Body Corporate Category

Painted by Leisuretex Gold Coast
05/24/2022in Body Corporate, Commercial, Strata, Uncategorized

Painting Maintenance Care for your Building Exterior

Once your external painting project has been completed there is important information that shouldn’t be overlooked before filing your Leisuretex warranty and maintenance manuals – these documents contain notes about your chosen paint product/s, the recommended practices for paint care and using the right cleaning methods for your coating system.

Our Australian climate can deliver harsh elements and painted surfaces become at risk of developing dirt, stains, mould and grime. Even the best paint manufacturer products cannot withstand such conditions over an extended period of time, but with proper care and maintenance, you will minimize these levels of wear and tear.

THE BEST CARE FOR YOUR PAINTED EXTERNAL WALLS

A common oversight is the ‘paint and forget’ assumption. Painting is part of a process over time, the full benefits are realised when a professional painting project is scheduled alongside a good maintenance plan. Keep the outside of your painted building maintained by:

  • Cleaning your building – a full washdown by a professional every 1-2 years will extend the maintenance cycle of external paint. Exterior surfaces are painted with highly durable paint and therefore can withstand repeated cleaning.
  • Doing a walkthrough around your building regularly to keep an eye on the overall condition of your painted (and unpainted) surfaces. Schedule a nominated person in your building to conduct a visual inspection, they should look out for any rust stains, leakage or signs of structural damage that might need to be repaired to avoid premature deterioration. Keep in a mind, that a good painter should never use paint to cover up underlying issues – remedial repairs should be addressed and not dismissed just to save a dollar,…the future costs will come back to bite you.
  • Budgeting for repairs to damaged facades, walls, timber, and steelwork
  • Cutting back or even removing trees and greenery that are too close to building walls which can create excessive moisture, thus leading to things like mould and discolouration.

INVEST IN PAINTING MAINTENANCE FEES, SAVE MONEY IN THE LONG TERM

Choosing to prevent the chances of future painting repairs through good maintenance care now means you will benefit from an external building that will perform for a long time while looking its best.

Brisbane painters at Pinnacle Brisbane

In need of body corporate painting maintenance?

The Leisuretex Aftercare service offers maintenance to keep the exterior of your building looking its best

Upon your painting project being completed your Leisuretex Aftercare documents will be handed over, complete with everything you need to know for maintaining the look and performance of your finished work. Leisuretex offers a professional after-service for pressure cleaning, window washing and soft washing, having the technical skills needed to complete the job efficiently. Ask us about our licenses and certifications, as well as the equipment we use; this allows for maintenance to be done with ease and leaving your building performing at its best.

Before and after pressure cleaning a painted wall
Before and after pressure cleaning a painted wall

Why choose Leisuretex to maintain the quality of your body corporate building

The Leisuretex point of difference is its attention to planning and preparation. Even before we touch the first surface, we make it a point to ensure a seamless process from start to finish. Our project planners visualise the project as a whole, long-term effort, and not play each part by ear.

We invite comparison and see for yourself why we are the go-to professionals for body corporate, industrial and commercial painting projects. From contracts to surfaces, we stand by our belief that preparation is always the key to success. We know all the work that needs to be done even before we get to your site.

You won’t find any other team of professionals as easy to work with as us— right from the start, right to the end.

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body corporate painters Gold Coast
09/06/2021in Body Corporate, Commercial, Strata, Uncategorized

How to Choose and Manage a Body Corporate Painting Contractor

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to increase the value breathe new life into a property. When you’re getting your house or office painted, there’s usually a sole decision-maker or consensus is easily reached, it’s typically exciting times. But when it comes to strata or body corporate painting, it becomes a little bit more complicated.

This article will discuss why body corporate painting is a bit more complicated than other painting projects and how to choose the right painting contractors to make the process as harmonious as possible.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Since there is more than one property sitting on a collectively owned piece of land, and each owner has their say on things, it’s hard enough to get everyone to agree to undertake a large-scale panting job, let alone choose the colours for the new façades. There will always be a diverse set of opinions among residents, management and other stakeholders. Despite the variety of viewpoints, you can earn everyone’s complacency by having your painting project managed by experienced professionals—not just experienced in painting, but experienced in managing large-scale, complicated tasks, like body corporate painting projects.

