The past couple of years have been a challenging time for most of us. The pandemic has changed our lives in many different ways, both positive and negative. Many businesses converted to remote workers if it was possible. Now that the pandemic might be easing up a bit, those businesses are gradually moving back into the office.
You might think that, with your office being empty or minimally occupied, there is no need for a fresh paint job. On the contrary, wouldn’t it be great to have a new look for the new year and revitalize the attitudes of your employees? Imagine their added pleasure in coming back into a bright and clean space to energize them!
Whether you want a new look, different colors, or just brighten up what’s already there, repainting your office can make a big difference. Employees, visitors, and customers alike will appreciate your desire to welcome them back in a big way.
How to Choose a Commercial Painting Contractor
Now that you’ve decided to get a new repaint, you’ll need to hire a professional painter. First of all, don’t assume that all painters are the same. Asking a house painter to paint your commercial space can produce disappointing results. There are additional requirements for commercial painting that many residential painters don’t have. We’ve offered some tips below on how to hire the commercial painter that’s right for you.
1. Commercial Painting Experience
Commercial painting should never be done by amateurs or anyone who hasn’t been properly trained in the special skills needed. Commercial painters need special equipment for high ceilings, hard-to-reach areas, and different surface types. The contractor should be able to tell you the best method of painting your commercial space. They should be aware of and comply with OSHA standards. Most house painters don’t have the equipment, knowledge, and skills to do the job appropriately.
2. Credentials
Never hire any painting contractor who isn’t licensed, bonded, and insured. All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California. They should carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. These certifications will protect you from liability should any injuries or damage occur during the painting project. They can also provide you with recourse if the project is completed, as expected.
Don’t take their word for it. Unfortunately, there are shady companies who will lie about their credentials Ask to see proof of insurance and their license.
3. Check References
Any reputable commercial painter will be happy to provide you with a list of customers for whom they’ve completed projects. Ask them for names and contact information, then be sure to contact them. When you contact them, ask some questions like:
What was the scope of your project?
Did the contractor stay within budget?
Was the project done on time?
Were your expectations met?
Would you recommend this contractor/rehire them?
What did you like most/least about their work?
4. Do Your Own Research
It’s always a good idea to check the company out for yourself. Even though they’ve received good references, they may have changed ownership or had issues that changed the quality of their work since that customer’s project. Check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against them. Look for online reviews.
Scan their website to see if there are testimonials on there and read them. The site should also list any awards and accolades the company has received. Are they locally-owned and operated? Are they active members of their community? An established contractor in your vicinity is more apt to value their reputation with their neighbors
5. Scheduling Flexibility
Painting contractors who specialize in commercial painting know that their job isn’t always 9 to 5. Many offices can’t close completely during a paint project. If the project can be done during office hours, you need to know how the contractor will minimize disruption for your operations and staff. How will they keep odors from permeating the area? Will they clean up before leaving every day? When will they start and finish each day?
Your business may be one that cannot have painting contractors present during operational hours. In that case, the contractor should offer alternative schedules for your off-hours and off-days. Nights and weekends are common work schedules for commercial painters, so don’t be afraid to ask.
6. Interview at Least 3 Contractors
Unless you already have a contractor you’ve used before and done a good job, it’s wise to consider at least three contractors before hiring one. There are some questions that can reveal valuable information to help you make the right decision. Some of these questions may have already been answered during the previous steps you’ve followed. If not, they are important factors to consider.
When did you start your business and why?
Yes, beginners and new entrepreneurs deserve a chance but do you want to take the risk? The company should be an established one with a local presence. Although all their technicians may not be at the same level of experience, the company should have project managers or foremen who oversee the work and make sure specifications are being met. The company owner should have pride in his work and insist on customer satisfaction.
What brands and products do you use?
The paint, brushes, rollers, primers, and other products used should be high quality. If they skimp on the products by going with cheaper alternatives, that’s not a good sign. Move on to the next choice.
Do you follow safety precautions?
Most reputable painting companies have safety specifications and procedures in place that guards against injuries and accidents. They should strictly enforce these policies to protect their workers as well as your staff and customers. Some typical practices are to post warning signs, create boundaries around the project area, and clean up spills promptly. Using the right equipment properly is another issue that impacts safety.
What do I need to do before you start?
Most contractors won’t move heavy equipment or furniture away from the walls being painted. Knowing you’ll need to move these items to another location or to the middle of the room before they arrive can save time and delays.
Do you offer a warranty?
If a contractor is confident in the quality of their work, they won’t hesitate to provide customers with some sort of guarantee. For a period of time after the project is complete, most reputable companies will correct any flaws that result from their error or neglect for a specified period of time.
Do you use sub-contractors?
It’s not uncommon for contractors to use temporary help to supplement their permanent workforce. However, you need to ascertain that the contractor will be in charge of the project and will mandate the same strict standards from their subcontractors. The subcontractor should have the same high standards and credentials as the main contractor and be individually licensed and insured.
What makes you better than the others?
Sometimes it might seem like all contractors you’re considering have similar experience, credentials, and reputations. Ask them if they have other services or what they do that their competitors don’t. Some extras could include free color consultations, special offers, financing options, or guarantees.
7. Request Estimates
All painting contractors should offer free estimates and consultation where you can ask questions. The estimates should include more than just the total price. It should be itemized to include the rooms being painted, square footage, price per gallon of paint, and estimated number of gallons needed. Make sure all estimates are comparable in that it includes the same itemized list of materials, labor, fees, taxes, etc.
Of course, the cost is always a prime consideration when hiring contractors. But don’t make the mistake of making it your ONLY consideration. You usually get what you pay for, so don’t go cheap and expect superior results. The cost of using higher quality materials and experience painters can raise the estimated amount but the durability and appearance of the results are well worth it.
Hire the Best Commercial Painting Contractor
If you own or manage commercial property in Silicon Valley, you have many options when it comes to painting contractors. So why should you hire The Painting Pros?
Because we will come out on top in all these categories. We have been in the painting business since 1978, serving San Jose, Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Almaden, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Campbell, Cupertino, Morgan Hill, and other cities and towns in the area.
Cleve Dayton, The Painting Pros owner and operator, is an active member of the community in which he lives and works. He belongs to two area Chambers of Commerce and is certified as a California Green Business in Santa Clara County.
The company is highly rated and recommended by customers on Angie's List, Google, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Yahoo, and more. We are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
Sealing the deal are our active membership in the Painting Contractors Association and accreditation as a Diamond Certified company.