Texas Real Estate Brokerage Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key responsibility of facilities managers?

1. Financial Planning

2. Site Selection

3. General Upkeep and Maintenance

4. Legal Compliance

The correct answer is: General Upkeep and Maintenance

Facilities managers are primarily responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of buildings and facilities. This includes ensuring that the physical environment is safe, functional, and conducive to the activities that occur within it. Their duties often encompass routine maintenance tasks, managing repairs, overseeing cleaning services, and ensuring all systems (like HVAC, plumbing, and security) are functioning correctly. This responsibility is integral because the condition of facilities directly impacts operational efficiency, employee satisfaction, and tenant comfort. While financial planning, site selection, and legal compliance are also important tasks within the broader scope of facility management, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of a facilities manager's role as closely as general upkeep and maintenance do. For instance, financial planning relates more to budgeting and resource allocation, site selection involves choosing a location that meets specific needs, and legal compliance ensures that all operations adhere to relevant laws and regulations. However, these elements support the underlying goal of maintaining a safe and functional environment, which distinguishes the general upkeep and maintenance as the key responsibility.