Minimizing Disruption During a Commercial Painting Project

Updating the paint in a commercial property, whether it’s a retail business, an office, or any other type of business, is a great way to keep the space appealing to employees and customers… But it’s also a potentially disruptive project that can interfere with day-to-day operations. 

With a good plan in place, however, businesses can minimize these disruptions and keep things running smoothly, even while the painting is in progress. Today, we’ll be looking at a few ways to reduce disruptions so you can get your business a fresh coat of paint without worry! 

1. Schedule Wisely

While some proper planning can reduce disruptions, it’s still a good idea to schedule your commercial painting project for a period of slower business. That may be the off-season or post-holidays for retail businesses, coincide with production cycles for manufacturers, or a period between major projects for office environments. 

Whatever type of business you operate, there are likely ebbs and flows throughout the year. Scheduling a painting project during the slower times means you’ll have more time and energy to prepare, any displaced workers will be less affected, and the small disruptions you face won’t cause major setbacks. 

2. Work in Phases

If possible, develop a plan to complete the commercial painting project in several phases. This will depend on the space being painted, of course, but you can break the project into smaller zones and even leave periods of time between tackling each zone.

This way, you can thoroughly prepare an area ahead of time, set up temporary work zones for any staff who might be displaced, and keep any disruptions confined to a specific area. After each zone or phase is completed, you can repeat the process and move on to the next section. 

3. Low VOC Paint

This one’s simple: ask your professional painting company about low VOC paint options to minimize fumes and odors. Similarly, ask about fast-drying options too!  

4. Communicate with Staff

Keeping everyone informed about the painting project, its progress, and the plans you have in place will make every aspect of this process go more smoothly. When people know what to expect, they can plan accordingly – from adjusting schedules to moving equipment and any other preparations that might be necessary. 

Let your staff know about any potential changes to their workspace, and encourage them to be open with any questions or concerns. 

5. Stay Flexible

Last but not least, the most important part of minimizing disruptions during a commercial painting project is your flexibility! Being open to the painting company’s suggestions, helping staff adjust, and keeping a cool head throughout any unforeseen changes to the plan is paramount. Your team will look to you for guidance, and if you lead with a sense of ease and flexibility, your staff will take the same approach. 

With an agile, adjustable attitude about the whole process, you and your staff can think creatively about how to keep daily operations rolling while parts of the space are being painted, avoid frustration in the face of delays or setbacks, and work alongside the painting company to make the project as painless and disruption-free as possible. 

Embarking on a commercial painting project will come with some unavoidable displacement, but with the right attitude and a thorough plan, the disruptions to your normal business operations can be kept to a minimum. A professional painting company can help you create (and stick to) a plan that works with your unique needs, so be sure to ask plenty of questions!

To get started on your next commercial painting project, contact CertaPro today!