How to Be Building Maintenance and Repair Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 24, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Maintenance and repair technicians are responsible for ensuring that equipment and systems in industrial and residential settings are working correctly and safely. This important role can involve evaluating existing systems, identifying any potential issues, and then making necessary repairs or adjustments. Proper maintenance and repairs can help extend the life of a system and reduce the need for more costly replacements.

regular maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, which can lead to costly and dangerous situations. having a skilled technician on hand to perform maintenance and repairs can be beneficial in many ways, from helping save money to providing peace of mind.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most building maintenance and repair technician positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Consider a Technical or Trade School. Vocational or technical schools offer programs in building maintenance and repair technology. Many of these programs also provide hands-on experience for students.
Apply for an Internship or Apprenticeship. Many employers offer internships and apprenticeships to students interested in becoming a building maintenance and repair technician. These programs provide students with the opportunity to gain experience and learn the necessary skills for the job.
Obtain Certification. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have earned certification from a professional organization. Organizations such as the National Institute for Building Maintenance and Repair (NIBMR) offer certification for building maintenance and repair technicians.
Seek Employment. Once certification has been obtained, job seekers can start applying for open positions as a building maintenance and repair technician. Job seekers should consider applying to both government and private organizations.

Maintaining and repairing buildings require a high level of expertise, which means it is important for Building Maintenance and Repair Technicians to stay up to date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and regulations. By attending continuing education classes, seminars, and workshops, technicians can stay informed about the newest developments and best practices. they should take advantage of online resources such as professional organizations, blogs, and webinars to stay up to date on industry trends.

Keeping up with new developments allows technicians to be more competent in their job and to provide their customers with the highest quality of service. In addition to staying current with industry trends, technicians should also stay up to date with safety regulations and standards to ensure the safety of their customers and the building. By following these steps and staying informed, Building Maintenance and Repair Technicians can remain competent and reliable for their clients.

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Job Description

Inspect building systems, equipment, and components for operation, safety, and compliance with codes and regulations.
Repair and maintain building systems, equipment, and components, including plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, carpentry, painting, and masonry.
Troubleshoot problems and identify necessary repairs.
Complete preventive maintenance tasks on a regular basis.
Perform emergency repairs as needed.
Follow safety protocols when working with hazardous materials and equipment.
Keep accurate records of maintenance and repair activities.
Provide technical support to building occupants.
Order necessary parts and materials to complete repairs.
Assist in the installation of new systems and equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC systems.
Ability to diagnose and repair malfunctions in building systems.
Knowledge of safety procedures and use of safety equipment.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools.
Ability to lift and move heavy objects.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Good communication and customer service skills.
Experience in painting, drywall repair, and basic carpentry.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The most important skill for a Maintenance and Repair Technician is problem solving. This requires the ability to think critically, to analyze data and information, and to come up with creative solutions. Problem solving also requires a strong understanding of the underlying systems and equipment being worked on.

It is important for these technicians to have a good working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing and construction systems in order to diagnose issues and come up with effective solutions. Having good communication skills is also important for a Maintenance and Repair Technician, as they may need to explain complex repair processes to customers or employers. the ability to work with tools efficiently and safely is essential for these technicians, in order to complete their work properly and efficiently.

All of these skills are essential for Maintenance and Repair Technicians in order to ensure the successful maintenance and repair of a variety of systems and equipment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in building maintenance and repair?
What type of building maintenance and repair tasks have you performed in the past?
How would you rate your knowledge of plumbing, electrical, carpentry and painting?
What safety procedures do you follow when conducting a building maintenance or repair task?
What do you consider to be the most important aspect of building maintenance and repair?
Describe a difficult problem you faced while completing a building maintenance or repair task and how you solved it.
Are you familiar with the use of any specific tools or equipment to complete a building maintenance or repair task?
What do you do if you encounter a problem you are unable to solve during a building maintenance or repair job?
How do you ensure that all building maintenance and repair tasks are completed to the highest standard?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest tools, techniques and safety protocols in building maintenance and repair?

Common Tools in Industry

Screwdriver. A tool used for turning screws and bolts (eg. Phillips screwdriver).
Wrench. A tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts (eg. Adjustable wrench).
Hammer. A tool used to drive nails or other fasteners (eg. Claw hammer).
Pliers. A tool used to grip and twist materials (eg. Tongue-and-groove pliers).
Power Drill. A tool used to make holes in materials (eg. Cordless drill).
Saw. A tool used to cut materials (eg. Circular saw).
Level. A tool used to check if a surface is level (eg. Bubble level).
Glue Gun. A tool used to apply adhesive to materials (eg. Hot glue gun).
Paintbrush. A tool used to apply paint to surfaces (eg. Angled paintbrush).
Tape Measure. A tool used to measure length (eg. Retractable tape measure).

Professional Organizations to Know

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

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Common Important Terms

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). A system of mechanical components that provide a controlled environment inside a building or other structure.
Plumbing. The installation and maintenance of pipes, valves, and fixtures that are used to carry fluids for heating, cooling, or other purposes.
Electrical. The installation and maintenance of electrical systems that provide power for lighting, appliances, and other uses.
Carpentry. The installation and repair of wooden structures and components in a building, such as doors, windows, stairs, and cabinets.
Roofing. The installation and repair of roofing materials, such as shingles, tiles, and metal sheets.
Masonry. The installation and repair of brick, stone, and concrete structures in a building.
Painting. The preparation and application of paint to surfaces in a building.
Drywall Installation. The installation and repair of drywall, which is a type of wallboard used to cover interior walls.
Flooring. The installation and repair of floor materials such as tile, wood, carpet, and laminate.
Appliance Repair. The repair of large household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the job of a Building Maintenance and Repair Technician? A1: A Building Maintenance and Repair Technician is responsible for performing general maintenance and repair tasks in commercial, residential and industrial buildings. This may include electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, carpentry, painting and other aspects of building maintenance. Q2: What qualifications are required for this position? A2: Building Maintenance and Repair Technicians typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and may have additional certification or training in a related field such as plumbing, HVAC, carpentry or electrical work. Q3: What are the duties of a Building Maintenance and Repair Technician? A3: Building Maintenance and Repair Technicians are responsible for inspecting and maintaining buildings and their systems, responding to service requests, performing scheduled preventive maintenance tasks, repairing or replacing parts, and ensuring safety regulations are followed. Q4: How much can a Building Maintenance and Repair Technician expect to make? A4: The salary for a Building Maintenance and Repair Technician can vary depending on experience, location and other factors. The median annual wage for this position as of May 2019 was $44,640 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Q5: What other skills are beneficial for a Building Maintenance and Repair Technician to have? A5: In addition to technical skills, Building Maintenance and Repair Technicians should have good communication and problem-solving skills, be able to troubleshoot issues, be organized and able to work independently.

Web Resources

Building Maintenance - Center for Employment Training cetweb.edu
Building Repair & Maintenance | Facilities facilities.ucla.edu
Building Maintenance - Career Training - Orleans Technical College orleanstech.edu