Choosing the Right Painting Contractors

Even before the actual work can begin, a body corporate committee should carefully select the right service provider. This crucial first step will determine how well the residents receive and react to the painting project and set the tone for similar future endeavours.

Leisuretex Painting Contractors

Here are some tips for selecting suitable candidates for your next body corporate painting project

Look at the Credentials

Like any other service provider, your chosen team of professionals should be able to demonstrate the technical skills needed to complete the job efficiently. Ask for their licences and certifications, as well as the equipment they use; this will quickly weed out fly-by-night companies that may not be able to deliver your expected results.

Also, a company’s values will say a lot about how they deliver their work. For example, Leisuretex adheres to a Zero Hazards Policy that ensures that workspaces are safe for everyone.

Contact Professional Trade Bodies

Any reputable professional commercial painters will belong to at least one professional trade organisation. Some of the most prominent institutions include the Master Painters Association, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, the Accommodation Managers Industry and the Smart Strata database.

Reach out to these trade organisations to learn if your prospective painting services provider is a good-standing member. If they don’t belong to any dependable trade organisation, you might be better off looking for other options.

Evaluate their Reputation

Outright, you can search for the company online and check on their online reviews. You can reach out to other body corporate committees and ask whether they have done business with any of your prospects and ask for first-hand feedback. It will also be a good idea to ask for the painting company’s references for additional feedback.

Ask for their Portfolio

Most reputable professional commercial painting companies will have a well-functioning website that showcases their past works. Check whether they’ve done previous strata and body corporate work on their portfolio and visually evaluate their output. You can also request that they bring along their collection when they meet you for a site visit or ask for it when you meet them in their office.

Other things to Look for:

Do they Present Themselves Professionally?

Having the painting services done in a residential environment, some residents may find the task’s duration intrusive and obstructive at worst. You can soften the blow by ensuring that your hired contractors are visually aesthetic, courteous towards residents and respectful towards set boundaries.

For example, Leisuretex teams come in brand-marked trucks, clean uniforms and use well-maintained equipment. Leisuretex also prides itself in promoting values, such as respect, relationship-building, open communications, orientation towards achievement and consistency in quality.

Do they Have a Clear Chain of Command?

From the get-go, it would be beneficial in the long run if you need to talk to only one person during the entire project. Whether for updates, process changes or complaints, you don’t want to find yourself being passed around several people because nobody wants to be held directly accountable. Leisuretex allocate you one point of contact for you and your project, this gives you peace of mind knowing you can get in touch with the right person, without the fuss.

Look for a company with a well-defined team structure, so you know who you should deal with for whatever reason you’ll need to. Most importantly, they should assure you that there will always be a manager on site. You don’t want to be left with a team of workers who can’t answer your management-level enquiries because they simply don’t have the information you need.

Make it Easy for the Residents

As they will be receiving both the benefits and downside of the painting project, the dwellers must be kept in the loop. This inclusion could help them adjust their activities and set expectations during the whole process, and how they will see your skills, as a body corporate committee, towards handling large-scale ventures.

body corporate painting contractors

Prepare Every Resident for the Coming Work

Almost everyone will be welcome a fresh coat of colour for and around their homes, but it comes with a certain degree of inconvenience. Both owners and tenants will appreciate it if you inform everyone beforehand. You can post announcements through your social media group and email list, but a physical letter to every dropbox will do well if you want to maintain a personal touch.

Let them know the entire scope of the work, which areas and specific surfaces will be worked on, when, how long each stage will take, and the duration of the whole project. It will also help if you let them know the name of the contractor you’ve hired and a bit of information about their company.

Ensure Regular Updates

Because body corporate painting takes a significant amount of time, residents will appreciate it if they’re constantly updated as to where the project is at the moment. Let them know which stages have been completed, what’s currently in progress, and which areas are yet to receive action.

