It’s that time of year when building and business owners look to the few remaining Summer and early Fall months as a great time to get their building’s exterior ready for Fall and Winter in Houston. Updates to the exterior and interior of your building should be at the forefront of your mind if you are preparing your business for the colder weather. Knowing how to plan for a painting project can be challenging, but if you follow these four steps, it can be an enjoyable experience and provide you with the best results.
Step 1: Set Your Budget
Creating a budget for your project determines the direction of the entire process. Knowing not only what you can financially spend but also setting a realistic timeline for your project gives you a detailed picture of what can be achieved.
In your budgeting of both time and finances, there are a few important questions to ask yourself.
1. What is the scope of my project?
2. Is this an interior or exterior project?
3. What is the size of my building?
These three questions will determine the cost of both labor and paint, what will need to go into your painting project, and what kind of contractor you need to hire. Additionally, knowing if your contractors will be removing paint and doing other prep work will influence the timeline. These will also differ depending on if you are planning an interior or an exterior project.
While these factors are important and can impact your overall cost, having an idea of what you want to be done, and your time frame will help your professional painter understand your vision. Planning before a consultation helps your contractor set realistic goals that meet your needs and can stay within your budget.
Step 2: Choose Your Color Scheme
Choosing colors that are right for your building can be the most exciting part of the planning process. For exterior paint projects, there are many factors to consider. From landscaping to building size, even branding and architecture play into what colors you should choose. Your color choice should complement the aspects of your surroundings that cannot be or aren’t being altered. These considerations ultimately should line up with what you want your building to represent and communicate to those that come into contact with your business.
Indoor paint colors can communicate to individuals what sort of space they are interacting with on the inside. In fact, indoor paint color schemes can influence how people think, act, and even feel while they’re inside your building. Depending on what industry your building or business is in may also influence your color choice. How much space you have and the sizes of your rooms may also influence which color(s) you choose. Ideally, you’ll have an idea of what color palette you’d like for your space before your consultation so you can discuss the best options during your consultation. Most painting contractors can help with recommendations for your options and preferences, or they’ll bring their interior designer into the project to assist with color selection.
Step 3: Schedule Your Project
Choosing when to schedule your project is another key step in the planning process. You’ll want to choose a time that works best for your schedule without disrupting your building’s typical flow. The type of painting project will determine what time of year is best for you and your building.
One of the most incredible parts of working and living in the Houston area is that the days are mostly sunny, and we have great temperatures, especially for those who prefer warmer weather. While most other states struggle with scheduling their exterior painting projects during the busy Some contractors recommend avoiding exterior painting during the extremely hot and humid summer months and instead of scheduling these types of projects for the Fall or even Winter months. It depends on the location of your building, in direct sun, for example, as well as the types of paints your painter uses as to what conditions are best for your building’s paint job.
Interior painting projects require a little more flexibility. Scheduling these projects during a time when your building is mostly empty is ideal so as not to disrupt the typical flow of the workday. If that’s not possible, scheduling convenient times to paint for the building’s inhabitants is important to do during the scheduling of each project. It is also important to communicate with your building occupants when scheduled work will be done so that they can plan accordingly.
Step 4: Select Your Contractor
Every great painting project begins and ends with hiring the right contractor. Not only will you develop a strong working relationship with the company you choose, but the success and longevity of your project also rely on making the right choice. Your contractor should be someone who stays on budget and finishes your project in a timely manner. Professional contractors know the work and effort that goes into repairs, priming, color selection, prep, and pricing to fit your needs. We recommend, when looking for a painting contractor, to ask about their experience, guarantees, and other details that apply to your specific project.
When it comes to meeting each need you have for your next painting project, we know a professional eye is best. At Streamline Painting, we use our years of experience to work with you to make your building’s exterior and interior stand the test of time.
Our painters are some of Houston’s best when it comes to planning and completing painting projects. We would be honored to discuss your painting options and to give you a free estimate. Contact us for more information.
