If your commercial building is starting to look dingy and outdated, it might be time for a paint job. A new coat of paint gives everything a fresh, clean look. You can revitalize the outside or inside of your commercial space with a new paint color. New paint is the most cost-efficient way to remodel any space. Improve your work environment for employees and customers with a new paint job.
Planning Is Key for Better Painting Results
If your commercial building needs painting, there are several aspects of the project that you need to consider. It may seem like an overwhelming task to undertake, but if you plan thoroughly, you can minimize stress and get the job done on time. The goal is to update the appearance of your space and get back to business as usual.
You must think about your budget, finding a good commercial paint contractor, and your employees and customers. For a successful commercial paint project, follow these tips for planning your next commercial paint project.
1. Choose the Right Contractor
When planning your commercial painting project, finding the right contractor is an important step to getting high quality results and service. To hire an experienced and reputable contractor you need to know what services the contractor offers. The scope of the project should contain:
- If the project is for Interior or exterior painting or both
- Number of buildings to be painted
- Are other services required? This can include restoration work, stripping, caulking, pressure washing, wood replacement, or concrete repairs.
- When do you want the project completed?
- Paint colors and finish for each part of the project
When choosing the right commercial painter for you, ensure that they offer all these services. In addition to offering extra services, they should have experience and understand the requirements of the work.
Additionally, a commercial paint contractor needs to be insured and licensed. A professional with experience and knowledge will properly take care of repairs and prep work and offer paint type and color suggestions. They’ll come with the right equipment, supplies, and trained employees to get the job done efficiently.
2. Set a Budget
Once you’ve chosen the right contractor for your commercial painting project, you need to plan how you’re going to carry out the project in terms of budget. You should have a list of services you can afford.
To budget properly, you must consider the revenue your business makes and the projections of what it will be after the painting project. Calculate for extra services, labor costs, and the cost of shutting down your business if you need to. The contractor should give you a detailed estimate based on the size and complexity of the project.
3. Scheduling
There are better times of the year to paint an exterior than others. Cold temperatures and humidity levels can be troublesome for certain types of paint. For paint to be set properly, painting jobs must be done within certain temperature limits.
A good contractor will be able to put together a schedule for you, keeping in mind yearly weather conditions. Getting a painting project done during the winter months, however, is often cheaper than doing it during the summer. Many companies offer discounts during this time of year.
Discuss with your painting contractor the hours that would work best for your company. Many contractors will schedule the work so as not to interfere with your normal business hours, even working during off-peak hours to accommodate your schedule.
4. Choose the Right Color and Finish
It’s time to think about paint colors and finishes for your commercial building. To choose the best color for your building, you need to think about two things: branding and your customer needs. In the same way that you might design your storefront sign with specific colors or fonts, or print off your logo on store gear, the color of your painting has to go with that brand.
Whether you are looking to boost productivity, concentration, or memory, there are many different appropriate colors to choose from. Your contractor should provide you with color options that include color-matched schemes to make your color selection and theme professional and appealing.
Do some market research. Take a look at your competitors and other commercial buildings and see what colors other stores in your industry are using. Survey your customers and find out what colors are most appealing to those in the niche you market to the most.
If you choose the wrong color, your business could be negatively impacted financially. You could also speak with a color consultant, who can help you understand current trends, color psychology, and paint development.
Sometimes the building complex you’re in will have guidelines on paint colors you can choose. A restaurant might choose bolder colors whereas a medical office building might go with neutral tones. If you’re not sure, ask the paint professionals you hired for advice on paint colors.
5. Logistics
Create a timetable for each phase to be completed. This will keep everyone on schedule. Some logistics that will need to be addressed include:
- What offices will be vacant and available for painting first?
- Are there multiple restrooms so that they can cordon off the ones they are painting?
- What time will they have access to the break rooms to close them off for painting?
- Which hallways should be painted first?
- Do you have conference rooms to be painted?
Keep in mind that things may not go exactly as planned and some flexibility may be required. The project manager or foreman should communicate with you regularly to discuss any issues and bring you up to date on what's been done.
6. Inform Employees and Customers
All employees and customers must be informed of changes due to the painting project. Use the right signage outside and inside the commercial building to instruct customers where to enter or exit. Informing them about the painting project will make them feel that you care about their well-being while the project is going on.
As for employees, they should know in advance if their work area will be affected. If so, then memos sent by email or announcements should be made on any scheduling and location changes.
7. Adhere to High Standards of Safety
You need to ensure that you and the paint crew adhere to high standards of safety. This will ensure that all occupants of the building are safe and not negatively affected by the painting project.
When selecting the paint, use non-toxic paint that won’t cause any health problems for customers or employees. During the painting project, check with the contractor that they’re meeting all safety requirements legally.
Signs Your Commercial Building Needs a New Coat of Paint
Exterior surfaces take a beating from the weather. The heat, rain, and snow all contribute to the deterioration of the existing paint. Interior surfaces also need to be maintained. The wear and tear of the floors and walls lead to a shabby-looking environment. These signs will tell you it’s time to improve the appearance of your building.
- Bubbling. Pockets of air underneath the paint create bubbles on exterior surfaces. If you see paint bubbling it could be signs of water damage.
- Fading. Ultraviolet rays from the sun contribute to uneven coloring on your building’s exterior.
- Rotting occurs when fungus from moisture grows underneath walls and floors. Damage to your commercial building’s foundation is possible if not treated promptly.
- Mold/Mildew. Look for stains, odors, or black dots on the surface of your building, walls, and floors. High humidity and rain are usual culprits of excess moisture that leads to mold and mildew. Take care of this immediately to keep your employees and tenants safe.
- Customers Notice the Damage. If you hear your customers and clients mention the damage they see around or inside your building, it’s time for a new paint job. You don’t want potential sales to be thwarted over an unkempt building.
- Corporate Changes. New management may want to brand the company differently. This requires a new look, not only in how the company is run but the logo or colors could change. Painting your building is an easy and cost-effective way to let the public know your company is headed in a different direction.
- Repurposed Space. The interior walls of a commercial building may need to be repainted if renovations have taken place. New departments or the production of a new product will require a room to be re-designed. Considering how space is used will determine the type and color of paint required.
Trusted Commercial Painters
Revamp your business with a fresh coat of paint. Here at The Painting Pros, we ensure our work meets the professional quality standards of the industry. The measures we take leading up to a commercial paint job are crucial components of a high-quality finish.
We’ve been around for decades and have painted all types of commercial buildings. If you’re ready for a change or want more productive employees, give us a call today to start planning your commercial building’s makeover.