How to Hire a Building Superintendent

If you own a building, you will probably hire a superintendant to keep your investment property running smoothly. A combination of financial manager meets repairman, a building superintendent usually works in midsize residential or commercial buildings. Since the job requires a combination of skills, hiring someone to fill the position takes careful consideration.

Instructions

1. Hire a person to fill the superintendent's role with past property management knowledge and the ability to repair and troubleshoot everyday maintenance issues. If you expect the superintendent to do all the repairs, make sure he holds the appropriate licenses.

2. Provide living quarters if your residential property consists of ten or more units, in compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code required by the Building Workers Union. Alternately, provide a residence within 200 feet of the property to allow for a quick response to tenants' needs.

3. Choose a superintendent with a proven track record in cost-conscious practices when dealing with subcontractors and vendors. He should be aware of the industry standards, where to locate them and ways to save money.

4. Pay attention to personality. A good building superintendent will be pleasant and gracious but not a pushover. He must deal with tenants and keep them happy, while being able to put his foot down when the situation requires. Honestly is imperative in this job.

5. Consider hiring a couple to act building superintendents if the job is too much for one person. Property owners are successfully hiring married couples who live on the property to handle larger superintendent jobs. It is a cost effective way to find extra manpower when the job is extensive.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow all Equal Opportunity Employer practices when hiring a building superintendent.