Choosing Commercial Painting Contractors

A commercial painting contractor specializes in projects for businesses. They understand that you have a business to run and will work around your schedule to keep things running smoothly.

They also know how to use durable paint for high-traffic areas, so the paint will hold up to scuffing and abrasion from customers. They can even offer specialized services like high-performance coating and intumescent paint. Get more info.

Experience

It’s important to choose a contractor with the proper experience to handle your project. They should be familiar with the type of facility you have and be able to apply the protective coatings that are necessary for your business. Experience teaches commercial painting contractors how to work efficiently and safely, which means less downtime for your company.

They should be able to offer you a color consultation and provide project estimates for your consideration before starting the job. If they are unwilling to do this it may be wise to look for another contractor.

A professional painter will understand how important it is to stick to a budget. Although little overages here and there may not seem like a big deal, they can add up quickly and end up costing you more money in the long run. Punctuality is also an important trait for a commercial painting contractor to have. This includes showing up for jobs on time and making sure all work is completed in a timely manner.

Equipment

Commercial painting projects require specialized equipment that is not readily available to residential painters. They must bring ladders and scaffolding to reach high areas, paint sprayers, a pressure washer, and large canvas drop cloths for protection from spills and debris.

They should also be able to work around your business’s schedule and complete the project with minimal disruption to the facility. They should communicate well with your facility manager and proactively address any concerns or issues that arise.

They should offer detailed warranties to guarantee their work and provide remedies for any problems that occur. They should also have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, to protect your investment in their services. Their work should be backed by solid experience and a reputation for quality and customer service. They should have excellent reviews on Yelp, Google, and BBB. Their website should be professional and easy to navigate. They should also have a customer portal where they can update clients on their progress in real time.

Insurance

Painting contractors often need to carry business insurance. This includes general liability and property damage insurance, as well as workers’ compensation insurance (or employers liability insurance if they employ people) and commercial auto insurance for work trucks or vans that are titled in the painting company name. Many clients will require that a painting contractor carry this type of coverage and provide them with a certificate of insurance.

Liability insurance protects a painter from lawsuits stemming from third-party bodily injury, property damage, and libel/slander. For example, a client could trip over your ladder while you’re working up high and fall, injuring themselves. This type of coverage would help pay for medical expenses.

You may also need a business interruption policy to cover the cost of lost income if your office or storage unit is destroyed. These policies are typically bundled with general liability and commercial property insurance in a business owner’s policy. The annual premium for these policies depends on the coverage options you choose, your location, and your insurance history.

Reputation

When choosing a commercial painting contractor, the quality of their previous work is key. Look for a company that is readily able to provide references and testimonials from past clients who have been satisfied with their work, timeliness, and pricing.

Reputation is the new word of mouth and the best way to build trust with potential customers. Many people use online business directories, search engines, and social media to find recommendations for contractors they can trust. Keeping your reviews, ratings, and star scores up to date allows you to appear at the top of the results when people are looking for a painter near them.

In addition to experience, reputable contractors will have safety specifications and procedures in place that prevent injuries to their employees and your staff during the project. A contract will also outline the work to be performed and all relevant details including materials used, pricing structure, and warranties. This will allow you to make apples-to-apples comparisons between bidders. Discover more interesting articles.