In many HOA communities, exterior paint is one of the largest and most visible maintenance expenses. When it’s time for a repaint, the stakes are high: residents expect professionalism, the board must protect its budget, and the project needs to move forward without disrupting daily life.
Choosing a commercial painting company that knows how to navigate HOA expectations is not just about selecting a contractor who paints neatly. It’s about partnering with a crew that understands how to work across occupied units, adapt to board approval processes, and meet long-term property maintenance goals.
At Unforgettable Coatings, we’ve helped HOA boards across Nevada, Utah, and Arizona manage large-scale repainting projects with professionalism and precision. Here’s what you should know before bringing in a commercial painting company to work on your community.
Understand the Scope of HOA Painting Projects
HOA painting often involves more than just exterior walls. Trim, railings, doors, breezeways, entryways, and even carports or block walls are usually included in the scope. Many projects also involve power washing, minor repairs, or caulking prior to paint.
Before reaching out to a contractor, boards should clarify:
- What surfaces need to be painted
- If color changes are being considered (which may need board or ARC approval)
- Whether repairs, pressure washing, or prep work are expected to be included
Providing a complete and accurate scope helps avoid unclear proposals and later pricing surprises.
Look for HOA-Specific Experience
Not every commercial painting company is comfortable working in a community setting. Repainting occupied buildings requires clear communication, respectful crews, and careful staging.
Companies with HOA experience are used to working in:
- Occupied residential settings
- Phased schedules that minimize disruption
- Communities with strict rules about noise, hours, and equipment access
Ask for references from past HOA projects, especially from communities with similar layout, size, or challenges. A reputable commercial painting company should be able to point to successful multi-building jobs.
Evaluate Communication from the Start
The way a company communicates during the proposal stage often reflects how they will communicate once the project is underway.
Before hiring, ask yourself:
- Do they respond promptly?
- Do they explain things in plain terms?
- Are they willing to walk the property in person?
- Do they take time to understand HOA rules?
The right company will listen closely, explain their process clearly, and submit a proposal that matches the needs of your board and residents.
Know What a Solid Proposal Should Include
A good proposal is more than just a price. It should spell out how the work will be done, when it will be completed, and what steps the contractor will take to manage the project professionally.
Key elements to look for in a proposal:
- Complete list of surfaces to be painted
- Prep work included (e.g. power washing, sanding, patching)
- Number of coats and specific paint products
- Start and finish timelines
- Staging plan or phasing details
- Warranty terms
- Pricing breakdown
Some HOA boards choose to get multiple bids. When you do, compare proposals side by side and don’t just look at cost. Look at the quality of the plan and whether the company seems equipped to manage a job of your size and type.
Consider Paint Quality and Product Selection
HOA projects often involve multiple surfaces, varied exposures, and long repaint cycles. The right paint can help extend the time between major projects, reduce touch-ups, and resist UV, dirt, and moisture.
A professional commercial painting company should recommend quality products from trusted brands and tailor coatings to each surface. Stucco, metal railings, wood trim, and previously coated surfaces may each require different coatings.
At Unforgettable Coatings, we work closely with manufacturers to identify the right system for each project, based on surface type, exposure, and community preferences.
Understand the Importance of Prep Work
Even the best paint will fail if applied over a poorly prepared surface. Before signing any contract, make sure you understand what prep work is included.
Typical prep steps in HOA painting projects include:
- Pressure washing to remove dirt, chalk, or mildew
- Scraping loose or peeling paint
- Caulking gaps or cracks
- Patching stucco or siding
- Priming bare or stained surfaces
Cutting corners on prep may reduce the upfront price but leads to faster failure and repeat costs. Ask questions about how the crew prepares surfaces and whether repairs are part of the proposal.
Ask About Scheduling and Disruption
In HOA settings, scheduling matters. The right commercial painting company will respect resident privacy, minimize disruption, and provide clear notices for when and where work will happen.
Look for contractors who:
- Offer phasing schedules
- Provide door notices and advance communication
- Know how to work in active communities without constant complaints
- Offer low-odor paint for interior or common area work
Painting is a temporary inconvenience but it shouldn’t feel like a construction zone for weeks. The right crew will make the process as smooth as possible for everyone.
Know What a Warranty Really Means
A warranty is only as good as the company backing it. Look for written warranties that cover both labor and materials, and understand what might void coverage (e.g. damage, power washing, or structural issues).
Ask how warranty claims are handled. Will someone show up to inspect and handle the work if needed? Do they offer post-job walkthroughs or annual checkups?
At Unforgettable Coatings, we keep detailed project records and support our clients with real, responsive service.
Review Insurance, Licensing, and Compliance
A professional commercial painting company should meet all state requirements and carry proper coverage. For HOAs, this is critical. Don’t assume a company is licensed just because they say they are.
Check for:
- State contractor’s license
- General liability and workers comp insurance
- Certifications for any specialty coatings or safety training
- Understanding of OSHA safety standards, fall protection, and property access rules
This is especially important in communities with ladders, lifts, balconies, or rooftops. Safe crews protect everyone from residents, managers, and the board.
Choose a Team That Stands Behind the Work
Finally, hire a team that stays accountable. Large-scale HOA projects require consistent communication, thorough documentation, and a professional crew that treats the community with respect.
The best commercial painting companies:
- Provide a clear point of contact
- Keep the board informed throughout
- Share progress updates and project timelines
- Offer walkthroughs before, during, and after the job
At Unforgettable Coatings, we take pride in showing up prepared, staying organized, and delivering what we said we would. That’s how we’ve earned the trust of HOA boards across the Southwest.
Ready to Repaint Your Community?
Choosing the right commercial painting company matters not just for appearances, but for the experience of your residents and the confidence of your board.
Unforgettable Coatings helps HOAs in Nevada, Utah, and Arizona complete large-scale painting projects with planning, professionalism, and quality workmanship. From the first walk-through to the final coat, we bring experience, attention to detail, and a service-first approach that makes a difference.
Let’s talk about what your community needs. We’re here to help you plan the next phase of your property’s maintenance with confidence and clarity. Reach out today!
FAQs About Hiring a Commercial Painting Company for HOAs
How long does an HOA painting project usually take?
Project length depends on community size, weather, and surface type. A full repaint may take several weeks and is often broken into phases.
Can residents stay in place during painting?
Yes. Most work can be done with minimal disruption. Crews provide notices in advance and work around entryways and common spaces.
Do boards need to approve color changes?
Yes. Any updates to colors typically require HOA board or ARC approval. Your painting contractor can assist with samples and mockups.
What if the community has wood repairs or stucco damage?
Choose a painting company that offers minor repairs or coordinates with your other vendors. This is often addressed during surface prep.
How often should HOAs repaint?
Most exterior repainting cycles range from 7 to 10 years, depending on the surface, sun exposure, and product used.
Cory Summerhays, the Founder and CEO of Unforgettable Coatings, Inc., is more than just a business leader; he’s a relationship builder at heart, deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. While paint is his trade, his true passion lies in creating meaningful connections and fostering an environment of gratitude, compassion, and trust. With his family as his primary source of joy and a team that feels more like a community, Cory has built a company that goes beyond just coatings, aiming to leave a lasting, positive mark on everyone it touches.
