From managing the interior and exterior of a building to ensuring a suitable working environment for people using it, facility managers often need to balance different roles and be knowledgeable in many fields. They need to learn all the different terms in a wide variety of trades. And a facility manager’s job will vary depending on the industry of the building they manage.
But some things remain the same, like hiring professional contractors for building maintenance such as painting. No matter the building’s intended use, there are common things that facility managers should consider before hiring a commercial painter.
#1 Assessing Your Project
The first step is to determine the scope of the project, and the resources you are going to need. Most of the time smaller touch-ups are done by the facility’s internal team, and it’s those larger projects that require additional hands and professional help. Next consider the project’s environment. Is it a high traffic location? Is there old paint and coatings to be dealt with, or is it a new surface? Can occupants or the public be disrupted during the project? Are there challenges such as permits, holidays, open and closing hours, weather, or other factors about the location that will make the job tricky? Answering these basic questions will help you provide more information to contractors, which will in turn be able to help you find better solutions.
#2 Hiring A Commercial Painter
- Ask for recommendations from peers, or simply do an online search for some prospective contractors. Make sure to look at reviews and testimonials for any company you’re considering. Check to see if the prospective contractor has handled projects of your caliber, and look at case studies to see their finished projects.
- After you narrowed down your selection, try to meet at least three of your prospective commercial painter in person, and obtain a written estimate. Remember to ask for references and portfolios if needed, and check that they have insurance coverage.
- Look over the quotes to make sure that each contractor has submitted based on the same materials. Check that the quotes include when the work will start and expected completion date, as well as the crew size.
- As about warranty protection. Discuss the warranty in detail; what does it cover and what is the process in getting something resolved? Reputable contractors will back up their work.
#3 What Are Your Options
Ask questions while seeking out your commercial painter, be open and honest about your needs and concerns. While some companies might try to upsell you on options, there are many honest companies that will be up front with you and quote according to what your budget and needs are. Ask your prospective commercial painters what they think of the situation and what options are available to you considering the scope of the project. Will you need a special coating like epoxy or intumescent? Are the products being used eco-friendly?
#4 What Are Your Colour Options
Will you simply be repainting with the same color or is the building going to be trying out a completely new color scheme? Remember to keep in mind that color can affect moods and how your business is perceived. Consider your environment and your ideal customer experience. Some colours are easier to maintain than others, so accent walls may look nice but could end up worn and unattractive in high traffic areas.
#5 Health and Safety
Consider the current occupants in your building and how they will be impacted by the project. Remember to seek out low-VOC and low-odor products in high traffic and enclosed areas.
That’s everything facility managers need to know before hiring a commercial painting contractor. Remember that you are hiring contractors to make your life easier; they are there to work with you and help you complete the project with ease and efficiency. If you have a commercial painting job you would like to discuss, please feel free to reach out to us and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide an estimate.
