Painting an occupied commercial building in Sydney
How facility and building managers can repaint offices, shops and common areas while tenants keep working.
1. Stage the work around the tenants
Split the building into areas that can be closed one at a time: a floor, a corridor, a lobby, a car park level. Agree the order with building management before the quote is finalised, so the price reflects the staging.
2. Agree the work hours
Some buildings allow painting during business hours, others only early mornings, evenings or weekends. Check the building rules and any lease conditions, and put the agreed hours in the scope. Out-of-hours work usually costs more, so price it as a separate option.
3. Choose low-odour products
Water-based, low-VOC paints are the usual choice for occupied offices and retail. Ask for the product names in the quote, and plan ventilation for each area while it dries.
4. Protect what stays in the room
Floors, furniture, IT equipment and shop fittings should be covered or moved before preparation starts. Agree who moves what, and what is excluded from the painter’s scope.
5. Paperwork before day one
- NSW contractor licence covering painting
- Public liability and workers compensation certificates
- Safe Work Method Statements, including any work at height
- Completed building induction and sign-in for every painter on site
6. Tell tenants early
Send notices with the dates, the areas affected and a contact person. Update them if the program changes. Clear notices prevent most complaints.
7. Handover
Walk the finished areas with the painter, list any touch-ups, and keep a labelled tin of each colour for future repairs.
Related
Common questions
Can painting be done while the office is open?
Often, yes. With low-odour paints, staged areas and good protection, many offices and common areas are painted while the building stays open. Some areas, such as busy entries, are better done out of hours.
How long does paint smell last?
With water-based, low-VOC paints and good ventilation, most of the smell fades within a day or two. Ask for the product data sheets if a tenant is sensitive to odours.
What should a commercial painting quote include?
The areas and surfaces, the preparation, the paint system and number of coats, the work hours and staging, what is excluded, and the insurance and licence details of the contractor.