As a facility manager looking to hire commercial painting contractors, budget is always a key consideration. We get it – money is tight, and your maintenance wish list could be a mile long.
But while price should be a consideration, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. In fact (and we see this all the time), going for the lowest bid can end up costing you more in the long run.
To help you avoid the painful mistake of hiring inexperienced commercial painters, here are 4 questions to include in your contractor checklist before making your decision.
What kind of insurance do you have?
If a contractor’s proposal is “too good to be true”, it’s likely a sign that they’re cutting corners somewhere – and one of those corners might be insurance. The last thing you want is to be on the hook for property damage because of an accident or poor workmanship on the part of your contractor.
Any reputable commercial painting contractor should have public liability insurance, which protects against legal liability arising from property damage or personal injury to a third party as a result of their work. They should also have product liability insurance, to protect from claims of injury or damage arising from unknown defects in their products.
Don’t just take them at their word – be sure to ask for proof that they possess current policies.
How will you ensure the durability and quality of the paintwork?
When it comes to commercial painting, it’s not just how quickly a contractor can complete a job, but how thoroughly too. Inexperienced contractors may use cheaper trade products, which might seem like a cost-saving at first, but these products also tend to be much lower quality and therefore less durable – and before you know it, you’re dipping into the budget yet again for more maintenance painting. They may also not prepare the surface properly before painting, again decreasing the life of the work.
Highly experienced and reputable contractors will help you to select the right high-quality products that are appropriate for the surface and the environment while also factoring in your budget and objectives. They will also make sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for painting, to ensure the paintwork lasts as long as possible.
How will you ensure the safety of everyone in the facility?
Depending on the type of job required, contractors may be required to use elevated work platforms, swing stages, scaffolds or other equipment that can potentially put your staff and patients at risk. You, therefore, want to feel completely confident that your contractor will take every measure possible to ensure everyone’s safety. Ask what kind of safety certification the contractor possesses (Higgins, for example, has tri-certification accreditation, including OHSAS 18001: A Universal Framework to Manage Hazards) and how project managers will ensure compliance with safety procedures during the project.
Employing contractors with inadequate experience or without safety certification simply isn’t worth the risk when it comes to ensuring the safety of those in your facility.
Can you provide me with some references?
This is probably one of the most important questions in your contractor checklist, as a positive review from a previous client is the most reliable evidence there is that the contractor is reputable.
Questions to ask references include:
- How happy were they with the quality of the work? Was the surface free of lumps, drips, spatters or overspray? Was there any property damage? These are all signs of an inexperienced contractor.
- How accurate was the initial quote? With inexperienced contractors, all kinds of unforeseen costs can creep into the final quote – and suddenly that contractor is not saving you as much money as you thought they would. Experienced contractors will be able to provide an accurate price, based on a detailed scope of works and specification that correctly reflects your intended project.
- Was the work completed within the specified timeframe? Inexperienced contractors often underestimate how long a project will take. Experienced contractors have the resources to be able to complete a specific project within the scheduled time frame.
- Would they likely hire that contractor again? There’s surely no greater testament to a contractor’s work than repeat business. If the answer is no, stay clear!
Don’t make the mistake of simply opting for the lowest proposal. Undertaking due diligence and checking all the boxes in your contractor checklist can save you unwanted headaches – and money – down the track.
Paintwork can be one of the most expensive and challenging projects for commercial property facilities managers. But don't worry - we've got you covered. In our comprehensive guide to painting commercial buildings, you'll learn everything you need to know for a high-quality, long-lasting and cost-effective result. Download it today.
Higgins Coatings, an ISO tri-certified accredited painting contractor, offers painting services for many industries across Australia. Our team takes safety, quality, and delivering work on time and within budget as seriously as you do. Contact us today for a consultation.
