Understanding your  Painting Proposal

Painting your commercial space is a significant investment, and finding the right commercial painter to do the job will ensure not just a clean, beautiful finished product – but a seamless experience as well. When considering which company to hire, the painting proposal should give you everything you need to know about the project in detail – which probably begs the question, what do you need to know?

Most commercial painting proposals will include expectations that pertain to both you and the painting company – knowing what to expect and when will facilitate a smooth process for both parties. In this article, we’ll outline the 15 elements to look for and give an explanation of each. We’ll also include a sample painting contract proposal for reference.

Elements of a Commercial Painting Proposal

As you can see by the painting proposal sample we included, it’s not rocket science. What it is – or should be – is thorough. Following are the items you should expect in a professional commercial painting proposal. Properly outlining and discussing each of these points before work begins will manage expectations and help avoid potential headaches during or after the project.

1. Scope of Work

The first section is where the commercial painter will outline all of the work planned for the painting project, such as the areas to paint and any other services proposed or included. Think of it as a project checklist.

2. Schedule

The scheduling section goes into more detail about each phase of the project. Commercial painters should disclose the schedule so that the building’s proprietors can plan around the work, especially if any activity affects the building occupants’ workflow.

3. Preparation

Everything the commercial paint company will do to prepare for the project should be listed step-by-step in this section. Outlining the preparation details is especially important to support a smooth execution of the work. We recommend reviewing this area carefully, so you can address any questions before the work begins.

4. Painting

This section should clearly outline all of the painting activities included with the job and the materials used. As you can see in the sample painting contract proposal below, this list goes into great detail about the paint materials and application processes. Like the preparation section, this is an opportunity to ensure everyone is on the same page to support a smoothly executed job.

5. Caulking

There may be some non-painting tasks needed before paint application can begin. Caulking is one of them, and this section should explain where caulking is necessary and what areas will not be included. Caulking is essential – it will not only make the paint application look better, but it can also help protect your building.

6. Concrete Repairs

Depending on the building structure, there may not always be concrete to repair. If there is and repair is necessary to the project, then the suggested or requested repairs will be listed here.

7. Insurance

Although insurance has nothing to do with the actual painting, it’s a big deal. Professional commercial paint companies should be fully licensed and insured and carry comprehensive coverage, including general liability, commercial auto, and worker’s compensation insurance. They should also be lead certified by the EPA and safety certified by OSHA. Supplying proof of insurance and credentials is standard, so expect it.

8. Supervisor

Commercial building painting projects involve many moving parts, and a reputable company will provide a full-time site foreman. He or she will be responsible for checking in with the management company daily regarding the project’s status. It is also common practice to have a project manager that checks in regularly. If a painting proposal does not include oversight mandates, it’s your responsibility to ask about them – or just take it as the red flag that it is.  

9. Time Schedule

This section is pretty self-explanatory yet critical. The project’s schedule will outline when to expect workers during the week and on weekends. The painting company should give you an idea of how long each phase of the project should take.

10. Conditions

This section will list what conditions are expected for the work area while work is in progress. The painting company should include what each party, i.e., the painting company and the client, are responsible for during each phase.

11. Exclusions

Here the painting company will list any and all items or spaces not included in the proposal. This list is often lengthy and will expressly state what is not the responsibility of the painting company. It’s simply another opportunity to manage expectations and ensure everyone is on the same page.

12. Price

This section will state the price for the scope of work requested by the client, including labor, materials, supervision, and special equipment (such as lifts).

13. Alternate Price

If the painting company recommends any additional work while they are on-premise, it will be listed here with the price. These items are not part of the project’s initial scope; however, addressing them while the painting professionals are on-site could improve the look or functionality of the space.

14. Total Price

This price includes the price of the original requested project and the suggested additions’ expense (in section 13).

15. Price if All Alternates Accepted

If all of the alternates in section 13 are accepted, the client will receive a discount on the total project price.

When considering a company for your commercial painting or epoxy flooring job, professionalism is critical. As a PDCA accredited and award-winning commercial painting contractor, PPD Painting offers 15 plus years of experience, uncompromising dedication to service, and impeccable craftsmanship. We take great pride in completing projects on time and budget – lending peace of mind knowing your project will be done right the first time.

Contact us for a quote today.

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