4 minute read
Externals looking a little tired? How to transform with paint
By Mandy Clarke, Editor
Is your accommodation property looking tired? Then it’s time to talk about external transformation.
Properties become old and tired looking with age, and deterioration can happen quickly, particularly in a harsh climate or if your property is located near salty sea air. But a paint refurbishment will give your building fresh appeal, and proactive care will keep it looking good. Does your property’s exterior ‘wow’ your guests, and does it present curb appeal? If not, what exactly does this say about you, your accommodation offering, the experience you are promising and ultimately the quality of your business?
The way your property is presented dictates its reputation because first impressions count. If the externals of your building look tired, your guests will perceive it as neglected and will struggle to have confidence in the entire accommodation experience. Why? Because study after study on the psychological interplay between humans and their environment indicates huge improvements in how they respond, learn, and work. Humans are also happier and generally better behaved in comfortable, clean, wellmaintained environments.
Graffiti, for example, even in innocuous amounts negatively impacts a person’s feeling of safety and well-being. When graffiti appears and is not removed immediately, it sends the signal that people just don't care, which in turn triggers visitor anxiety, and attracts more graffiti. This implies that an environment that seems unloved, creates a ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude in guests. Looks are very important but there is much more at stake for you, as an accommodation owner or operator than just good looks. Undertaking a high-quality paint refurbishment not only impresses guests but also protects the bones of your building, keeping it healthy for years to come. Importantly it is also an active investment strategy that will give you immediate growth in your property rather than waiting for capital growth. The Australian climate is particularly challenging to the external condition of any building. In some locations deterioration seems to be in ‘fast forward’ mode, with some buildings particularly prone to faded and peeled paintwork, loose roof tiles, cracked concrete, and the list goes on… Coastal buildings suffer from salt damage, and rust commonly causing problems, city dwellings suffer from environmental pollution and acid rain.
In addition to sun damage, Australia’s harsh and sometimes freakish weather events (like the most recent flooding disasters on the southeast coast) punish buildings and if neglected lead to very costly repairs.
The answer to your potentially inevitable maintenance nightmare is to implement a regular schedule of planned maintenance, undertaken by experts who have all the proper equipment to assess, clean, paint and repair. They know best what products to use on what areas and when.
A schedule from a recommended property maintenance company will preserve and enhance the life cycle of your building for many years.
A typical painting maintenance program would usually be planned over six to seven years depending on the location and size of the building and would consist of a full repaint in the fi rst year, with an annual paint, cleaning, and maintenance service thereaft er.
Being proactive with your building’s maintenance will prevent damage so that you and your guests can enjoy peace of mind. AccomNews sought advice on painting management from preferred industry service provider, Higgins Coatings. Nick Higgins, General Manager of Operations agreed that scheduled maintenance off ers several long-term benefi ts. These include lengthening the lifespan of the paint, protecting the substrate, reducing future costs of repainting because less preparation work will be required, and keep the property looking pristine. He advised, before any external painting commences, it is crucial to ask a few important questions… “First ask about the previous paintwork. Know which paint was used last time so that the correct undercoat and preparation work is done prior to applying new coats.
“Then ask, what access equipment will be required? The use of proper access equipment will ensure the job is completed safely and without delays.”
He explained: “Access may require the use of elevated work platforms, alongside certifi ed abseilers and operators trained in the use of motorised access equipment. It is also important to have thorough sign-off processes for each elevation.”
According to Mr Higgins preparation is key. He said: “Prior to painting all rust areas should be spot primed and all holes fi lled and sanded. To get the best fi nish you must use the appropriate roller, spray or brush when applying paint. “It is also a very good idea to complete a ‘prototype area’,” he suggested. “Use a small section to verify the colour, fi nish and consistency that will be applied to the whole building prior to mass painting.” Finally, Mr Higgins divulged his top tips on how to achieve the best external paint job: • Engage a local contractor and paint representative who can provide a combination of paint and workmanship warranty, based on the location and property. • Get references for other buildings that have been completed by the selected contractor, to gauge how they look. • Seek clarifi cation on maintenance requirements of the coatings. This needs to be factored into the annual costing to maintain the building. • Obtain two quotes on the project for all works.
Nick Higgins, General Manager of Operations
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