NOT !!!!!
A common misconception about the painting profession is that 'Any painter can perform all types of painting projects'. With that premise, one can derive that the same painter who is hired to paint the exterior of your home is qualified to apply coatings @ the Chase Field roof. Unfortunately, many General Contractors have found out the hard way that this is not true.
There are distinct differences between commercial and residential projects; 1] the types of products used, 2] the surface preparation required, 3] application specifications and techniques, 4] safety and 5] insurance/bonding requirements. It is essential that each of these elements of the project are qualified with the contractor prior to beginning the project.
As an example, a painter unfamiliar with priming/painting exposed construction, metal deck ceilings may dramatically underestimate the amount of coatings and labor necessary to finish the ceiling as per specifications. When a GC qualifies the painting bid, abnormally low pricing proposals usually indicate the subcontractor has not properly analyzed the plans or project. Similarly, residential substrates are typically gypsum wallboard, wood elements and hollow/ornamental metal. On commercial projects, there are a number of atypical substrates that require specific surface prep; another reason for qualification of contractor proposals.
Specialty coatings, epoxies and urethanes found in commercial specifications require specific application methods. An experienced applicator is familiar with the subtle nuances that can cause a coating to perform or fail. The use of lift equipment by inexperienced operators often extends schedules, as well as adding risk factors. Finally, insurance endorsements and potential bonding issues are varied between commercial and residential projects. Many residential painters who bid commercial projects are unaware of additional insurance costs for waivers of subrogation and additional insureds.
Tighter markets have drawn residential contractors into the commercial field. Commercial pproject specifications and schedules require precise, quality installations implemented with in a timely manner. All General Contractors would do themselves a great service by qualifying the low bid prior to award, to be certain the painting contractor is capable of delivering a successful project.
Comments