This is the final installment of a three-part series (see part one and part two). In this article, we are going to examine the pros, cons, dos, and don'ts of outsourced maintenance.
Using outside contractors to perform Parks and Recreation maintenance tasks is a common occurrence. However, that does not mean doing so is the simplest or most economical solution in every situation. Here are some things you need to know before hiring maintenance crews from outside sources.
Outsourced Maintenance Advantages
There are several advantages of outsourced maintenance, assuming the circumstances warrant that approach. One of the most important is that outsourcing can save money. It prevents the need to hire and train in-house maintenance crews in specialized skills, such as tree removal or electrical work. When you train in-house staff members in specialized skills, you waste a lot of time and money during the training. Those skills may also go to waste much of the time, since they may only be required when certain machinery breaks or at certain times of year. Instead, you can hire outsourced crews of workers who are already trained in the specific skills you need at the time that you need them. Thus, you are not overpaying for training that goes mostly unused.
Outsourced maintenance can also save you a lot of money in terms of inventory and equipment. If you are not performing all tasks using in-house crews, you do not need specialized equipment on the premises year-round. Therefore, expensive equipment does not stay stored away getting rusty or becoming obsolete before being used enough to pay for itself.
Outsourced Maintenance Disadvantages
Outsourced maintenance has few disadvantages, but a couple are notable. For example, you may be at the mercy of the company to which you are outsourcing when it comes to scheduling certain maintenance or repair procedures. Additionally, you may need to pay higher costs for certain specific services than you would pay when performing those same services on an in-house basis.
Tips for Hiring Outsourced Maintenance Crews
When you hire outsourced maintenance crews, you need to be careful about how you approach the process. You will not have the same familiarity you have with your own staff members. Therefore, you cannot be sure the crew members you hire will work to the same standards. An extra level of caution will be required. Use the following tips to make sure tasks are performed reputably and efficiently:
- Take time to investigate the reputations of each company you are considering before hiring one to perform a task.
- Be as detailed as possible when outlining the work to be done to avoid confusion or disputes.
- Carefully and quickly inspect all work performed by crews hired from outside sources as soon as that work is complete.
Utilizing the Three Types of Maintenance
The bottom line is, as mentioned previously, outsourced maintenance is only sometimes the best option. It is often most sensible to combine use of outsourced and in-house maintenance crews. A good rule of thumb is outsourced maintenance crews are most beneficial when in-house crews are under qualified for certain tasks. They can also allow you to avoid going over budget or having to store large pieces of equipment indefinitely between uses. Take the time to examine the totality of your typical maintenance and repair needs for the year. Then you can identify how and when outsourced maintenance crews might benefit the property or properties you maintain.