Even the highest-quality paint will not perform well if the surface is not properly prepared before painting.Sto Corp.Depending on the scope of the paint application and the maintenance department’s in-house capabilities, working with a contractor to perform the work can offer advantages. For most institutional and commercial facilities, contractors offer staffing capabilities that are not available in-house. Unless a department performs painting and coating applications regularly, a qualified outside contractor that offers experience and state-of-the-art application equipment is likely to complete the project more efficiently.
Managers who use outside contractors need to take several key steps that will impact timing and scheduling. They will have to develop comprehensive specifications for the painting project, including the desired level of product quality.
As part of their bid packages, contractors must provide information on materials they plan to use to demonstrate to managers that the materials meet the project’s quality requirements. Even after selecting a contractor, managers need to verify that the actual materials being used will comply.
In addition, managers need to be sure contractors are qualified before bidding if possible. Each pre-qualified contractor needs to show proof of licensing and insurance, as well as key information that includes years in business and a list of comparable jobs recently completed. It is not enough for managers to simply getting this information, though. They need to check the contractor’s track record.
Once a manager selects a contractor, it is important to monitor the contractor’s performance. Is the contractor using the agreed-upon products? Has the contractor taken proper precautions to protect work areas and equipment in the facility? Does the project remain on schedule?
Once the contractor completes the paint application, managers need to conduct a thorough walk-through to verify the work quality and completeness, and contractors need to correct any deficiencies before managers sign off on the contract.
While paint and coating applications might seem simple on the surface, they actually can be quite complex. With careful planning and scheduling, managers can ease their way through the process and provide finished projects that meets their expectations and those of building occupants.
Planning Paints and Coatings Applications That Deliver Benefits
Paints and Coatings Finishes Contribute to Performance, Appearance
Surface Preparation Dictates Success of Paints and Coatings Applications
Paints and Coatings: Contractor Considerations
