What Should I Look For When Hiring a Painting Contractor for My Business?

hiring a painting contractor

Hiring a painting contractor for your business can be stressful. There are always a variety of great options to choose from, but how can you know what to look for and what questions to ask to make sure that your space becomes exactly what you envisioned?

The color of your business, whether it’s a retail storefront, medical facility, restaurant, educational center or an office, can really change the entire feel of your space. Colors make a major difference. Did you know that Color Psychology is a thing?

It really is!

Color can affect everything from how a person feels to how and what a consumer purchases.

Basically…paint and color mean a lot more than just slapping something onto a wall because it looks…”pretty” or “nice.”

Color can make employees more productive, invite people inside to make purchases, color is a big deal! Because it’s such an important investment for your business, you’re probably wondering what you need to consider before hiring a painting contractor and what questions you should ask to qualify them.

According to VeryWellMind, “Color psychology suggests that various shades can have a wide range of effects, from boosting our moods to causing anxiety.”

painting your office

What Should You Consider Before Hiring a Painting Contractor?

  • How long has the company been in business? 
    You’ll want to make sure you’re working with a reputable company that’s been around for some time so that you aren’t left with a project that isn’t completed or you’re not satisfied with the work that’s done because they haven’t had a lot of experience.
  • Ensure that the company has a warranty
    Make sure that the company has a warranty. Any issues with paint usually show within one year, so you’ll want to make sure you know exactly how long the warranty is for as well as what it includes.
  • Consider hiring a color consultant
    This service is often overlooked, but your business represents a huge monetary and time investment for your business. Ensuring you paint it with the right colors and correct paint helps protect your long-term investment.
  • Let employees and customers know
    Make sure to let employees and customers know that you’re going to be working on an upcoming painting project, giving them the dates and times. Post signage around the office to avoid fresh paint.
  • Choose the best finish
    All of the materials that you select for your project will affect the budget and timeline, but top-quality paint and finish can make a difference when it comes to longer-lasting, better-looking paint. Choosing a higher quality paint will reduce the need for touch-up or maintenance. To protect your employees and customers, use fast-drying, low- or no-VOC coating products to avoid fumes. These types of paints are ideal for commercial painting projects because they keep employees and customers safe from harmful paint fumes and products.
  • It all comes down to the prep work
    Doesn’t it always? ? The real secret sauce to an excellent commercial painting job is in the prep work. This is the work that’s done before the topcoat is applied. Paint appears and adheres best to well-prepped surfaces, so make sure you work with a reputable company that knows the importance of prep work. Proper preparation can include things such as cleaning the surface, letting it dry, scraping off any loose, caking, or peeling paint, caulking, and repairs of any cracks, joints, or seams. Prep could also include a full skim-coat and sand of the surfaces. You want to make sure that you have a clean and smooth surface before priming.

Questions You Should Ask Before You Hire a Painting Contractor

Do you have proof of insurance? Are you properly licensed and bonded?
Proper insurance is business 101. Every painting company should carry General Liability insurance with not less than $1 million in coverage. The company should also carry workman’s compensation insurance as well.

What type of materials do you use? What grade of paint will be used?
Latex, Epoxy, Dryfall, and various forms of Alkyd paint all have specific uses and applications depending on your environment. Paint finishes such as flat, eggshell, satin, and semi gloss are also an important consideration when selecting appropriate paint finishes. Make sure you work directly with your commercial contractor for their recommendations when it comes to your facility.

How will my commercial space be prepped for painting? What does that process look like?
Like so many things, and as mentioned above prep work is crucial when it comes to painting. You’ll want to work with your commercial painting provider to determine what surfaces they’ll be covering and what they are going to do to make sure that your space, carpet, and items remain taken care of.

How long will the job take?
The company should give you an estimate on how long the project should take that works within your timeline. This will give you an estimated timeline for notifying your employees and customers and do the things you may need to do to prep for the project. A project’s timeline will always be dependent upon factors such as size, weather, and the condition of the walls, ceilings, and surfaces.

Will there be a project manager? Who do I contact if an issue arises?
Always make sure you have a point of contact for your project. This will not only provide you with peace of mind, but it makes all communication easier should you have any questions or concerns.

Painting is a major investment for you and your business operation. It’s always best to be feel prepped and ready, with the assurance that you know what to expect and what to ask when you’re meeting with a company. If you have any questions about your own commercial space and painting renovations, just feel free to drop us a message at the button below and we’ll be happy to help.