It would also be helpful to include logistical information, such as parking areas delegated to equipment, walkways being closed off or a certain amount of noise during certain times. Lastly, encourage feedback from the stakeholders—let them express how they feel about the ongoing project so you can talk to the project manager if some adjustments are needed.

Strategically Schedule Areas for Minimal Disruption

Highly experienced body corporate painting management services will work with your organisation to devise an action plan for minimal residential disruption. This strategy can include scheduling certain areas at strategic times when foot and car traffic is least a factor and when noise levels should be kept to a minimum.

paint colour sample cards

Licensed, Certified and Experienced Project Management

The Leisuretex point of difference is its attention to planning and preparation. Even before we touch the first surface, we make it a point to ensure a seamless process from start to finish. Our project planners visualise the project as a whole, long-term effort, and not play each part by ear.

We invite comparison and see for yourself why we are the go-to professionals for residential, industrial and commercial painting projects. From contracts to surfaces, we stand by our belief that preparation is always the key to success. We know all the work that needs to be done even before we get to your site.

You won’t find any other team of professionals as easy to work with as us—one name, one number, one contract from start to finish.

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Blocked gutter
03/26/2021in Body Corporate, Building, Commercial, Residential, Strata, Uncategorized

Essential Property Maintenance Tips – Getting Ready for Winter

Getting your building winter-ready aims to protect your property against any potential or existing issues that can be worsened by the season’s rain and storms. Often there can be underlying problems that surface around this time of the year and there are few items you can inspect to stay ahead of building repairs and finances.

TREAT MOULD

Mould grows under damp and moist conditions. When it dries, mould releases spores of bacteria and fungi which can cause very serious health issues. Untreated mould can get into your walls, ceilings, plaster and behind gyprock. A professional washdown and cleaning service will treat the affected area, removing mould and preventing its growth. If water ingress is the possible cause of mould or even a waterproofing issue, you will need to get a building solution as a matter of urgency.

PAINTING

More than just the ‘skin’ or appearance of your building, painting also acts as an added barrier to protect against the elements – sun, rain, and wind. Autumn in Australia tends to provide the most ideal weather for painting exteriors as the days aren’t as hot, and they often allow for drying in between coats.

CLEAN GUTTERS

Be sure to unclog gutters from any leaves, needles, and branches. Blocked gutters can and will prevent the flow of rainwater from your roof, causing water to trickle down external walls and cause dampness or wetness to set in.

ROOFING

A healthy roof will get you winter-ready and prevent water leaks from occurring.
* Look for and fix cracked or loose tiles and panels
* Address existing leaks
* Fix or replace bent flashings
* Fix sagging gutters

A pro-active approach towards your property maintenance will help your building to retain its long term value. By using a professional licensed contractor you can have piece of mind knowing that your upkeep is in good hands, your building and staff are safe, and that you are minimising the risk of future expensive maintenance repairs.

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Technician conducting safety inspecting - roof anchor
10/10/2019in Body Corporate, Safety, Strata

Working at heights – How safe is your building?

HOW SAFE IS YOUR BUILDING FOR WORKERS AT HEIGHTS?

Whether it be 2 metres or storeys from the ground, YOU as a facility manager or person in charge of a business/undertaking have a degree of responsibility to ensure the safety of anyone who is working on the roof.

Yes that’s right. The Code of Practice under the Work Health & Safety Act Section 274 specifies that a person conducting a business or undertaking is a duty holder, and therefore must “minimise the risk of falls so far as is reasonable practicable by providing a fall prevention device, work positioning system or a fall arrest system“.

TOP REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT HEIGHT SAFETY

Myth no. 1 – The safety of workers at heights is not my concern, it’s the responsibility of the contractor.

WRONG! Managing the risk of falls at workplaces falls under one of the duties required by PBCUs – Persons conducting a business or undertaking. As well as the contractor, PBCUs must eliminate the risk of falls by providing a safe means of access.

Myth no. 2 – All subcontractors who work on my building are fully trained in working at heights.

