How to Avoid Budget Blowouts
Essential Tips for Bid & Budgeting Accuracy in Commercial Painting
When it comes to commercial painting projects, bid and budgeting mistakes can have a significant impact on your bottom line. It's not just about choosing the right paint colors or finding a reputable contractor; it's about ensuring that the entire process is carefully planned and executed to avoid unnecessary expenses and setbacks.
We've witnessed firsthand the challenges that arise when bid and budgeting processes are overlooked or underestimated, so today we're here to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the potential pitfalls of commercial bid and budgeting for painting projects.
Underestimating the Scope of the Project:
You don't have to be a paint and coatings expert, but you should hopefully know where to find one! Get the right person to carefully look at YOUR property to determine the right scope of work. Bonus points if you’re able to join the specifier as they walk the site, inspecting the various substrates.
Ask them questions, and considering all of these factors will help you land on a more accurate and thorough paint spec. Here are a few questions you can ask to get educated:
When should I prime?
Do I do one or two coats?
What should be caulked?
What about dry rot?
Ignoring Surface Preparation:
Proper surface preparation may not be the most glamorous part of the painting process, but it's the backbone that holds your masterpiece together. Without adequate cleaning, repairs, and priming, your paint job could suffer from poor adhesion, premature peeling, and the need for costly touch-ups or even starting from scratch.
Make sure the contractors bidding on your project understand your property and have taken a close look at the specific preparation needs. What is the plan for the peeling paint on the pool fence? Are the entry doors going to be sanded first?
Failing to Account for Additional Work:
It's common to underestimate the need for additional work beyond the primary painting tasks. This can include tasks such as color consultations, surface repairs, special coatings, or unexpected challenges during the project. These extras can quickly add up and wreak havoc on your budget if you haven't planned for them.
Many project managers include a contingency for unforeseen, or really “unforeseeable work” – like dryrot behind the siding or areas inaccessible during the bidwalk. These are the kinds of change orders that are legitimate, necessary, and not due to bidder error or laziness.
Or maybe you find that a section of the project that was not included in the original scope now looks dreary next to the shiny new work. So, if it’s possible, it’s always best to give yourself a little wiggle room.
Neglecting Proper Project Planning:
Neglecting to properly plan your painting project is like trying to conduct an orchestra without a score. It's a recipe for delays, cost overruns, and a final product that falls flat. It's crucial to establish a clear timeline, coordinate with other trades involved in the project, and properly schedule resources such as labor, equipment, and materials.
Neglecting these planning aspects can disrupt workflow, compromise the quality of the paint job, and result in additional expenses. You don’t have to be a general contractor, but make sure overlapping trades have a plan to work together and coordinate their schedules as much as is practically possible.
Ask your vendors if there are long lead times for specialty products that could bring the project to a halt if not properly planned for. Expensive scaffolding or jobsite facilities could sit idle for months, incurring rental costs and annoying the residents.
Failing to Seek Multiple Bids:
Choosing the first bid that comes along without seeking multiple bids is a mistake that can lead to missed opportunities and potential cost savings. It's important to obtain bids from multiple qualified contractors to compare pricing, services, and expertise.
By seeking multiple bids from qualified contractors, you can explore a vibrant spectrum of pricing, services, and expertise, allowing you to make more informed decisions and potentially secure more competitive pricing for their commercial painting project.
Not Considering Long-Term Maintenance:
It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of fresh colors and bold strokes, but what about the years to come? A common and crucial mistake is neglecting to account for long-term maintenance costs.
To ensure the longevity of your paint job, choose high-quality paints and materials that can withstand the test of time and the wear and tear of daily life. Factor in future touch-ups and maintenance to keep your painting project looking vibrant and fresh long after
The Takeaway:
In the realm of commercial painting, bid and budgeting mistakes can have significant consequences for your project's success and financial stability. To avoid setbacks, it's crucial to accurately assess the project scope, prioritize proper surface preparation, account for additional work, plan meticulously, and seek multiple bids. By adopting these proactive measures, you can minimize cost overruns, delays, and compromised quality, ensuring a successful and efficient painting project.
