About a year ago, we bid a project to repaint a very large Home Owners Association (HOA) in LA. As we do with most of our pending bids, about once per month we check in with the board handling the project to see if there is any news on it or if we can help them with anything. With this project, the hold up for the past year has been trouble in deciding on colors. But they say, once they decide on colors that they'll choose a contractor and get started right away.
The way this HOA is doing things is a bit out of order and so this project is taking them a lot longer to move forward than it really should. From our perspective, here are some tips that can help you in your next paint project to streamline the process so it doesn't take over your life and so you can spend time doing what you really enjoy!
1. Choose Your Contractor - Once you have received your bids, perform your due diligence and decide on the paint contractor you will use for this project. It is important to choose your contractor now, so they can get you on their schedule. In this current economy, good contractors are usually booked out a few months so the sooner you get on their schedule, the sooner work can start. If something comes up down the road where you are not ready to start, it is much easier to delay the start of the job than it is start the job right away with someone else. I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to wait for a busy contractor rather than start right away with a contractor that doesn't have much work. There's a reason why some contractors are busier than others...because they do good work.
2. Photo Renderings - Your contractor can put in contact with the paint manufacturer who can create computerized renderings showing how different color schemes will look on your building.
3. Apply Sample Colors - Your contractor can then apply paint samples to your property, so you can see what those renderings actually look like in the sun & shade and on the various smooth & rough textures of your property.
4. Choose Your Colors – This one is sometimes done out of order. Remember to choose your contractor before your colors because they can help you see what potential colors will really look like and how long those colors will stay looking good over time.
5. Start Your Paint Job – Now that your contractor has the colors and everything they need to get started, they can get their crew going at your scheduled date and you will be on your way to having a fresh, clean and protected building.
Estimates and consultations are free. Give us a call today at 818-951-3207 or email us at greg@ferrispainting.com.
Sincerely,
Greg Lewis