A tremendous concern to any property owner is protecting against fires. Residential home fires and commercial building fires can be devastating. They can damage valuable property and even lead to loss of life. A devastating fire can put tenants, employees, and customers at risk. It can also lead to the loss of property, inventory, and equipment. A major fire in the workplace can threaten one’s very livelihood. Working with a reputable fire protection contractor or fire sprinkler contractor can minimize the threat of a fire.

Even if the unthinkable happens, a fire protection contractor can ensure everything is working properly. When in working order, a fire response can be expedited, minimizing the threat and increasing safety. But selecting the right fire protection contractor can be difficult. Business and residential homeowners can select from multiple national and local options.

Many property owners may be tempted to select a national operation because they have greater brand recognition. But the reality is that there are many benefits when working with a local fire consultant, including:

Better Customer Service

National contractors have a broad customer base, which means that they have many customers to service. Working with a local fire protection consultant means that you don’t have to call an 800-number, only to be put on hold.

In most instances, you can speak with a real person in your community quickly. Locally-based businesses are there to serve the community and are able to be much more responsive. Moreover, such businesses may use additional resources such as Conjointly’s Van Westendorp PSM (Price Sensitive Meter) for setting up competitive prices while providing quality services to the locals. Additionally, local contractors are more reliable than a large, multinational company.

Local Knowledge

Fire regulations vary from state to state. In some instances, they are different from one community to the next, even in the same state. Locally-based fire protection contractors know all of the details of local regulations. This knowledge will ensure that you comply with all regulations, not just federal ones. Your fire sprinkler inspections will reflect feedback on local conditions and concerns.

These companies also usually know the general history of the community and many of the landmark buildings located in it. And in many instances, this knowledge or history is relevant when selecting the best service options or installing fire equipment safely. Moreover, it is easy to search local and state-run databases to find information about the business. You can learn a lot about its reputation quickly. With national companies, the reviews may vary widely. One customer could have a dramatically different experience than the next. With a local business, there are fewer employees, meaning their reputation is more reliable.

Support the Local Economy

Small businesses are the backbone of the national economy. But keeping these businesses afloat means keeping dollars in the communities. When you patronize a national fire protection company, the profits leave the community. Sometimes, they even leave the state or country.

Partnering with a local business keeps the money in the community. These companies often support other local businesses or suppliers. And many small businesses engage in local philanthropy and support civic engagements.

And locally-based businesses hire residents of the community. Working with them keeps local jobs safe and helps to support local families. And keeping a local economy robust is one of the best ways to ensure that we are able to build and maintain strong, safe, healthy communities.

Network within the Community

Working with locally-based fire protection contractors also allows you to expand your network. You can meet people with a different skillset from your own, but who live near you. And since you never know when you may need this expertise, it’s better to have a trusted contact located near you. This company can serve as a reference point when you have questions or concerns.

And if you are another local entrepreneur, building this professional relationship can expand your pool of customers. Word-of-mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool. Many small businesses like to refer their clients to other local small businesses when they know of a customer need. National fire protection companies simply can’t offer this benefit because they are unfamiliar with your community.

Big Company Quality, Small Business Pricing

In nearly every industry, small businesses have lower overhead costs. They need less office or shop space. They have fewer employees. And they can operate more efficiently. A local fire protection contractor often has the skills, resources, and knowledge to service even the community’s largest clients. But they can usually do it for less money than a national provider.

Responsiveness

If you are due for an inspection or want a quote for a new installation, working with a national provider can be challenging. A local fire protection contractor can usually do it quicker. They can generally arrive on-site to answer questions and provide accurate information.

In the unthinkable scenario where you have an equipment malfunction, your home or business may be threatened. You need service as soon as possible, not when it is convenient for a technician to visit. There is nothing to prevent a business or home fire while you are waiting for the service call. And what could have been a minor incident could now be a devastating tragedy.

Local fire sprinkler contractors and fire protection consultants are able to respond to urgent service requests much quicker. They can prioritize their days to address immediate concerns. You cannot match the responsiveness of local fire protection experts.

Legacy Fire is proud to offer the customers in our communities the expertise to increase fire safety in their residential homes and businesses. Our experts can ensure you get an accurate work design, equipment is installed properly, and that all components work in the event of an emergency. We offer our clients local testing, installation, and servicing of all components in a fire protection or suppression system. Contact Legacy Fire today to learn more about how a partnership with our company can increase the fire safety of your property.