Most people see residential and commercial painting as one and the same, since they are both painting services. But they are not necessarily the same thing, and there are specific differences between both. We discuss them here.
PROJECT SIZE
The scope of the project is linked to what kind of painting services will be needed. Residential projects include living spaces such as condominiums or houses. Either the entire home will need painting, just the exterior, or merely a few interior surfaces. Commercial projects, however, feature larger projects such as retail shops, industrial buildings and shopping malls.
NUMBER OF PAINTERS NEEDED
The size of the project influences how many painters are needed to carry it out. Naturally, larger commercial buildings will require more painters. Commercial painting companies typically employ more people so that they can meet any project deadlines. Residential projects are usually smaller in scope and do not require as many painters as commercial projects.
Materials and Equipment
Since residential painting contracts focus mostly on smaller projects, the materials and equipment they use are pretty much what you could get on your own. These include painting trays, rollers, step ladders, paintbrushes and more. Commercial painters, however, need to draw from a broader range of materials that require specific expertise to manage, such as sandblasters, pressure washers, scaffolding, paint sprayers and more.
Scheduling
Commercial painting usually follows the schedule of business owners. This can be quite challenging as most businesses would prefer to stay for their customers, even as they are undergoing renovation projects. Thus, some building owners may request that their painters work at a schedule that does not conflict with their opening times. The best commercial painting contracts are adaptable and can work around the schedules of business owners.
With residential painting, painters typically work during weekdays, for eight hours a day. Scheduling might still depend on the customers and how soon they wish to get the project done.
Project Management
Productivity and efficiency are essential to all contractors, but commercial painting contractors need to have a greater emphasis on these qualities as they will be juggling various timelines. Delays can be costly for the company that has contracted them and larger-scale projects usually involve several contractors working together. Residential properties, however, can opt for a more relaxed approach. While productivity and efficiency are still key to a well-done job, the project manager of a residential project can focus more on attention to detail and making sure that the homeowner is satisfied.
Experience
While both types of painting may seem similar from the outset, they both tap on differing experience. Residential painters are well-equipped in knowing what paintwork is suitable for homes and can advise homeowners on everything from paint color to placement. They will also know how to protect furniture and be knowledgeable about surface preparation. Commercial painting needs more skill and a high-concern for safety. Commercial painters need to have experience and endurance when it comes to working on large buildings, where they might have to access high levels. As such, they usually undergo a greater risk as compared to residential painters.
