Facilities Consultant: Improve Building Performance & Reduce Costs

What a Facilities Consultant Can Do for Your Organization

Hiring a facilities consultant is a smart, strategic move for organizations looking to enhance building operations. Whether you manage a hospital, school, corporate office, or public institution, your facility plays a key role in safety, productivity, and cost control.

A facilities consultant offers expert guidance that helps streamline workflows, improve compliance, reduce expenses, and elevate the occupant experience. By analyzing your current systems and recommending targeted improvements, they become a trusted partner in your operational success.

If you're considering a smarter, more strategic approach to facility operations, here's why working with a facilities consultant might be your next best step. Explore how partnering with ISSA Consulting can make your facilities safer, cleaner, and more efficient.

What Is a Facilities Consultant?

A facilities consultant is a third-party expert who evaluates how your buildings are maintained, cleaned, staffed, and managed. Their role is to identify inefficiencies, compliance risks, or resource gaps-and provide practical, data-backed solutions.

Typical areas of focus include:

• Custodial staffing and scheduling

• Safety and regulatory compliance

• Facility maintenance and equipment use

• Cost control and resource allocation

• Sustainability and environmental performance

• Strategic planning and facility expansion

They often start with a full site assessment, benchmarking your current operations against industry standards or key performance indicators (KPIs), and then deliver actionable recommendations.

Explore how expert support from ISSA Consulting Services can help you drive operational excellence.

Why Organizations Hire Facilities Consultants

Not sure whether you need a consultant? Here are some common triggers:

1. Rising Costs with No Clear ROI

A consultant can uncover hidden inefficiencies-like overstaffing, outdated equipment, or wasteful processes-that silently drain your budget.

1. Regulatory Pressures

With evolving OSHA, ADA, and EPA requirements, keeping your facility compliant can be challenging. Consultants help you stay ahead of audits and reduce liability.

1. Inconsistent Performance

If quality varies across locations or shifts, it's time for a fresh perspective. Consultants bring standardization and accountability through training and process improvement.

1. Major Transitions

Renovations, staffing changes, or contract overhauls can disrupt day-to-day operations. A facilities consultant ensures smooth transitions and operational continuity.

1. ESG Goals

Need to reduce energy use, improve waste diversion, or create healthier indoor environments? Consultants help align your facility strategy with sustainability goals.

Benefits of Working With a Facilities Consultant

Bringing in a consultant may seem like an added expense-but the long-term returns are substantial. Here's what you gain:

Operational Efficiency

Streamlined processes reduce downtime, improve productivity, and minimize costly mistakes.

Cost Savings

By adjusting staffing models, consolidating services, or renegotiating contracts, consultants can uncover significant savings.

Improved Compliance

Consultants identify risk areas and help implement systems to meet OSHA, EPA, and local standards.

Enhanced Service Quality

Through training, performance measurement, and quality control, consultants help elevate the standard of care in your facility.

Strategic Planning

Consultants also support long-term planning, capital improvement justification, and space utilization strategies.

What to Expect From a Facilities Consulting Engagement

Every consulting engagement is customized, but most follow a structure like this:

1. Assessment - A deep dive into your current operations, staffing, budget, compliance, and facility condition.

1. Analysis - Benchmarking your data against industry norms and identifying improvement opportunities.

1. Recommendations - A practical roadmap that outlines short- and long-term action steps.

1. Implementation Support - Some consultants offer hands-on help with execution, training, and progress tracking.

Want to know what a real-world consulting engagement looks like? Explore the ISSA Consulting process here .

Traits to Look for in a Facilities Consultant

Choosing the right partner is key to a successful outcome. Look for these qualities:

• Proven Experience - Look for consultants with deep expertise in your industry sector (e.g., education, healthcare, commercial).

• Data-Driven Approach - The best consultants use analytics and benchmarking-not just opinions-to guide decisions.

• Strong Communicators - They should be equally comfortable working with janitorial staff and C-suite leaders.

• Hands-On Support - Ask whether they assist with implementation, not just recommendations.

• Industry Certifications - Consultants familiar with CIMS, LEED, or Green Seal standards demonstrate a commitment to best practices.

When to Engage a Consultant

A facilities consultant can support you at multiple stages of your operations:

• During annual budget planning or capital request cycles

• Before launching a new custodial or maintenance contract

• After a compliance audit or facility inspection

• When internal teams lack capacity or technical expertise

• As part of an organization-wide improvement initiative

Even if things seem to be "working fine," periodic third-party evaluations are a great way to maintain high performance and avoid surprises.

Resources to Explore

• IFMA Resources : Educational tools and research from the International Facility Management Association.

Final Thoughts

A facilities consultant doesn't just identify problems-they help you fix them with efficiency, expertise, and long-term results. From improving custodial performance to lowering costs and supporting ESG goals, the right consultant becomes a valuable part of your strategic team.

Ready to take the next step? Visit ISSA's Consulting Services to learn how our experts can help optimize your facilities.