Mistakes and bad workmanship can be a drain on any maintenance program. Just when you think you’re on top of your plan, a hidden issue can rear its ugly head, cause more problems, and derail your planning. If you’re dealing with the results of a less-than-scrupulous contractor, or your team was too busy to do the job right the first time, read on to find out how to avoid the worst effects of maintenance gone wrong.
1. Poorly Applied or Installed Products
If you're experiencing issues like blistering, peeling, or cracking paint, for example, the paint was likely applied wrong in the first place, and you may need to factor in a larger project to remedy the issue. If best practices aren’t followed, you won’t get the longevity and quality finish you expect, even if you invest in top-tier products.
2. Quick Fixes That Don’t Get Revisited
When time is tight, especially during a busy season or school term for example, maintenance teams can feel forced to kick the can down the road with a quick fix. But these band-aid solutions can easily cost more in the long run.
3. Cutting Corners With Damp and Mould-Proofing
Although issues related to dampness occur more often in older buildings, they can affect any new building plagued with poor workmanship (See our breakdown on rising damp here). Improperly installed damp-proof barriers, inadequate drainage, ineffective ventilation—you name it, it happens.
4. Plumbing and Electrical Faults
Plumbing and electrical work takes a high level of expertise and care; issues with either can be disastrous. Unfortunately, without proper checks and balances in place, some plumbers and electricians can take advantage. Keep an eye out for frequent minor electrical issues or leaks surrounding recent work, as both can be tell-tale signs of a more significant problem with the original job.
The first step in fixing bad maintenance work is recognising the full scope of the problem. Occasionally, issues that seem minor on the surface—like loose fixtures or intermittent electrical faults—can indicate deeper problems. Thoroughly inspecting the area can uncover potential root causes.
Bring in a certified inspector or a trusted professional to assess the situation. A third-party evaluation can provide an unbiased view.
We highly recommend keeping a detailed record of all maintenance problems and previous repairs. This documentation can be helpful when hiring new contractors, reviewing warranties, or dealing with insurance claims if the bad maintenance work has caused damage. Be sure to include photos, dates and descriptions to provide as much detail as possible.
One of the main reasons organisations can face bad maintenance work is due to unknowingly hiring unqualified or inexperienced contractors. To fix the existing problems and avoid future ones, prioritise hiring licensed, skilled professionals with a proven track record.
When seeking a contractor, verify their certifications, ask for references, and review previous projects they’ve completed. Choosing a reliable company may cost more upfront but will save time and money in the long run.
At First Response we are proud of our highly qualified team and long list of happy customers. Read some of our recent case studies here.
If the shoddy work resulted from a previous contractor’s failure to meet their obligations, review the contracts, agreements and laws in place. Many contracts include warranties or guarantees, which may entitle you to have the work redone at no additional cost.
Fixing issues is only one part of the solution. To prevent similar mistakes in the future, focus on establishing better maintenance practices and set up a more robust system for quality control and upkeep. Review our guide to school maintenance budget mistakes to avoid these common pitfalls.
Sometimes, the root cause of lousy maintenance work is a need for more expertise or understanding among in-house staff. Be sure to invest in training for your maintenance teams to ensure they are equipped to handle day-to-day repairs and can identify when it’s time to call in outside help.
Shoddy maintenance work often leads organisations to rethink their overall approach to facility management. Developing a long-term plan for maintaining infrastructure can help prevent the cycle of inadequate repairs and ensure the building remains in good condition for years to come.
At First Response, we are experts at developing robust, long-term maintenance plans tailored to your needs. Get in touch to discuss how we can help you.