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Want to transform your business with a new coat of paint without breaking the bank?
Running a small business can be tricky. You need to look professional, but keep your expenses as low as possible. And here's the thing…
Painting is one of those things that can really turn a space around. A fresh coat of paint creates a professional atmosphere and makes both customers and employees feel good. But it doesn't need to empty your wallet.
In this article, you'll learn:
- The importance of commercial painting for small business owners
- Strategies to save money when painting your business
- Tips to know when it's time to hire professional painters
- Mistakes that waste your budget
The Importance of Commercial Painting for Small Business Owners
First impressions are always important.
Walk or drive up to your storefront or office and you immediately make decisions. "Does this place look well taken care of?" "Do the employees care about their customers?" "Can I trust this business to serve my needs?" A tired exterior or dingy interior walls signal no to all those questions.
The good news is that a fresh paint job sends the exact opposite message. Professional appearance shows potential customers and employees that you take pride in your business. It also builds confidence that you will deliver great service.
In fact, when it comes to residential or commercial painting, small business owners need reliable painting contractors who understand their need to keep costs down. VanDerKolk painting services specialise in providing high-quality work at fair, budget-friendly prices. Hiring the right painting contractor can transform your space.
Paint research published in The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics discovered that well-maintained properties with attractive curb appeal sell for 7% more than those that do not have updated curb appeal in the same area. Think about what that principle can do for commercial business spaces. Customers walk by and see a well-kept exterior, they will be much more likely to enter your business, thus bringing you more business.
Imagine a restaurant that has old chipped paint on the walls. You probably wouldn't go in, would you? Well, your customers are probably thinking the same thing about your business.
Commercial Painting Strategies to Save Money
Commercial painting does not need to be expensive. Clever business owners use proven strategies to get the professional finish they need and stay on budget.
Plan Your Painting Project During Off-Peak Seasons
Most painting contractors are busy during the spring and summer months. Plan to paint in late fall or winter instead and you can save a bundle. Many contractors offer off-season discounts so they can keep their crews working year-round.
Planning your painting project during a slower season will be cheaper for the following reasons:
- Less demand for contractors means more competitive pricing
- Contractors have more openings for your time schedule
- You will get more attention on your project and not be part of a bunch of other jobs being done
Focus on High-Impact Areas First
Paint does not need to be redone everywhere at the same time.
Budget the money where it matters the most. Front doors, waiting areas, and high traffic customer service areas need to be painted first. Break rooms and storage areas can wait for a later budget cycle.
This small business strategy of breaking up the painting projects makes perfect sense because it focuses on the most important visual elements first. It also allows the budget to be stretched by spreading costs out.
Shop Around for Painting Quotes
Never accept the first quote that comes along.
A good painting contractor expects a business owner to compare costs and services. Shop around and get at least 3–5 quotes to compare. This will let you know the fair price for the job. It also weeds out those contractors that do not take the time to provide a proper and detailed estimate.
When reviewing quotes from a commercial painting contractor, look for the following information:
- Detailed breakdown of labour and material costs
- Paint brand names and quality levels
- Timeline with estimated completion dates
- Warranty information included in price
Selecting the Right Quality of Paint
Paint quality can be a big budget mistake for small businesses.
Cheap paint might look like a great deal up front. But it fades quickly, requires more coats, and will need to be redone sooner. Quality, commercial grade paint may cost more up front but it lasts much longer.
Commercial buildings get lots of traffic and suffer daily wear and tear. Quality paint stands up to the abuse better and does not need to be redone as often. Most contractors recommend repainting commercial interiors every two to four years for general maintenance.
The Right Time to Hire Professional Painters
DIY painting is great for homes and personal projects, but not for business spaces.
Professional painters have the tools, experience, and techniques needed to do the job much faster with superior results. Small business owners do not have the time or money to hire an amateur painting crew.
A North Carolina study found that 70% of first-time sales depended on curb appeal alone. Can you really afford to risk that with a DIY approach?
The last thing a small business owner needs is slow painters with amateur results that need to be touched up and redone soon. Professional painters also know how to do the necessary surface preparation before a job.
The surface prep work needed for professional painting is often overlooked, but it is critical to the long-term success of the job. Painting over dirty, damaged, or improperly primed surfaces is a sure-fire way to have that paint job fail months after the fact.
There are some warning signs that tell you it is time to hire a professional painter:
- The building is more than one story in height
- The painting project requires scaffolding or lifts
- Walls and surfaces are damaged or have special prep needs
- You need the job completed in a limited time frame
- Special coatings or finishes are needed that are outside your area of expertise
Ways You Can Blow Your Budget on Painting
We all make mistakes, and some paint jobs can be total budget disasters if you don't know what to look for.
Skip the Contract
This should always be in writing. Verbal estimates are a recipe for misunderstanding about the details, timing, and final payment. A clear, complete contract will protect both the business owner and the contractor by setting the expectations.
Ignore Surface Prep Work
Painting over dirty or damaged surfaces with no proper priming underneath only results in a short-lived paint job. A good contractor will take the time to do the surface prep work right so the finished project will last longer.
Pick the Paint Colour Without Testing
The paint chip colour that looks great in the paint store will not necessarily translate to your business. The lighting, other colours nearby, and surface texture can all dramatically affect the final appearance of the paint. Testing the paint colours on your wall with a sample patch is always necessary before committing to a final application.
Forget about Ongoing Maintenance
Fresh paint does not last forever without proper maintenance. A commercial painting job needs some TLC (tender, loving care) to keep looking good. Regular cleaning, touching up minor damage, and an annual inspection will help keep the paint job lasting longer before the next repainting.
Pulling It All Together
Commercial painting on a budget is possible. It simply takes time and some research to know what to do.
Business owners that spend the time getting multiple quotes from quality contractors, schedule the project at the right time, and choose the proper quality paint materials will get the most bang for their buck. The key is to strike the right balance between initial costs and the value it provides.
To quickly summarize:
- Paint during off-peak seasons for better deals
- Focus on high-traffic areas first
- Get 3–5 detailed quotes before choosing
- Buy quality paint that will last longer
- Use professionals for commercial jobs
- Avoid the top common budget-busting mistakes
Painting does more than freshen up a space. It also conveys to your customers that you take pride in the details of your business. That sense of pride makes them want to do business with you.
The investment in a professional paint job will always pay off when a customer walks into your business and has the confidence in your brand that they want to do business with you.