In real estate, you’ll often hear about the value of “curb appeal”. For good reason, small efforts like a manicured lawn or fresh coat of paint can add thousands to a property’s potential value. But selling a property isn’t the only time to be concerned about curb appeal. As far back as 1997, studies established that atmosphere played a major role in the purchasing decisions of prospective patrons.
And atmosphere begins before the customer ever sets foot in your business. Professional painting work is one of the simplest ways to refresh a location that’s seen better days. But before the pros can get to work, there’s some legwork that needs to be done first.
To make sure that your painting goes smoothly, be sure to check off these must-dos before the date arrives.
1. Make Sure to Hire a Professional Painting Firm
The first mistake that you can make in the process is opting for a substandard painter. You might think that you’re saving money, only to realize that amateur work often needs to be redone at your expense anyway.
So the best thing you can do for yourself is to opt for an experienced nationwide painting contractor. You can count on a reputable professional to get the job done right and in a timely fashion.
2. Make a List of All the Prep Work that Needs to Be Done
Once you’ve secured your contractor, it’s time to start getting organized. Depending on the area that you’re having done, there will be chores to be done. Interior spaces will need to have furniture moved or covered, exteriors may need landscaping to deal with overgrown trees or bushes standing in the way, things like that.
You should also compile a list of all the things you do and don’t want to be done. If you’ve hired painters in the past, a list of things you didn’t like about their work would be useful here.
3. Have Any Repairs Done First
Hopefully, any necessary repairs will be minimal. Depending on how long it’s been since the last painting, there may be some seconds where the paint is too faded or damaged to be salvaged. If they’re beyond regular cleaning, sanding, or scaping, ask your contractor for guidance on how to deal with them.
If you find wood rot or other structural damage, you’ll need to put your painting plans on hold until you can have professional repairs done.
4. Get a Written Quote
Don’t be satisfied with an over-the-phone quote. Get it in writing. When your painter meets you face to face to assess the job, they should be able to give you a written estimate free of charge. They should also be able to give you enough information to make an informed decision about your painting plans.
5. Inform Employees and Neighbors Well in Advance
This mostly applies to interior painting, but you’ll need to make sure that everyone knows about your plans well in advance. You should inform your staff as soon as possible to ensure that they can budget their time and reschedule tasks as necessary.
You’ll want to do the same for your neighbors if you’re having exterior painting done. The last thing you want is to be fielding complaints because your neighbors are getting dust in their homes or businesses.
6. Prep the Interior and Exterior
Now is the time to refer to that list you made earlier. Much of the time, painters will move furniture out of the way themselves. But doing some of the prep work yourself can save time, and reduce the risk of fragile or sensitive materials being damaged or misplaced.
For exteriors, you’ll want to make sure that the landscaping is done to ensure the painters have easy access, as well as making sure water spigots and electrical outlets are in working order in case power washing or other power tools are required.
Freshen up Your Business with a Fresh Coat of Paint
No matter what we were told growing up, we tend to judge books by their covers. And if it’s been a while since you last refreshed your business, you could be missing out on potential patronage without realizing it. Professional painting work can help make your location look fresh and new, attracting more custom for your business.
But of course, a new coat of paint isn’t the only thing you can do. Be sure to keep up with all of our latest for all the tips and guides you need to get your commercial space looking its best.
Also read: 7 Useful Summer Interior Design Tips You Must Know
