The main objective of prequalification is to build and maintain a list of preferred paint contractors for current and future projects. By reducing the administrative work during the procurement of services, the bid evaluation process becomes easier.
Why should you consider prequalifying painting contractors before inviting them to bid your project? Painting your office is an undertaking that may affect the working conditions of the staff. There are many painters offering commercial services but surprisingly few can meet even the most basic of standards.
What is Contractor Prequalification?
What are the minimum requirements you expect from the bidding contractors when delivering the scope of work? Your preferred companies bidding on this and future projects should meet these requirements. These can be as simple as providing their company information or as detailed as documenting compliance with environmental and safety regulations. During the information gathering process look for defined management processes, available personnel and work history with solid references.
After you have 3-4 pre-qualified candidates you can move ahead feeling more confident that all contractors bidding on your project will have already met the minimum requirements. By inviting only your preferred bidders you can zero in on their office painting pricing and schedule availability.
Reasons to Hire Ecopainting for your Office Painting Project
Most commercial companies’ marketing message will tell you only what you want to hear. It’s usually a promise to deliver a good job that will exceed the client’s expectations. Ecopainting has the capability and proven performance to deliver on that promise. Our repeat clients include prestigious private and public organisations in the Toronto area. We painted for museums, educational and health institutions as well as large corporate offices.
Some of our notable clients are: The Aga Khan and the Bata Shoe museums, Ryerson and Centennial College, RSA insurance, Volkswagen Canada, 3M, Go Transit, etc.
Ecopainting is trusted to work in high sensitivity office areas. Our clients include the Childrens’ Aid Society, Shelters, Clinics, Hospices, even Consulates and Diplomatic Missions.
Trade and Industry References
Ecopainting is a member of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA). As a longtime member we support the organisation’s code of ethics and follow Industry Standards. We are a member of the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade and are an active participant in local community groups. Paint vendors in Toronto welcome the opportunity to work with our company and we have trade accounts with Benjamin Moore, Dulux and Sherwin Williams vendors.
Ecopainting Compliance with Insurance and Safety Regulations
- Five million Liability Insurance coverage.
- WSIB Clearance – Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
- Safety Certifications – Working at Heights, WHMIS, Aerial Platform Certifications.
Documentation is forwarded to our clients as required.
Coatings Knowledge – Warranty and Maintenance
Specifying paints is based on proven experience as well as following the latest about coatings developments. Choosing the right paint or specialty product for your office may be the most important decision in this journey. Paints need to be durable, quick drying and inexpensive. The paints we use are low or zero-VOC and must meet MPI Performance Standards.
Reading Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and training our painters to follow them gives us confidence to stand behind the paints we use and the application methods. Our warranty is comprehensive and we often service our paint job throughout it’s life-cycle. To that effect we developed paint maintenance relationships with some regular clients such as schools and office buildings.
Project Management System
Right after contract approval, the job is assigned to a job-site manager. This selection is based on his or her experience with the type and size of the scope of work. If time allows, the job manager will meet with the facilities coordinator to confirm scope and colours and sequence the job. Sometimes we are asked to paint sample walls in an office or a boardroom. If your time or budget allows for swatch painting, it will go a long way to assist with the colour selection process. Communication channels are discussed at the start and followed throughout the project.
Completion procedure: Just before completion the job-site manager will arrange a walkthrough with the facility manager. Any missed areas or concerns will be addressed while the painters are still onsite.
The Painters
Our hiring process is selective and our training systems effective. Every painter working for us is qualified to deliver professional and helpful service. Here is a Google review from a recent client in Vaughan:
“Katie, Greg and everyone at Ecopainting that worked on our office remodeling project was a great pleasure to work with! Everyone was professional, warm, friendly and quick to respond to any questions or concerns. The painting team worked during business hours and was so quiet and polite that none of our 40 employees really noticed that they were there! All work was clean and they always cleaned up and dust or mess left behind. I would highly recommend Ecopainting and look forward to future projects!”
Environmental practices and standards.
From our Environmental Policy: “As a painting company, EcoPainting realizes the serious and negative effects that products used in painting can have on the environment. It is therefore our mandate to conduct our company in a manner that reflects our concern for the environment, and utilize the products and resources available to maintain a low-impact, sustainable and environmentally friendly painting business”.
Materials. We specify coatings that are zero or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). This is better for the office staff and the lack of odour makes it possible to work during business hours. We review the safety data sheets of the paints and materials we use and have standards for ordering recycling and disposal of paints. There are similar standards for other construction materials such as floor protection paper, masking tapes and patching compounds.
Availability
During the last few years more than 60 percent of our work derived from commercial painting. We have crew availability to work throughout the Greater Toronto Area. If after hours work is necessary we can do that as well. After meeting with our representative and discussing your timing requirements, we can suggest a timeline that hopefully fits your needs.
It’s incredible how many “painters” out there charge for premium services and they don’t even carry insurance. Prequalified contractors are less risky and more reliable.