Painting your community’s stairwell or facade: how to go about it

Which shared areas are usually painted

• Entrance hall and building entrance.
• Stairs, landings and banisters.
• Garages: walls, columns and floors.
• Facades and courtyards.
• Communal roof terraces and terraces, which often need waterproofing.

The first step: a visit with the president or the administrator

Ideally the painter sees the building with the president or the property administrator. That makes it clear which areas are included, the condition of each one and whether there is damp or damage that needs treating before painting.

What the quote for the owners’ meeting should include

A clear quote avoids arguments at the meeting. It should be in writing and set out:

• The areas included, one by one.
• The preparation: cracks, damp, paint in poor condition.
• The type of paint and the colours.
• How the work will be organised to disturb residents as little as possible.
• The company’s public liability insurance.
• The guarantee in writing.

How to compare quotes

It is usual to ask for several quotes. To compare them properly, check that they all include the same areas and the same preparation. A much cheaper quote usually leaves out the preparation or uses lower-quality materials, and you pay for that within a few years.

Approval at the owners’ meeting

How the work is approved and how the cost is shared depends on each community and its statutes. The best thing is to ask the property administrator, who will tell you how to take it to the meeting.

Why it is not a good idea to put it off

Neglected shared areas do not just give a bad impression: damp, scuffing and the passing of time wear down walls and ceilings, and the longer you wait, the more preparation is needed. What is more, the condition of the entrance hall and stairwell affects the impression of anyone viewing an apartment to buy or rent.

How the work is organised in an occupied building

In a community, residents keep coming and going during the work. That is why it is best to:

• Let residents know in advance which areas will be worked on and on which days.
• Work in sections so there is always a clear way through.
• Put up signs on freshly painted areas.
• Protect floors, letterboxes, the lift and doors.

All of this is agreed with the president or the administrator before starting.

Garages: walls, columns and floors

The garage is usually the most forgotten part of the community. Painting walls and columns makes it brighter and safer, and garage floors take special paints that stand up to cars driving over them. If your community is thinking about it, include it in the same quote.

How we do it

We come to see the building at no cost, with the president or the administrator, and give you a free quote in writing to present at the owners’ meeting. We work with public liability insurance and give a 1-year guarantee.

Frequently asked questions