Commercial property and facilities managers are facing the familiar challenge of shrinking budgets as occupation rates undergo significant shifts. Despite cuts to maintenance, expectations are rising among tenants, visitors and the community for flexible spaces, hygienic surfaces and pleasant living and working conditions.
Even in challenging times, first impressions count. Behind the scenes of well-maintained, fresh, clean surfaces in commercial buildings is a commercial painting maintenance plan that balances quality and cost while keeping tenant disruption at a minimum.
Here are four simple steps to a tailored painting maintenance plan that adapts to difficult conditions and improves the value of your assets.
Step 1: Make a painting maintenance plan to fit your budget
Start by using a building maintenance checklist to make a detailed list of everything that needs attention. Taking pictures with your smartphone is a simple way to record issues and also helps with accurate quoting.
Commercial painting maintenance plans can run from 4 to 15 years, so it’s key that your plan matches your budget and resources. Proactive planning for whole-of-asset-life painting maintenance lets you spread costs over a longer period, with peace of mind that your property’s appearance and value are maintained.
When you’re in it for the long-term, Higgins' integrated maintenance solutions deliver optimal surface protection to your infrastructure. We only paint when it’s necessary, use the highest quality finishes and deploy time and cost-saving technologies — critical on a tight budget.
Step 2: Identify pre-work before painting starts
Before any surfaces get a refresh, make a list of any pre-work that needs to be done to meet building codes and get the best painting result. There’s nothing worse than destroying a freshly painted surface for a repair job – so make good on any door, wall or ceiling repairs and upgrades that are required before you get started.
Our building and specialised services team can take care of most repair and replacement jobs, and some minor electrical services on the spot, making it easier to stay on schedule and budget.
Step 3: Choose your painting company
There’s no shortage of painting companies out there and sorting the best from the rest is not always easy.
Start by looking at some essentials. Do they have:
- occupational health and safety policies across accredited systems?
- a positive industry reputation and track record for reliability?
- a skilled and scalable team focused on safety?
- industry-leading technology and equipment for professional, long-lasting finishes?
- a dedicated team to support project management?
- painting and maintenance plans to suit your unique needs and budget?
If a company doesn’t cover all these bases, you might want to keep looking for a perfect painting match. Once you’ve found a potential fit, do a detailed inspection of the property together to discuss your needs, expectations and budget. Look for a company that suggests strategies to optimise your painting maintenance plan and reduce long-term costs.
When you choose your contractor, walk through the job again to confirm scope, costs and timeframes. Get everything confirmed in writing and check the contract for any unexpected surprises.
Step 4: Manage your painting maintenance plan
Good communication with your painting contractor helps get the most from your budget and avoids unexpected cost blowouts.
Once the plan is ready to roll out and you’re starting the first project, it’s critical to maintain contact and provide constructive feedback to your painter. A good painting contractor will schedule regular meetings with you and other key stakeholders to keep you informed about the progress of your project. These frequent and frank conversations work to minimise any bumps in the road and drive cost-effective, professional outcomes.
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 is Australia's premier commercial painting contractor with over 70 years of experience in providing cost-effective painting and tailored maintenance solutions to a broad range of industries including hospitals, aged care, schools, and strata. If you need quality painting services delivered on time and within budget, contact us today for a consultation.
Originally published on 5 October 2015. Updated on 23 March 2021.