WRONG!  Not all tradesmen have had training and working at heights is high-risk activity. Always ask the service provider to show their qualification in working at heights.

Myth no. 3 – No need to worry, we’ve always had a fall protection system in place.

WRONG! All roof access systems must be routinely checked, maintained and RE-certified each year by a certified height safety inspector.

AND LASTLY,

Myth no. 4 – We don’t need to access the roof often.

You guessed it..WRONG AGAIN! The importance at safety in working at heights should never be underestimated. Safety must be a priority to provide protection against falls and you will need a method for controlling risks at height 2 metres or more.

Did you know..
In Australia, an average of 29 people die from work-related falls. 50% of the worst reported injuries happen from falling under 3 metres.

THEREFORE, IT’S IMPORTANT THAT YOU PERFORM A HEIGHT SAFETY HEALTH CHECK

Leisuretex tickDoes your building/property have a height safety fail-safe system that is both, correctly laid out and compliant with the Work Healthy and Safety Act?  Not sure? Get in touch with a Leisuretex Access Solutions Technician for an inspection. 

Leisuretex tickHas your height safety system had a recent inspection and re-certification? Leisuretex organises height safety audits to ensure the safety of your workers. We will check your height safety system for compliance, and to guarantee that you are meeting your responsibilities.

Leisuretex tickDo you have work procedures for conducting work at heights? Is there a risk management system that you use to manage and control updated documents and installed height systems?

Leisuretex tickAre you familiar with WHS Act 2011 and Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice for managing risk of falls at workplaces? This lists your legal obligations and requirements regarding height safety.

Leisuretex tickHave you downloaded a copy of our Anchor Compliance Checklist for Building Managers which helps to identify height safety items needing action?

CONTACT A CERTIFIED HEIGHT SAFETY INSPECTOR

Leisuretex Property Maintenance height safety technicians are accredited to assess, certify and install fail-safe systems which meet the Australian Standards. We use the highest quality materials that are batch tested, dependable and give total peace of mind.

Leisuretex have offices in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, get in touch with us today.

anchor installation testing device
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building maintenance solutions
06/03/2019in Body Corporate, Commercial, Housing, Safety, Strata

3 Maintenance Solutions for Handling QLD’s Heat

The QLD summer heat can never be underestimated and as temperatures continue to soar each year we are choosing better alternatives for staying cool.

These suggestions below are proven methods for keeping cooler indoors while being energy efficient and possibly reducing your air-conditioning costs.

1. CHOOSE A WHITE PAINT (YES, IT REALLY WORKS)

By selecting a white paint or even light coloured neutrals this will make a dramatic impact on indoor comfort. Besides having a fresh, clean appearance white shades help to reflect the sun’s radiation and reduce heat gain by approximately 30%! It’s true.

white paint

Did you know?
New York has painted white over 6.7 million square feet of rooftop as a heat-fighting plan. Los Angeles has also painted its streets white to reduce urban temperatures.

2. GO GREEN

Probably the least expensive option, plants are natural coolants that absorb heat and even release oxygen to aid in lowering indoor temperatures. Spider, Ficus and Rubber are just some of the types of plants that help to purify air and keep cooler during the hot months. While potted plants on floors and shelves can add life to a space you could also consider green walls, facades and even roofs as a creative option.

Go Green

3. APPLY COOL ROOF PAINT

The use of a UV resistant product such as Dulux AcraTex Cool-roof can be applied to roofs for a noticeable reduction in indoor temperatures. Since heat is absorbed by the roof and is transferred to the building below, it makes sense to reflect as much of that heat as possible in order to stay cooler indoors.

This can be done by having your licensed painting contractor apply a cool roof system to your exisiting roof. Surfaces that are suitable for this type of technology include concrete, tiles, bitumen, slate and colour bond. The result is a roof that now reflects more of the sun’s energy before it reaches indoors, bringing your roof’s temperature down to by 20-40 degrees.

Cool Roof

To discuss having your roof made more cool efficient,
contact Leisuretex Painting Contractors on 1300 852 759 or
email us: enquiries@leisuretexpainting.com.au

Leisuretex Painting Contractors
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Leisuretex Graffiti Protection
11/16/2015in Body Corporate, Commercial

Resort News – Graffiti Protection

In recent years, local councils have been successful in minimising the recurrence of graffiti in our local areas.  This has been done through a number of initiatives such as limiting the age a person can purchase aerosol paint cans as well as increased neighbourhood and Police presence.  Some local councils have now introduced laws requiring property owners to paint over graffiti within a set period of time, in some cases, as low as 24 hours, or face financial penalties as a result of non-compliance.  Removing graffiti almost as it happens, leads to deter vandals as they see it pointless painting the same spot only to have their art removed almost immediately.

Removing graffiti applied by aerosols or felt tip markers can be more difficult to paint over than you may think.  In some instances, the graffiti can bleed through the paint which was used to overcoat it, or even begin to wrinkle in those areas.  Therefore attempting to cover graffiti becomes a multiple step process.  First a general stain blocker/bleed sealer or epoxy coating can assist to prevent this bleed through before the new top coat can be applied.  In certain circumstances, this may even prove pointless if the graffiti has changed the finish of the wall; For example, an enamel paint applied to a porous wall can show a glossy appearance in contrast to the remaining substrate once painted over.  So as you can see by the complexity in concealing graffiti, in certain circumstances, prevention can be better than cure.

There is now a variety of products on the market which provide a level of protection against graffiti, preventing the paint from penetrating the surface.  Typically there are two main types of anti-graffiti coatings available, these are;

Sacrificial Coatings – This product is essentially a coating which is applied over a surface and acts to sacrifice itself in the event that graffiti is applied.  Where the wall has been the target of vandalism, the property owner then removes this anti-graffiti coating by way of pressure washing, removing the graffiti paint in the process, leaving the underside as though it had not been defaced.  Once this has been done, a new layer of anti-graffiti coating must be reapplied to the surface to continue to protect it again.  The advantage to this type of product is that the removal of graffiti can be achieved rather quickly and easily, however the disadvantage is that it must be reapplied every time the wall is defaced.

Permanent Coatings – This type of anti-graffiti coating is basically a coating which prevents paint from adhering in the first place.  Once the paint has been sprayed on the wall, it cannot bond and therefore can be removed by way of cleaning it off.  Whilst the removal of the graffiti is not as fast as that of a sacrificial coating, the anti-graffiti coating does not need to be reapplied and will be able to withstand numerous attacks.  In areas of frequent attacks, this can prove to be a more cost effective option.

Unfortunately though, there are certain disadvantages to anti-graffiti coatings.  When applied, it changes the appearance of the substrate dramatically by way of the sheen changing.  For example, where this coating is used on a high wall, it is typically applied to an arms height and the wall can appear to have two different colours.  Think of it like wrapping half of the building in cling wrap.

As the buildings appearance can change, caution should be used if applying these types of products to historic or architecturally designed buildings.

So who carries out this type of work?  As anti-graffiti products are coatings, generally most painters can apply this.  However, as this type of coating is somewhat different in characteristics to that of standard decorative paints, it’s a good idea to ensure that the painter has carried out this type of work before, as it can create quite a mess if not done properly.

Remember, not removing graffiti in a timely manner can encourage more crime in the area and reduces the value of your property. Send a message to vandals that their behaviour is not tolerated, by removing their work immediately.

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Mariners building back
08/22/2015in Body Corporate, Commercial

Resort News – High Rise Repaints

WHAT’S INVOLVED AND WHERE DO YOU START?

Painting the external faces of a High-Rise tower will be amongst one of the biggest projects a Hotel Manager will ever be part of.  For someone not familiar with this type of project, it can be difficult to understand where to start, what to look for in the scope of works or what a reasonable expectation of the finished result should be.

