Some things are best not left to chance. One of them is home fire protection, an investment that protects lives, inventory, and property. As such, it’s critical that property owners choose the right fire protection company. An excellent one should be able to competently inspect and assess the needs of your property as well as install the necessary components.
So how can you spot a worthy home fire protection company and avoid any lackluster ones? Well, there are a couple of indicators that can help you out. Here are five things you should look out for when choosing a fire protection company Toronto:
1. Years of Experience
One way of getting your money’s worth is to choose a company with extensive experience in the field. They are more likely to get it right the first time and spot any safety gaps that a rookie company may miss. Over time, they will have acquired expert engineers, technicians, installers, support staff, etc., capable of handling your home fire protection needs.
2. Certification
Every province in Canada has its’s own certification requirements. Your home fire protection company should be able to provide you with proof that they are qualified to supply and service fire suppression systems. They should inspect and install fire protection systems per the National Fire Protection Association and local building codes. Ensure as well that the specific contractor servicing you is certified.
3. Scope of Services
Sign up with a company that offers all the services you require to avoid having to hire multiple providers. Incomplete fire services leave a gap in protection, rendering you vulnerable to fire damage. Be inquisitive and ask the company whether they provide comprehensive home fire protection services, including design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair.
4. Specialization
Every building has its own unique fire protection needs. It’s not a one size fits all scenario meaning that you should pick out a company that can handle your building type. The different types of buildings with differing needs include offices, warehouses, restaurants, industrial, storage facilities, etc. Be sure to ask your provider whether they have serviced a building type similar to yours and whether they have references to support their claims. Similarly, if you require a specific brand or type of fire protection, then ensure that the company is familiar with it.
5. Pricing
Factors such as building size, assets being protected, the building’s age, and features to be installed will affect the total cost. While you do have a budget to stick to, it’s important to be aware of general prices. Be careful of low prices that may come at the cost of an incomprehensive job. If the price is too high, ask what services are being included. Your provider should be able to help you map out a home fire protection plan that works with your budget.
Lastly, ensure that your fire safety system is inspected annually by a licensed Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) technician. They will test your system’s components, ensure it is up to date, meets current standards, etc. This is critical to guarantee that your fire safety system will work if need be.
