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For community and property managers, time is of the essence. This can feel overwhelming when looking at the never-ending list of things to get done — especially major projects such as a repaint. This is where accurate, professional specifications and in-person job walks make all the difference. Rather than wasting time writing Request for Proposals (RFPs), let Dunn-Edwards Property Services Representative help save you time and money quickly — for free!

Our PSR services are among the many complimentary benefits we offer our partners. These professionals are available to assist you in multiple aspects of your project — no matter how big or small — from explaining the exact paints and coatings that will best serve your property’s longevity needs, to the individualized and all-inclusive Paint Manufacturer Specification, to the in-person job walk, helping you and your bidding contractors understand your complete scope of work.

Accurate Specifications = Job Done Right

So why is it so important to get a thorough and clear Paint Manufacturer Specification before a project gets started? Simply, your paint specifications will outline the entire course of your project — including spelling out, in detail, the exact brand and type of paint to be used — making it quicker and easier to get accurate, qualified estimates. More important, this document outlines, in detail, the circumstances and practices that will result in a successful project delivered on-time and on-budget.

A clear-cut understanding between both parties reduces the likelihood of wasted time and costly change orders, and it should be clear to the contractor that you expect all details of the Paint Manufacturer Specification to be followed. Any suggested changes should be mentioned during the job walk.

In addition, this thorough explanation of the procedures will come in handy in case of a dispute between you and the contractor. Any misunderstanding resulting from vague specifications may increase the risk of a breach of contract or a legal dispute so it’s important to remember that specifications can serve as legal documents.

Because we value your continued partnership, we are happy to offer you — free of charge — the services of a Dunn-Edwards PSR who will create a customized, in-depth Paint Manufacturer Specification for your project. This comprehensive document details all the preparation work required for the various substrates your project may have — such as stucco, wrought-iron, aluminum, wood, etc. — before the appropriate primers and finish coats are applied. The specifications also outline the exact primers that work best for all wood, ferrous and non-ferrous metal, and concrete and/or stucco surfaces, as well as the best glosses and top coats to meet the durability indicated by your or your community’s reserve studies. These studies not only provide guidance to ensure you achieve the colors you desire but also help you find the type and grade of paint that will help ensure your property’s longevity.

One of the greatest benefits of the Paint Manufacturer Specification is that it outlines a complete scope of work. This means that painters are bidding on the same materials and labor, ensuring you receive accurate, “apples-to-apples” estimates. And, with your complimentary Paint Manufacturer Specification, you can rest assured that the four following objectives will be met, making your job easier and saving you valuable time and money:

1. Confidence that all reserve studies and/or budgetary needs are met because the precise paint products that meet or exceed the durability required
2. Full management and/or board member assurance that the property receives the legally required three bids
3. Recommendations for qualified painting contractors
4. Color change and placement with renderings, color boards, paint samples and drawdowns to give you a comprehensive visual reference before painting begins

Job Walks Ensure Fast, Accurate Bids

When it comes to getting quick, on-target estimates, remember to set aside a little extra time for the vitally important job walk. Not only do job walks provide contractors a chance to accurately evaluate every aspect of a project, they also allow potential bidders to learn about your needs and expectations so they can provide you the best possible painting experience.

Arranging a job walk on your own can take a lot of time so leave it to one of our expert PSRs to organize job walks for managers, HOA BOD and potential contractors — all at no cost (or hassle) to you!

During a job walk, all contractors meet with you at the property to review specifications, tour the property, identify problematic substrates and address issues that could increase the bid. Other objectives may include calculating square footage, reviewing color palettes and assessing site protection (covering plants, walkways, etc.). This step also provides the PSR with the perfect opportunity to give the contractors all of the project’s important information before they put their bids together.

Because each property is unique, job walks may be handled differently. That said, here are a few particular objectives for every walk:

1. Provide Paint Manufacturer Specification to all attendees; review the preparation, surfaces and products for the property
2. Inform attendees whether the property needs a full or partial repaint, as well as how many units are included in the contract
3. Advise contractors regarding where to send the bid and the due dates
4. Provide the manager or person conducting the job walk the opportunity to see and understand other concerns with the property (such as sprinkler heads, watering practices, safety issues, damaged substrates to be repaired first, etc.)
5. Provide the manager or person conducting the job walk the opportunity to see and understand other concerns with the property (such as sprinkler heads, watering practices, safety issues, damaged substrates to be repaired first, etc.)
6. Review staging areas, landscape and restroom facilities for paint crew and job scheduling/li>
7. Offer management the ability to address any concerns or questions with the Dunn-Edwards PSR and the bidding contractors
8. PSRs will answer all bidding parties’ questions, as well as provide clarifications and/or changes that need to be made to the Paint Manufacturer Specification

Offering superior customer service and the highest quality products, the Dunn-Edwards team is ready to support you through any size repaint, ensuring you achieve maximum investment value and assuring your property looks beautiful for years to come.

References: Jeanne French, Senior Manager, Property Services; Allison Dinielli, Manager, Property Services; and Michelle Urbina, Property Services Representative