Owning a business is an investment; As with any other investment, your goal should be to protect it and get the most out of it while you have it. Keeping your business in the best condition possible includes maintaining it’s curb appeal. The many benefits of a fresh commercial paint job includes boosting visual appeal as well as preserving the overall structural value. So how do you know when it’s time to repaint your commercial building? There are several structural indicators that let you know when it’s time to show some TLC to your business. These include, but are not limited to:
- Fading Color. Despite common belief, fading color is not simply a cosmetic issue. Fading color indicates deterioration of the paint system while means it is no longer providing the level of protection to your structure as it should.
- Cracked Paint. When paint starts to crack it is another indicator that your paint system is starting to fail. Small cracks in your paint can extend across large areas quickly which leave your structure with no protection against moisture, termites, or mold. This can lead to much larger issues such as rotting wood, metal corrosion, or even pest infestations.
- Mildew/Mold. If you notice black, grey, or green stains, it is likely you are developing mildew or mold growth. Be sure to hire a commercial paint contractor that is experienced in addressing moisture and mold problems.
How often you repaint your business is dependent upon factors such as the climate in your area, quality of materials used, and the knowledge/skill level of the paint contractors you hire for the job.
4 things to consider when hiring a commercial paint contractor:
1.Pricing & Estimates
Don’t base your decision strictly on pricing. Although cost may be an important factor, remember that you get what you pay for. This is particularly true in the paint industry. Differences in price often reflect differences in the level of service and quality of work you get. While you want to make sure you are not overpaying for services, take the quality of materials suggested into consideration. The more expensive paints and materials will make the paint last much longer which will ultimately save you money in the long haul. Price is only one piece of the puzzle.
Your commercial paint contractor should give you a detailed quote of what you are actually paying for. Be sure your estimates are detailed and include a breakdown of labor and materials in addition to any other costs so you can truly evaluate if you are getting a good value. Simple things like taxes and fees can add up quickly.
2.Skill Set
Paint contractors have different sets of skills and access to different types of equipment and use different techniques. Not all paint contractors are qualified to work with all building materials. It is important to assess your specific needs and find a contractor that has experience in that area. You can learn this information by asking questions about:
- Their prep work. How do they intend to repair existing damage prior to painting.
- Licensing. Are they licensed for commercial properties or just residential? Do they carry the proper license for your property and job scope?
- Do they use the latest paint technologies on the market? Ask what they utilize and why.
3.Communication
Communication is extremely important in absolutely every aspect of business, including who you hire to paint your building! Pay attention to the level of communication you receive during the consultation and estimate stages of the process. Do they answer or return your calls and emails in a timely manner? Do they get you all the information you asked for? Do they seem eager to get started on your job? If there are poor communication skills in the initial stages, you will likely not be satisfied with the communication throughout the project as a whole. Communication is essential in getting the task done within your time frame as well as meeting your expectations.
It is also essential that you communicate your needs and expectations up front. If you have a deadline, communicate your expectations and be sure your contractor has sufficient manpower and scheduling to meet those needs. Neglecting to communicate all of your goals and needs could lead to an inaccurate estimate and you making a larger investment that you were willing to make.
4.Reputation
While you cannot trust every review you see on the internet, digging into who you are looking to hire can provide a good gauge of what quality of work they provide. Look at all of their reviews, if they have responded to any of those reviews and even consider asking for references. Yes, when you ask a company for references, you undoubtedly will receive three of their top satisfied customers! But, that at least gives you reassurance that they have satisfied customers, and gives you an opportunity to learn about their work ethic, time lines, quality, etc.
Ask to see a portfolio of previous work. The work they have done in the past will likely speak for itself. If timelines of when those jobs were done are available, you could even pass by previous customers and see how the paint is holding up over time.
If you are in the market for a commercial paint contractor, JMA Painters would love the opportunity to provide you with a free estimate. We have developed a reputation for quality work, reliable scheduling and effortless communication. After only 9 years, we are well on our way to becoming the largest painting company in the area. We serve Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi!