A well-maintained school supports a thriving teaching and learning community. However, when people think of maintenance, it’s often the big, dusty jobs that come to mind. Gaining approval for proactive school building painting can be harder to motivate for — though just as important.
Ignoring your school painting maintenance can cost money and increase health and safety risks. These tips help you create a watertight proposal for this important project.
Clearly State The Benefits And Expected ROI
Investors, and anyone else responsible for the school’s financials would find it harder to argue with a well-crafted motivation. Yes, the details on execution are crucial to prove you’ve thought things through, but even the best hows seem pointless without a believable why.
Preface your proposal with a few paragraphs (and, if possible, calculations) that motivate why school building painting cannot be ignored, and how it can benefit each stakeholder.
Related: Get started with tips from this blog post: School Paint Maintenance, Why You Need It And How To Do It.
Include Technical Details About The Project
The bulk of your proposal should cover technical details around implementation. This proves that you’ve got more than just a good idea and can follow through to an efficient solution. Be sure to clearly outline:
- Planning. Who will be managing the project from planning through to completion? Who is responsible for which phase and/or task? How will you guarantee things remain on-budget, up to standard and meet deadlines?
- Scope. Outline the extent of the project. Include details such as which buildings will be painted, whether it’s interior and exterior walls or just one (and why).
- Specifications. Will you be painting over previously painted walls or a newly finished surface? Include as much detail as possible about kinds of paints, substrates, pre-treatments you may need, finishes and so on. Need a little help? Get in touch and our school painting maintenance experts will arrange a free site assessment that answers your questions.
- Timelines. Aside from estimated project start and end dates, highlight how the work will be scheduled around the school calendar to ensure minimal disruption.
Related: Get everything you need to know about rolling out an efficient, cost-effective school maintenance program in our free guide to school painting, building maintenance and refurbishment.
Outline And Justify The Costs
In all likelihood, this section will gain the most attention. Provide a detailed breakdown of expected costs and justify the figures. Also include how you plan to mitigate the risks of unexpected costs or creeping over budget.
A great way to start gathering data for this section is to source comparative quotes from potential service providers. Reputable companies that specialise in school maintenance programs would be happy to provide a free site assessment and detailed quotes (and it would be a good way to explore a potentially cost-saving long-term partnership).
Prove You’ve Done Legal Due Diligence
Reassure stakeholders that your proposed school building painting work will be covered by insurance and comply with any legislation governing school maintenance work. Reputable contractors are often covered by their own insurance, which can significantly lighten your administrative burden and lower the risks of litigation and insurance claims against your school. So be sure to check coverage with any potential service providers. Certain key building and maintenance services are also regularly covered by insurance — make a note of which aspects of your painting project may be reimbursed through insurance claims in your proposal (you can find out more about this in our blog post on key building and maintenance services covered by insurance).
Put Forward Pre-vetted Trustworthy, Qualified And Licensed Contractors
Finish off your proposal with a list of pre-vetted contractors you know can get the job done efficiently, to deadline and at a fair price. This is a clear indication that you’re serious about the success of your project and have closed the loop from theoretical idea to viable, practical implementation planning. Remember, this list practically creates itself when you reach out to companies for quotes when compiling project costs.
Highlight if any companies on your shortlist can offer more than just school painting services. The prospect of a single contact for multiple maintenance solutions may just swing the votes in your favour. Find out more about what proactive school maintenance programs entail, and how we can help, on our resource page, The Quick Guide To School Maintenance Programs.