As the owner or owner’s representative, you should evaluate the experience level of any painting contractor that you are considering. Painting a large commercial building or complex is much different than painting smaller structures. This type of painting requires experience in various application techniques, addressing safety issues, knowledge of materials, paints, required licensing, permits and proper insurance.

There are numerous application techniques for painting commercial buildings. New technology and extensive research have created superior hi-tech coatings for commercial structures.  In example: many owners of commercial buildings are using knock-down on interior walls. knock-down is joint compound which has been specially formulated to be sprayed directly on walls to give the surface a “stipple” effect. This technique has a very nice look and has become very popular. Exteriors of commercial buildings are often painted with an elastromeric coating. This is a very durable coating that expands and contracts as the temperature changes and lasts longer than ordinary paint. Using this technique on split faced block helps to seal the block from water damage. Knock-down interiors and elastomeric coated exteriors are best done by painting contractors who have past experience in using those methods.When interviewing, be sure to check for proper insurance. All commercial  contractors should carry a minimum of two million dollars liability insurance and workers compensation insurance on all of their employees. This is a minimum and more may be required by the size of the project. A certificate of insurance from the painting contractors insurance agent should be provided with his estimate. Another common way to verify insurance is to have the agent fax you a copy prior to hiring the contractor.

Always seek at least three bids from qualified commercial painting contractors. Be sure that your specifications are very clear to each contractor and keep communications open in case questions arise from any of the contractors.  Require commercial painting references from every contractor you have decided to hire and be sure to check those references. There is no need to check references on every contractor that presents a bid, but you need to check the references on the contractor that you are awarding the job. Use the internet to search for information on the contractors you are considering. Any search engine such as Google, Bing or Yahoo will let you search for the contractor. When searching, be sure to put the trade name of the contractor in quotations so that most of the information you receive will pertain specifically to the company you are researching. The the first few pages that the search engines return should be carefully considered.

Often previous customers will write blogs about their experience with a contractor. These unsolicited testimonials can be very revealing.  Occasionally a contractor with legal or financial problems will be included in news stories or other documents that apppear on internet searches. While negative comments on the internet should not be relied on as your only source of information, multiple complaints or legal issues should be discussed with the contractor to allow them to offer an explanation. In summary, your contractor should present you with information that will show their skill, experience and reputation. You should be presented with photos, videos and printed materials that demonstrate their performance on previous large projects. Information regarding their insurance and licenses should be readily available. You should receive an accurate detailed estimate that is easy to understand.   The quality, accuracy and organization of the materials presented to you before the estimate are as important as the estimate itself. Using the materials you are presented and the information you gather from the internet will help you make an informed decision and select the best contractor for your project.