Clever project management in action: How we minimise disruption to your business
Organising painting works at commercial premises such as shopping centres, restaurants, office blocks or holiday apartments can be a challenge for facility managers.
As experienced project managers, we can help alleviate that headache – allowing your business to run smoothly throughout the entire project, as well as helping to protect public safety.
Preparation is key:
Before embarking on any painting project, thorough preparation is essential – ranging from a comprehensive assessment of the premises, engaging with stakeholders including tenants and property managers to establish clear lines of communication and expectations from the outset.
Logistical considerations:
Large commercial premises present logistical challenges that must be addressed proactively.
Coordinating access to different areas of the property, securing necessary permits and ensuring compliance with safety regulations are integral to the success of the project.
Clever project management: Minimising disruption to shoppers was key.
A case in point was a refurbishment of a busy suburban shopping centre, above, undertaken by our Brisbane/Sunshine Coast team, who were called in to refresh the entire exterior of the complex, incorporating an updated colour scheme to provide a contemporary feel.
With the centre remaining operational throughout the repaint, the accent was on clever project management to minimise disruption to the 15 retail tenants as well as ensuring the safety of the centre’s patrons.
Adding to the complexity was the recoating of the building’s northern perimeter. Adjoining a 100-metre single-lane thoroughfare to the centre’s loading dock, over 700 square metres of rendered wall had to be painted at height in between continual truck movements.
All about timing: Much of the repaint was conducted outside the centre’s normal trading hours.
Minimising disruption:
Allowing businesses to continue operating is a top priority. Implementing phased painting schedules, noise mitigation measures, clear signage and communication channels to keep patrons informed about ongoing works and alternate access routes is vital.
As with any area of high public access, the main challenge at the above project involved the access methodology.
We used a spider lift and a scissor lift because of they could be easily and quickly erected, dismantled and stowed away on site, created exclusion zones, and where possible operated outside normal working hours.
We also stationed “spotters” in the car park directly beside the machinery while in operation to liaise directly with people coming and going from the centre, and to direct the flow of foot traffic to ensure safety.
Cognisant of noise issues, we used all machinery on electric mode rather than diesel, keeping operating noise low.
No place for scaffolds: A spider lift was the obvious solution to painting the wall adjoining this delivery lane for trucks.
In the area adjoining the thoroughfare for delivery trucks, we worked closely with drivers to help them maintain their schedules despite the obvious interruptions.
While the spider lift had to be dismantled a total of nine times to accommodate stock deliveries, the wall on that side of the building was completed within two days. It took our team between five and eight minutes on each occasion to dismantle the machinery – which is simply not possible with any form of scaffolding.
Efficient project management:
Effective project management is essential to keep painting works on track and within budget.
Regular communication with all stakeholders ensures transparency and enables timely resolution of any issues that might arise.
In addition to emails and phone calls, daily face-to-face communication with the retail tenants kept them informed of the painting schedule.
Choosing the right materials:
Selecting high quality materials and coatings is paramount for long-lasting results. Environmental sustainability should also be taken into account when choosing paint products.
After an initial consultation with the centre management, we provided three colour samples before it was decided to team Dulux Ticking – a cool-toned statement grey, with Pearl Grey – a versatile shade of white. In total, just under 2,000 litres of paint was needed to complete the job.
As part of our related services, we carried out render repairs to a number of chipped pillars as well as refreshing line marking in the car park.
Post project evaluation: Once painting works are completed, conducting a post-project evaluation provides valuable insights for future endeavours.
Gathering feedback, assessing overall performance of painting contractors and identifying lessons learned along with any challenges enables continual improvement of refinement of practices.
We are extremely pleased with the work, as is the centre management – who have subsequently engaged Grant Painters for a maintenance schedule, including regular washing of the exterior to keep it looking fresh.