Working with a single resource rather than multiple vendors is an important distinction. According to your particular needs, a good company should offer some or all of the following: fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, automatic gates, tele-entry and access control, fire-rated and roll-up doors, inspection and testing, and design and installation.
An important first step in your research is to verify that the company is licensed by the State of California and is fully insured and bonded. Then, inquire about its employees. It’s easier for a company to guarantee quality workmanship when it uses its own employees and not subcontractors. Consider going a step further and asking for customer referrals. You should call a few of them to get some opinions on how the company conducts its business. If there’s a website, visit it and read what the company has to offer.
Also, find out if the company is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). UL product certification programs are accredited by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). UL operates under its own authority as an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that tests and evaluates products for public safety. A company that has UL certification knows the organization will stand behind the products it installs. This provides another layer of security and guarantees quality for customers.
