fire suppression contractors. This gives you the confidence and peace of mind that you’re employing the best services.

Being proactive in your fire protection efforts protects your resources. However, with many local fire suppression contractors options you have, it may be challenging to select one. In today’s post, we’ll talk about what essential questions to ask fire suppression contractors before you hire them.

What services do you offer?

The specific type of fire protection you need for your property will significantly influence the fire protection company you choose. Some fire suppression contractors may only focus on one or two types of fire protection services.

For example, some fire suppression contractors conduct kitchen system or fire extinguisher inspections while others only do sprinkler systems or fire alarms.

Does your preferred fire protection company provide the specific services you need? If not, how will they offer it?

Who will do the work?

Whoever you choose to help in your fire protection efforts, make sure they have the expertise, experience, and tools needed to complete the job.

Will they hire third-party vendors, or will they do the work themselves? Not all fire suppression contractors can do the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of all fire protection systems. Even if they hire other vendors to do some of those work items, make sure that everyone involved in the work is qualified to do it.

How much experience in do you have as fire suppression contractors?

When looking for fire suppression companies, pay close attention to how long they’ve been in service. If you require a quick inspection to assist in selling your property, you may not need a company with a decade-long experience. However, if you’re in search of a long-term fire protection partner, find out when the company was founded.

Fire and building codes and technologies evolve. If a fire protection company has been around long, that means they can adapt and still provide excellent work.

Who are your local clients?

Whenever you hire a service provider, you would most likely prefer to see the list of references first.

That’s just good practice. The same principle applies when selecting a fire protection company.

Any professional and reputable company will have a list available of happy and satisfied clients that can vouch for their work.

Here are some additional questions to ask:

• What was your most significant project?
•  Who is your favorite client?
•  How long do most clients stay in a working relationship with you?

Bonus points if your potential fire suppression contractor has worked for a major corporation or big local facility. These experiences show reliability and scale, which are all positive signs.

Don’t be hesitant to ask questions. A professional and honest company will want to be transparent with you.

What fire protection organizations (NFPA, FSSA, or NAFED) are you associated with?

First of all, it would be helpful to know what fire protection organizations are out there. When a company is a member of these organizations, they can keep informed with the latest news, technologies, and trends in their industry.

However, not being a member of these organizations does not automatically equate to untrustworthy or not being reputable. It does help, especially if the fire protection company is active. By active, we mean:

• Publishing educational material on safety standards.
• Presenting at industry-related conferences.
• Offering training.

It takes expertise, time, and effort to establish a company as a leader in the industry. When you look for an established company, you’re on your way to finding a good fire suppression contractor.

What are your rates?

Most fire protection companies offer affordable inspections.

If you’re simply looking to pass your routine fire inspection tests, or if you want a more comprehensive review, check the rates of your prospective contractor.

While costs do matter, the lives and safety of your property occupants are more important – just let that sink in for a while.

Here are the factors that influence the costs of fire suppression systems.

• Size of the establishment.
• Age of the establishment (older buildings are more complex to work in.)
• Features and functions you want to be added.
• Specialty systems you want to be added.
• Monitoring features
• Off-hour inspections

Also, you must also be wary of secret or hidden charges, not part of the initial quote. Ask the company if the following cost extra: fuel charge, trip charge, tag charge, cost per device, disposal fees, inspection reports submission fees, etc.

When comparing the rates of fire suppression contractors, make sure you are also examining the levels of service you’re getting.