What a Good Painting Scope Includes

Two commercial painting bids can look alike on paper and describe completely different jobs. One includes washing, patching, priming and two finish coats; the other is one coat over whatever is there. The written scope is where that difference shows up, so it is worth knowing what a good one spells out before you sign anything.

1. Every surface, listed

A good scope names what gets painted, area by area: walls, ceilings, trim, doors and frames, railings, block walls, exterior siding, masonry, soffits. "Paint the lobby" leaves room for argument later. "Lobby walls, ceiling, door frames and the reception wall, ceiling excluded above the drop grid" does not.

2. The prep, step by step

Prep is most of the work and most of why paint lasts. Look for it in writing:

• Cleaning or washing so paint sticks (exteriors get pressure washed first).
• Scraping and sanding loose or glossy areas.
• Patching and caulking holes, dents, cracks and gaps.
• Priming bare spots, patches and stains.
• Masking and protection of floors, furniture and fixtures.

If a bid doesn't mention prep, assume it isn't included. More on why in how to repaint without closing.

3. The coating for each surface

Different surfaces need different products: scrubbable finishes for high-traffic walls, the right product for metal doors and frames, coatings made for block or exterior masonry. The scope should say what goes where and how many coats. "Two coats" means little if the wrong product is going on.

4. The schedule and how you stay open

For a business that can't close, the schedule matters as much as the paint. A good scope says when work happens (nights, weekends, in sections), how long it takes, and what the painters need from you: access, keys, moving furniture, notice to tenants.

5. Cleanup and the walkthrough

Spell out daily cleanup, what happens to drop cloths and debris, and a final walkthrough with a touch-up list. You should be able to walk the space with the painter at the end and point at anything that isn't right.

6. Colors and approvals

List the colors and sheens, or how they get approved, before work starts. A sample patch on the actual wall avoids surprises in different light.

Use the scope to compare bids

Hand every painter the same list of surfaces and ask them to write prep, coatings and schedule against it. Then you are comparing the same job, not guessing what each price covers.

How Fortis writes it

We walk the building, measure the surfaces, note the prep each one needs, and you get a written scope within 48 hours: surfaces, prep, coatings, schedule and cleanup, done by our own in-house painters around your hours. Call or text 309-269-2752, or see commercial painting.