A Commercial Painting Price/Proposal Guide

“The Devil is in the Details”

If you’re a commercial property manager or real estate professional, you may have heard the old adage, “The devil is in the details.” When it comes to getting your commercial space painted by a qualified painting contractor, that phrase rings especially true. Taking time to draft a comprehensive painting price and proposal can be daunting, but following our guide will ensure that every detail of your project is captured—and accounted for in both cost and effort.

This step-by-step process is designed to help you best design your painting proposal for maximum results and can help you weed out those contractors who omit critical factors from their proposals. You can download our Commercial Painting Price & Proposal Guide by clicking the button below.

1 – Paint Specifications should be very detailed

When it comes to the success of a commercial painting project, paint specifications are key. The specification of each job should include the brand and product for each substrate. For example, Super Paint Exterior is perfect for exterior walls, while Super Spec DTM or Loxon XP Elastomeric might be better suited for doors and other smaller projects. Additionally, the sheen of paint should be specified for each substrate, as well; flat for walls, satin for trim, and semi-gloss for doors are common choices.

The right paint specification can make all the difference in a commercial painting project. Not only will it ensure that your space looks great after it’s painted, but it will also ensure that the paint job lasts for years to come. By taking the time to outline your project’s exact specifications, you can guarantee that your painting contractor is using the best products and techniques to get the job done right.

The cost per gallon varies widely – the specific type of paint can affect job cost significantly, especially when you’re using hundreds or thousands of gallons for a single project.

2 – Prep work should be very detailed

To ensure that your job will be done properly and to your satisfaction, it’s essential to ensure that all preparation work is properly documented in both the proposal and contract. This includes tasks such as scraping, sanding, spackling holes, repairing rotted/damaged trim, replacing expansion joints in masonry siding, masking & covering work areas and posting signs. If these steps are not taken, the job can suffer a major setback in both cost and quality. Doing this work properly will help ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

It’s also important to remember that prep work is labor-intensive and can take up a significant amount of time. It’s essential to factor in labor costs when calculating the overall cost of the job. A skilled painting contractor will be able to provide an accurate estimate of the time and cost associated with completing all necessary prep work, ensuring that no critical step is left out of your proposal or contract.

3 – Crew Size should be very detailed

It’s important to factor in the size of the crew when calculating a proposal. A larger crew means more hands on deck, which can speed up the job and help you stay within budget. On the other hand, too many bodies can lead to confusion and miscommunications that can slow down or derail your project altogether. Careful consideration should be given to the size of the crew and how it will affect the cost, time, and quality.

Will the crew size expand or contract for different stages of the project? Will different accommodations be needed should a larger crew be needed for different stages of the project?

A skilled painting contractor should be able to provide an accurate estimate of the crew size needed to complete the job within a given timeline and budget. This helps ensure that no part of your project is overlooked or undervalued. By taking the time to include all these details in your painting price and proposal, you can be confident that the job is done properly and to your satisfaction.

4 – The schedule should be properly documented

In order for a commercial painting project to run smoothly, it’s important to have an accurate timeline of when, and on what dates each step of the process will occur. This includes everything from preparation work to the actual painting, to any clean-up and touch-ups. A detailed schedule helps ensure that the project moves forward without delays, and keeps everyone informed and on task. With a skilled painting contractor taking the lead, you can rest assured that your timeline is realistic and achievable. This will help avoid costly delays or hiccups in the process and help ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

Items to consider should include; how long will the project take overall, start dates/end dates, will weekend access be required for the painting crew, how early can the crew start & how late can they stay each day, etc.

5 – Equipment and necessary logistics should be very detailed

When reviewing a commercial painting proposal, it’s important to consider the required equipment and necessary logistics. Will lifts be needed for certain parts of the job? Will ladders, paint, or tools need to be stored on-site during the project?

●      Are there any special considerations such as loading dock access that are necessary for delivering supplies or equipment?
●      Will scaffolding be used, and if so, how long will it remain in place?
●      Will the painting crew or their equipment generate noise that could distract your employees?
●      Finally, what measures are being taken to prevent paint from spilling or splashing onto employee workspaces or equipment?

Answering these questions can help you understand the full scope of the job, and give you the confidence to move forward with the commercial painting project.

6 – Communication, Collaboration, Cooperation

To make sure your commercial painting project runs smoothly, it’s important to schedule a pre-project meeting with your painting contractor, property manager, and any tenant facility staff. This is to make sure that the tenants’ day-to-day operations aren’t disrupted and that the painting contractor is aware of any issues that may delay their progress.

Make sure to utilize our checksheet so that there are no assumptions that aren’t clearly communicated and to help you select the best painting contractor for your project.

Conclusion

A successful commercial painting project takes careful planning and consideration in order to ensure quality workmanship, meet deadlines, and stay within budget. It is important to consider the details such as the size of the crew, necessary equipment and logistics, timeline, communication with tenants, and safety measures when reviewing a proposal from a painting contractor. With proper documentation and collaboration between all parties involved, the project can move forward efficiently, and with confidence that it will be done properly and to satisfaction. By taking the time to address these issues prior to beginning a job, commercial painting projects can be successful.

CertaPro Painters® of Mountainside helps painting clients in Central and North New Jersey transform homes and businesses. By providing expert services that ensure quality work, completed on time and on budget, our clients get more time for themselves.

Reach us at 908-514-5801 or request an estimate online today!