Budgeting for Commercial Painting Projects in North Carolina: A Guide for Property Managers
Posted on September 9, 2024
As the end of summer approaches, property managers are beginning the crucial process of budgeting for the next fiscal year. Painting and maintenance are often significant line items in these budgets, so planning ahead is essential to avoid unexpected costs or missed opportunities for improvement. That’s where CertaPro Painters of Salisbury/Concord/Gastonia and Charlotte-Matthews comes in—we offer budget consultations to help you assess your property’s needs, plan strategically, and ensure you’re making the most of your budget.
Whether you’re managing an HOA, a retail property, or a multifamily complex, here’s how to maximize your commercial painting budget and ensure your property looks its best throughout the year.
- Start Planning Early
Budgeting for a commercial painting project is not something to leave until the last minute. Begin your information gathering as early as possible. For multi-family properties, this typically means starting in September to have a well-prepared budget in place for the following year. Early planning gives you the time to gather multiple bids, assess your property’s needs, and lock in the most cost-effective solutions.
For retail spaces and restaurants, fall may be the best time to use the remainder of your budget to prepare your property for the busy holiday season.
- Conduct a Property Walk-Through
The best way to determine what needs to be painted is to walk your property with a professional painting contractor. At CertaPro Painters, we offer free consultations where we assess your property and prioritize the areas that need attention. Together, we can identify sections that should be painted immediately and others that may be deferred to future budget cycles, ensuring that your budget is optimized over time.
- Align Painting with Your Maintenance Plan
Many property managers in North Carolina tie painting projects to their annual maintenance or reserve funds. A typical painting cycle is every 5-7 years, but high-traffic areas and exterior surfaces exposed to weather conditions may need to be repainted more frequently. By working with a contractor who understands this cycle, you can spread out your costs and avoid budgetary surprises.
- Maximize Off-Season Discounts
One of the best-kept secrets for maximizing your painting budget is to schedule your project during the off-season. In North Carolina, exterior painting is typically done in the warmer months, so booking early spring or late fall can secure more flexible pricing and ensure your project gets done without delays. Winter is often the best time for interior work, where cool, dry air allows paint to cure more effectively.
- Compare Bids and Look Beyond Price
When soliciting bids for your commercial painting project, don’t just go for the lowest price. A professional painting company offers more than just labor; they bring expertise, quality materials, and a reputation you can trust. Look for details in the proposals, such as the type of paint, the number of coats, surface preparation, and warranty terms.
At CertaPro Painters, we provide a detailed breakdown of costs, including labor, materials, and any special equipment needed. Plus, our team has years of experience with commercial properties across North Carolina, ensuring that every project is handled with the utmost professionalism.
- Consider Phasing or Staging
If your property is large or complex, phasing your painting project can make it more manageable and less disruptive. For example, in multifamily properties or office buildings, you can break the project into sections to avoid major disruptions to residents or tenants.
By working with a contractor like CertaPro Painters, you can also explore after-hours work to minimize downtime for businesses or multifamily properties.
- Invest in Quality Materials and Proper Maintenance
Cutting corners on materials may save money in the short term, but it can lead to costly repairs and premature repainting down the road. Invest in quality paints and coatings that are specifically formulated for North Carolina’s unique climate, whether you’re battling humidity, storms, or high UV exposure.
Once the project is completed, keep your property looking fresh by scheduling regular maintenance and touch-ups. This will extend the life of your paint job and reduce the need for frequent repaints.
- Take Advantage of CertaPro’s Expertise
At CertaPro Painters, we understand that managing multiple properties can be challenging, especially when it comes to budgeting for major projects like painting. That’s why we offer budget consultations tailored to your needs. We’ll walk your property with you, provide free estimates, and offer suggestions for both immediate and long-term maintenance.
We also manage the entire project from start to finish, maintaining constant communication so you’re always in the loop. Whether your project is big or small, we handle it all—there are no project minimums, so you can work with us on any scale.
Ready to Budget for Your Next Project?
Lock in your commercial painting project now to avoid the last-minute scramble. CertaPro Painters of Salisbury/Concord/Gastonia and Charlotte-Matthews has decades of experience helping property managers like you plan for and execute successful painting projects. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
By preparing now, you can keep your properties looking professional and well-maintained, all while sticking to your budget. Call us today to schedule your free budget consultation at 704-766-2780. We can’t wait to help you!
