Do I Need Basic or Comprehensive Facility Management?

worker repairs large air conditioning unit | total facility maintenance — Total facility maintenance

Running a large property can be a complicated job. Whether it’s an office building, a hospital, or a mixed use facility, all of the moving parts need to be monitored and maintained on a daily basis. But not all facility management is the same. On a basic level, general maintenance personnel and outside contractors can handle everyday stuff, but expenses and downtime can add up. Comprehensive Facility Management companies go further to prevent these problems, but they involve an expense on their own. Let’s examine the differences and discuss why it matters for property owners.

What is Basic Property Management?

Basic Property Management is the typical starting point for taking care of a building. A manager and in-house maintenance personnel focus on simple (but never-ending) day-to-day tasks to keep tenants happy and the property running.

It usually includes:

Collecting rent from tenants.
Helping tenants with questions or minor problems, like leaky faucets and locked doors.
Fixing small things, like broken lights or a clogged sink.
Keeping the lawn mowed and the parking lot clean.

Why the Basics are Necessary

Basic Property Management is necessary for almost all buildings. It’s a minimum expense that works fine if the property doesn’t have a lot of complicated needs. If you’re a landlord with just one or two small buildings, this is often all you need.

Why It’s Not Always Enough

The limitation of Basic Property Management is that it only deals with stuff when it breaks. There’s rarely planning ahead, like preventative maintenance, or gradually making improvements to the property. If you have a larger building or facility and you want to save money over time, you need a more comprehensive service.

What is Comprehensive Facility Management?

Comprehensive Facility Management, or Total Facility Management (TFM for short) is the upgraded version of property management. It doesn’t just handle the basics – it maintains everything a building needs to run smoothly and protect its value for years.

Here’s what TFM covers:

Big repairs, like fixing HVAC systems, plumbing, and structural issues.
Keeping the building safe with things like fire alarms, security cameras, and electronic entry systems.
Saving energy by monitoring usage statistics, using smart lights, better insulation, etc.
Keeping the building compliant with all city, state and federal rules, like safety and accessibility laws.
Preventative maintenance and upgrades to keep the property ahead of the game.

TFM integrates technology to monitor the entire facility, like apps that track energy usage and sensors that warn you if something’s about to break. Companies like Bona Fide that do TFM, are experts at managing all these things at once.

The Big Benefits of TFM

TFM ensures that buildings are more efficient, and that saves money over time. For example, fixing a boiler or HVAC machinery before it breaks can protect against larger problems later. It also makes tenants happier because they experience fewer problems, and have fewer complaints. In addition, TFM systems save energy and reduce waste, saving money and protecting the environment.

The Main Differences

Basic Property Management and Comprehensive Facility Management aren’t the same. Here’s how they stack up:

What They Cover:
- Basic PM: Just the simple stuff, like rent, cleaning, and small fixes.
- TFM: Everything—repairs, safety, energy, and planning for the future.
How They Work:
- Basic PM: Waits for problems to happen, then fixes them.
- TFM: Plans ahead to stop problems before they start.
Technology:
- Basic PM: Doesn’t use much tech; maybe just a spreadsheet for rent.
- TFM: Uses smart tools to track how the building is doing.
Cost:
- Basic PM: Cheaper at first, but you might spend more later if things break.
- TFM: Costs more upfront, but saves money by preventing big issues.
Who It’s For:
- Basic PM: Small buildings or landlords who don’t need much help.
- TFM: Large buildings, like offices or malls, that need a lot of care.

Why Choose Comprehensive Facility Management?

Larger buildings and facilities have a lot to deal with – more moving parts, higher energy bills, stricter rules, and tenants who expect more. Comprehensive Facility Management is built for that. It doesn’t just keep the lights on; it makes the whole building better.

For example:

It can lower your power and water bills by using efficient systems.
It keeps tenants happy with a more dependable place to live or work.
It protects property value with diligent attention.

Imagine an office building where the air conditioning is always broken, gets a temporary fix from a basic maintenance man, and it breaks on the hottest day of the year. It’s not a surprise when the tenants complain. A TFM company works to anticipate breaks before they happen, potentially eliminating the problem before it ever happens. Even if there is an unexpected failure, TFM teams have a wider range of experience and ability, ensuring the system is fixed correctly the first time, and setting up a plan to check it regularly. No more breakdowns, happier tenants, and less stress for the owner!

When to Pick Each One

So, which one’s right for you? It depends on your property.

Choose Basic Property Management If:

You have a small building, like a duplex or a single house.
You don’t have a big budget for management.
Your property doesn’t have complex needs.

Choose Comprehensive Facility Management If:

You own a larger building with machinery, security, and landscaping needs.
You want to save money over time by preventing problems.
You need to ensure regulatory compliance like making the building eco-friendly.

For a more budget friendly approach, a TFM company can mix both. They might start with the basics and add more services as your property grows.

How a TFM Company Can Help

A Total Facility Management company is a master mechanic for your property. They handle everything from cleaning and maintenance, to energy and compliance. Here’s why that is a great investment into your property:

They save you money by having expertise at hand, from fixing elevators to checking fire alarms.
They save you time by being a one-stop shop that schedules maintenance and follows through.
They create a tailored plan specifically for your building, so you get exactly what you need.

If you’re tired of juggling different companies, people and bills for repairs, cleaning, and security, consider simplifying with a TFM company.

Basic Property Management is fine for providing the essentials for small buildings. But Comprehensive Facility Management is an investment for serious property owners. It’s focused on keeping the whole building running smoothly, saving money, and making tenants happy.

If you want your property to shine – and avoid headaches down the road – think about Total Facility Management with Bona Fide Conglomerate, INC. It’s an investment that will pay off. Ready to learn more? Contact Us or more information.