When maintenance budgets are tight, one of the first challenges facility managers face is figuring out how to fund important projects like commercial painting. A fresh coat of paint may seem cosmetic, but in reality, it plays a vital role in protecting buildings, boosting aesthetics, and even attracting customers. The question is: how do you fit painting projects into an already stretched facilities budget?
Two of the most effective solutions involve purpose-driven spending and rethinking the contracting process. Both strategies allow organizations to make the most of limited funds while still ensuring that critical painting projects move forward.
Purpose-Driven Spending
Most people think of a painting project as simple upkeep — a way to maintain walls, exteriors, and other surfaces. This view isn’t wrong, but it only tells part of the story. In fact, painting and coating can also be classified as preventative maintenance. A high-quality surface treatment doesn’t just make a building look good — it prevents damage to the underlying structure by protecting against weather, wear, and corrosion.
If your facility budget separates preventative maintenance funds from general operating costs, you may be able to reframe your painting project to fit into this category. By emphasizing its role in protecting infrastructure, you can justify the expense as a long-term investment rather than a cosmetic touch-up.
But preventative maintenance isn’t the only angle. In industries like retail and hospitality, the appearance of your facility can directly impact revenue. A well-painted storefront or interior can attract more customers, improve brand perception, and enhance the overall customer experience. In such cases, painting can be framed as part of your marketing strategy. If the maintenance budget can’t support the cost, you may be able to shift the project under marketing expenses instead — where the investment is seen as a tool to drive sales.
Changing the Contracting Process
Another way to save money on commercial painting is to change the way contracts are managed. At first glance, this may seem like an overly complex solution to a relatively small problem, but in organizations that outsource many services, even small process changes can lead to significant cost savings.
One effective method is adopting a Job Order Contracting (JOC) system. This system operates as an indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracting model. Rather than requesting new bids for each project, JOC systems rely on pre-defined base prices for services. Contractors then bid by multiplying those base prices by a chosen coefficient.
The advantage is that the entire process becomes more streamlined. JOC reduces the costs of advertising projects, lowers administrative expenses, and shortens the time from request for proposal (RFP) to project completion. According to research by Centennial Contractors Enterprise, Inc., JOC systems can reduce costs by as much as 21 percent compared to standard contracting methods.
What’s more, once a JOC system is in place for painting projects, it can also be applied to nearly every other outsourced aspect of facility management, including repairs, construction, and ongoing maintenance. For organizations not currently using JOC, it’s recommended to bring in an expert consultant to design and implement the system. This ensures the transition is efficient, compliant, and maximizes the potential savings.
Final Words
In today’s economic climate, facility budgets are unlikely to see dramatic increases. That means facility managers must think creatively and strategically about how to get the most value out of every dollar spent. By reframing commercial painting as a preventative maintenance or marketing expense, and by adopting smarter contracting processes like JOC, organizations can continue to maintain and enhance their facilities without overspending.
Commercial painting is more than just aesthetics — it’s about protecting assets, supporting branding efforts, and ensuring long-term sustainability. With thoughtful budgeting and innovative approaches, businesses can keep their spaces looking professional and welcoming without breaking the bank.
