HOW TO MANAGE PAINT JOBS WITH TIGHT TIMELINES

Whether you're just starting to build your business or you're a seasoned contractor, it can be hard to say “no.” Every customer is important, and many of them want their projects done quickly. Fortunately, there are business management systems that can help you handle tight timelines as well as practical tips for painting rooms as efficiently as possible.

A customer and contractor review paint samples

Timeline Tips for Your Painting Business

Three painting contractors look at a painted wall

1

Understand Your Resources

You know your crew inside and out—the areas where they shine and the areas where they may need improvement. Keep this in mind when you are bidding. Before committing to the project, give yourself time to review it. Consider the square footage, the condition of your surfaces, as well as the size, speed and availability of your team. Then generate a confident estimate with these factors in mind.

A contractor looks over their schedule on their phone

2

Build Buffers into Your Schedule

A little pre-emptive planning can make unexpected events easier should they arise. Build in a buffer day for help with issues that often cause delays—like weather, more prep work than you anticipated, or if crew members are unavailable or late to the job site. Think of it as an added layer of security to help you stay on schedule and meet your customer’s expectations.

A person matches the colour from a table setting using the ColourReader Pro

3

Match Paint Faster, Without Guesswork

Our ColourReader and ColourReader Pro professional-grade devices will simplify colour matching for your customers. Instantly determine the exact colour your customer is looking for, whether it’s matching paint that’s already on a wall or their favourite sweater. This new, precision technology saves everyone time and keeps you on schedule, knowing your customers are confident that they’re getting the exact colour they want. You can purchase the ColourReader or ColourReader Pro device at your Benjamin Moore® retailer or directly from Datacolor^®.

A door racking system loaded with freshly painted doors

4

Try a Racking System

If you haven’t already, invest in a racking system to help your crews paint doors and cabinets much faster. These systems allow you to paint, and dry, both sides of doors and cabinets at once.

A contractor loads a roller tray with Benjamin Moore® paint

5

Reuse Roller Covers

Skip the time-consuming step of removing lint from new rollers and consider reusing rollers when applying primer or the same paint colour. You can get up to 5 uses out of one quality roller by creating an airtight cover so it does not dry out. Over time, this can be a money-saving practice, too.

Carefully planning resources, building in buffers, and setting clear expectations with customers can go a long way toward alleviating the pressure of tight timelines. Apply some of these tips to your next job and see how much time you save.