Accessing the outside areas of a tower is typically the most difficult component of such a job.  In most cases, it is logistically challenging as virtually every building is unique in its design, has limited means of access and has its own environmental factors.  The access component of any repaint, can significantly increase the cost of the project, and in some cases, can be the largest portion of the quote.  It is for this reason, that it’s highly advisable to seek the services of a painter who has previously undertaken a project of this scale and similar in nature.  If they haven’t, there is a very real risk that they could undervalue the project and face financial collapse midway through the project, leaving you with a half painted building that no other painter wants to complete.

A good place to start when looking for a painting contractor who can handle larger scale buildings, is to ask your Body Corporate Manager for any contacts of painters that they have worked with in the past, or engage the services of either a Project Manager or Paint manufacturer.  These three people will be aware of which companies have undertaken similar jobs previously and have the capacity to complete the job.

Before any works commence, it would be recommended to have somebody compile a dilapidation report on your building.  This is a general document which highlights areas of structural and aesthetic concern and is typically done by a suitably qualified person such as a Builder or Engineer.  As paint is not the only component of a building which degrades over time, there is a good chance that additional remedial work would need to be undertaken.  Remedial work may include Concrete repairs, Rust repairs, resealing of construction joints, resealing of window frames, handrail & balustrade replacements, waterproofing and drainage issues, just to name a few.  For this reason, it may be a good idea to engage the services of a Project Manager, Builder or Engineer.  This person can oversee the entire project for you from start to finish, and ensure that each trade on site completes their work within scope and on time.  Most Body Corporate Managers or Painters within this field have worked with, and can recommend a few Project Managers to you.

From here, a scope of works can be drafted which outlines to all of the contractors, what work needs to be undertaken in which areas, and who is responsible to complete that task.  The scope of works is all encompassing and draws on referrals from other supporting documents such as schedule of finishes and specifications.  Both of these documents outline which products to use to carry out the job, what colours each area is to be painted to, and what the finished product should look like.

A good practice to engage in, includes getting input from Paint Manufacturers.  Most manufacturers offer a free service whereby they will draft a specification on the recommended products to use.  It’s a good way to ensure that the right system is being used, the desired warranty is offered, and each painter quotes a like-for-like system.  This process can be instigated by contacting the manufacturer directly or asking the painter or project manager to engage this service on your behalf.

A program should then be drafted by the contractor which highlights key dates for the project, including practical completion.  Progress payments can then be negotiated around these dates or stages and released as points in the Programme are met.  This ensures that everything remains on schedule and allows the contractor to maintain positive cash flow on that project.

Lastly, once you have all of these documents in place, consideration should be made for what measures will be put in place to ensure the works being completed are done to satisfaction.  This is usually done periodically by signing off on the satisfaction of completed works within a specific area.  By undertaking periodic inspections, it allows both yourself and the contractor to highlight any issues as they come to light.

If you have all of this vital information in place from the onset, then the likelihood for unwanted disputes is reduced significantly.

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07/22/2015in Body Corporate

Look Up Strata – Comparing Painting Contractors

BRUSHES FOR BRUSHES

If you’ve ever been involved in obtaining quotes to undertake a larger project, chances are you’ve experienced large variances in prices between contractors.  One industry where this may seem more prominent than any other is the painting sector.  Why is that?

As a general rule, there is typically never a large difference in price between painting companies, but more so a mismatch in services being offered and the expectation in what the finished result should look like.

Some Painting contractors will always offer the bare minimum level of quality.  This could include applying one coat of paint rather than two or three, using decorative paints instead of protective elastomeric coatings, omitting some substrates such as gutters or fascia boards, or even using unqualified or licensed painters.

So how can you ensure that all of the quotes you have obtained line up and you’re comparing like for like products?

When obtaining painting quotes, there are some important questions you need to cover as part of the initial contractor meeting.  These may include;

  • How long will the job take
  • How many painters does the company employ
  • Are they employees of contractors
  • Are they trade qualified
  • How many coats of paint will they be applying
  • Will they patch the substrate before painting
  • Will they clean the substrate first
  • How will they clean the surface
  • What similar projects have they previously undertaken
  • How long will the job take
  • What warranty do they offer on materials and workmanship
  • Can they identify Lead Based Paints and safely manage it

A broader list of questions, and a checklist, has been included so you can ensure you’re getting the right information.

