Managing construction painting jobs is not as easy as many think. It’s not as simple as choosing a finish and color and slapping it on a wall. On top of the talent expected from the painters, head contractors and managers must be equipped with the skills to manage such projects. It’s this combination that will produce a successful painting job.
Tips In Managing Painting Contracting Jobs
Project management for construction painting projects should be able to effectively and efficiently manage their crew, the tasks, and other project-related details to end with a successful painting job. Here a few tips to help you.
1. Start with a detailed plan
Planning is a crucial part of any project. It’s essentially the foundation of the project, which means it has to be detailed and effective. A messy plan will result in a messy project.
The planning stage should involve all the essential people, including the client, project manager, contractors, and designer. Having them collaborate with you will lead to knowing the best approach to the job. While it’s unnecessary to ask for input constantly, it’s vital that the plan is clear and everyone is on the same page.
This stage also includes construction scheduling and preparing for potential issues. A brief schedule will allow you to minimize problems and delays along the way.
However, it would be best if you still prepared for them. When planning, think of all possible risks and problems so you and your team can plan ahead to handle and resolve them. Planning on the spot will cost you valuable time and, possibly, money.
2. Have the right crew with you
A painting project will only be as good as the crew working on it. Of course, you want your team to be qualified and highly skilled in painting. However, that is not the only basis of a good crew. Attitude is also critical when hiring and forming a team. You would want people who can work well together and accomplish tasks efficiently. Having “toxic” team members can cause unnecessary problems.
Moreover, a good crew is more likely to produce high-quality results. In turn, customers will be satisfied and they can build a good reputation for you.
3. Be prepared with the right tools and quality materials.
You should not cheap out on tools and materials. A set of the right kinds of tools will make your job faster, easier, and safer. The same goes for high-quality materials. They will not only last longer but will be easier, faster, and smoother to apply. Plus, this will prove to your client that you are a professional with their best interest at heart.
4. Consider the costs of materials.
As a painting contractor, part of your job is to oversee costs and finances. Aside from painting, you would also need to make sure that your business is thriving.
When giving a client an estimate, include materials in your price upfront. Also, keep track of materials costs as the project progresses. Monitor what is being ordered, how much is being spent, and how much you would be making. This is to ensure that you profit and not lose.
5. Go green
Being environmentally friendly is now past being a trend to becoming a necessity. Many construction fields have now trend to becoming green with a myriad of trends and technologies, and painting is one of them.
Using eco-friendly and sustainable painting materials not only benefits the Earth but your business, as well. People prefer to work with businesses that show they care.
6. Use task management software.
Task management software is another tool that can help in making your project progress smoother and more efficiently.
Pro Crew Schedule’s Painting Contractor Software is mobile-friendly and completely paperless. This means you won’t be troubled by the mess of the stacks of paper to find a single piece of information. You can virtually and remotely track your crew, the materials, and the project with ease. With it being cloud-based, you can send and receive important documents and collaborate with your team in real-time, even if you are not on-site together.
Management software proves to be one of the best tools when it comes to staying on top of things.
Mistakes Painting Contractors Make
No matter how long tradespeople have been in the business, they still make the occasional mistake. To help you avoid making them, here are the common mistakes painting contractors make.
1. Ignoring specifications
Specifications are there for a reason, yet some painters fail to adhere to them. More often than not, this is because of issues with materials. But sometimes, the painter is at fault.
In some instances, the painting crew has no choice but to use low-grade products. Sometimes, they cut the paint with water or apply fewer coats to save themselves time and money. While the job may look good initially, the paint is bound to fade and experience problems over time.
2. Allotting less budget on safety
Safety must be a priority on any construction or trade job as it is also the biggest concern. Unfortunately, some contractors choose to save a buck by getting cheap on safety and putting their crew in dangerous situations.
For example, the respirators used are low-quality or the filters that are worn out haven’t been replaced yet. Because painters work with chemicals for an extended period of time, they may acquire respiratory problems because of faulty respirators.
When word gets out that you put your employees in harm’s way to save some money, your reputation could be tarnished.
3. Skipping out on prep work
People naturally want to save time, so they skip doing a few things. This is not acceptable in painting, yet contractors and painters still do it. Some steps paint contractors skip are:
● Applying an inadequate number of primer coats;
● Not removing or thoroughly removing the previous paint;
● Not pressure washing tilt-up concrete panels before applying a primer coat; and
● Removing rust when applying direct-to-metal (DTM) paint to weathered steel elements.
Prep work is an essential part of any painting project. Take time to remove outlets, move furniture, and place a drop cloth on the floor to prevent any messes.
4. Taking multiple trips to the paint store
Before starting on the actual painting, make sure that you have everything ready, mostly the paint. During the planning process, specify the finish, type, and color of the paint needed and make sure you have enough of it to finish the project.
This is why planning and measuring are crucial– so that you have an adequate amount of paint. Purchasing the wrong type of paint and having the incorrect amount will be a waste of money, resources, time, and energy. Taking multiple trips to buy paint will cost you time and energy that should be used to finish the project.
5. Being unprepared
Many people see the painting phase of a construction project as the last and most comfortable stage. However, several tradespeople and painters have a similar mindset. Because of this, they spend little time and effort preparing for a job.
They might have an incomplete tool and equipment set, they are not wearing the proper attire, or fail to get the necessary information and specifications before starting. As a result, the painting job will be flawed and of low-quality. Consequently, the client will not be satisfied and this could mean bad business for your company.
Challenges Painters Face
1. Mildew and mold
Mildew and mold pose a threat to the appearance of the structure as well as the health of the workers and building occupants.
These fungi discolor the paint with their stains and let out a foul, musty odor. More than that, they risk the health of the workers and building occupants. Mold and mildew can pollute the air and cause several adverse health reactions such as:
● Stuffy nose;
● Irritated eyes;
● Irritated skin;
● Wheezing; and
● Asthma.
People exposed to large amounts of mildew and mold for a long time may experience more severe reactions, such as fever and shortness of breath.
2. Health risks from paint fumes
In addition to being exposed to hazardous fungi, paint workers also work with chemicals, such as paint or paint removers.
Even though fumes from oil and latex paints don’t poison the body if used as directed, they can still cause eye, nose, and throat irritations. That’s gearing up with the proper safety equipment like respirators is essential to the job. If a painter is exposed to fumes from these paints, fresh air or a warm shower will help the effects go away.
Solvent-based paints, however, can be more irritating than the previously mentioned ones on the skin and throat. Moreover, breathing in fumes from solvent-based paints for too long can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and even death. Aside from the proper safety equipment, a painting work site should be adequately ventilated.
If you’re a painting contractor in need of effective and efficient subcontractor scheduling software, use Pro Crew Schedule’s Painting Contractor Software. Sign up today and get a free 30-day trial with all its features and no strings attached. Request a demo now!
