Building Charges vs. Department Charges
Billings for Facilities Management services can be broken down into two categories: Building Charges or Departmental Charges.
Building Charges
These are for maintenance and repairs of a building's infrastructure (i.e., mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems), the exterior envelope of the building, and all attached components within the building (i.e., flooring, carpeting). These repairs are necessary to keep the building operating efficiently and safely. Infrastructure and equipment that serve the full building or are "fixed" in a building are typically included as building charges.
Payment responsibility: All expenses related to this work are billed to the maintenance and operating budgets that have been established for each building.
Departmental Charges
Departmental charges are for maintenance and repairs of departmentally owned equipment and furniture, as well as all renovations requested within departmental spaces. Infrastructure and equipment that are specific to a single space or program, are "mobile," or furniture are generally included as departmental charges.
Payment responsibility: All expenses related to this type of work are the responsibility of the requesting department and will require a valid chartstring to be submitted when the request is made.
Example Charges
Building Charge Examples
- Toilets, sinks and water fountain repair
- Temperature regulation (hot or cold)
- Fire safety system repairs (smoke detectors, fire alarms and toxic gas monitoring systems)
- Electrical outlet and lighting repairs
- Locks and door closers repair
- Trash pick-up and vacuuming
- Floor and ceiling tiles damaged through normal wear and tear
- Maintenance and replacement of existing window air conditioners
- Repairs to shades, blinds and drapes
- Fire extinguisher maintenance
Departmental Charge Examples
- Key duplication
- Renovation of lab/office space
- Repairs to unattached furniture or laboratory casework
- Installation of new window air conditioners
- Stand-alone access system maintenance and installation
- Disposal of large, unwanted items
- Repairs to kitchen equipment
- Installation of wall shelving
- Off-cycle painting or flooring replacement
- Off-cycle window washing and carpet/floor cleaning
- Meeting space set-ups
- Enhancements or changes to existing building infrastructure that support changes in the department's space program.
View the specific list of building vs. departmental (require chart strings) charges.