Additionally, it is critical to have the painter list all of the inclusions as well as what is excluded from the quote.  For example;

  • Who is responsible for trimming/removing foliage to gain access
  • Will they paint the fence as part of the external painting
  • Is the line marking included
  • Will they remove & reinstate wall ornaments and furniture
  • What are the bathroom arrangements

Ensuring what is not included is as important as what is included.  Spend extra time in this area when meeting with the painter.  This could save you all a world of distress and unwanted time wastage.

Other important points to consider include how they will minimise impact and inconvenience to guests/tenants.  This is particularly more important where your building has casual guests or commercial tenants and require access for customers.  The last thing you need is negative feedback on social media because there were contractors hindering your guests’ experience.

Take the time to compare your quotes thoroughly.  It pays to obtain several quotes, and remember, if there is a significant difference in price between contractors, there’s usually a reason.  Chances are, someone’s misunderstood your briefing.  The cheapest isn’t always the best option.

Click here to download our Painting Contractors Checklist

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07/22/2015in Body Corporate

Resort News – Accommodation Refurbishments

MINIMISING GUEST IMPACT

When an accommodation provider chooses to undertake a significant refurbishment, the end results generally lead to an increase in its ranking as a desired destination.

Thanks to modern day social media, projects of the sort can be a marketing manager’s dream. This is by virtue of the ability to let the world know that it’s ever increasing its appearance and facilities for their customers. Conversely however, if the process is not managed properly, the outfall can lead to un-needed social media crisis management.

Imagine this; You choose to freshen up the look of your Hotel. You obtain your quotes from several painters, choose who you think is the best option, give them a purchase order and you think that’s the end of that. Several weeks later, there’s drop sheets down every hallway, wet paint on walls which aren’t clearly marked, contractors laughing, cursing and smoking onsite, incredibly uncomfortable levels of paint odour, and worst of all, a hotel full of angry guests. Sure, you might be able to temporarily ease their frustration with a free meal or discount on a return visit, but the damage is done as various travel review sites such as tripadvisor, traveller, zoover and more, light up with negative feedback, which let’s be honest, could have been avoided.

So how do you avoid this? Surely you can’t micro manage the contractors the whole time. Well guess what? Appoint the right company and you won’t have to.

As part of the tender process, it is imperative that you have the vying bidders provide you with their own version of a Guest Impact Statement. Have them provide you with a copy of how they will manage the work, guests, staff, tenants and the like. If the contractor truly can handle this scale of work, this information should come easily.

A good Guest Impact Statement needs to, as a minimum, cover off on the following points. It needs to describe how the company will access the areas it is working on. Scaffold around a building can be unsightly, noisy to erect and pose a hazard to children and the temptation to climb it.  If using products, what type are they and what level of discomfort or hazard will they present.  How will they ensure the safety of the public, property and the Environment. Will they use temporary fencing, hoarding, tape or barriers. They should include their work method statements and safety data sheets. Where will the materials, tools and equipment be stored.

More importantly though, the statement should cover things such as how they will notify guests, what controls they will implement to contain noise levels, which facilities will they block off, can they provide alternate solutions, what is the Program, process or timeline, how often will they communicate with Hotel/Resort Management, and what is their solution to managing guest complaints.

One factor to give strong consideration to as well, is the program by which they will operate. How will they ensure that only the minimum number of rooms are Out-Of-Service at any given time. Remember, if it’s Out-Of-Service, it’s not earning you an income.

Take the time to read through their Impact Statement and ensure that it satisfies all of the factors you consider to be important in maintaining efficient operation of your facility.

The image of your business extends beyond that of your staff and facilities. It incorporates any persons engaging in duties which may be perceived by the public as being controlled by your business. It takes an incredible amount of time to build your businesses reputation, but only one reckless contractor to undo all that hard work.

For more on Resort News visit http://www.resortpublishing.com.au/

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