One of the most frequent complaints from homeowners is that their painting job took far longer than expected. In a flat or apartment unit where access, building regulations and occupant movement matter, delays can cause frustration, disruption — and often extra cost. Here we look at how you can ensure your house-painting project is completed on schedule, with minimal fuss and disturbance.
Why delays happen in painting projects
There are several common causes:
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Poor scheduling or lack of clarity on access times in a multi-unit building.
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Inadequate preparation (which then needs extra time to fix).
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Weather or ventilation issues.
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Work being interrupted by building management or neighbours.
Every hour of delay can feel like a week when you’re living through the project.
How to agree a reliable schedule upfront
1. Clear timeline before work begins
Ensure your painter provides a schedule: start date, estimated completion, key milestones (e.g., walls done, trim done, final inspection).
2. Access and building logistics confirmed
If you are in a shared building, check if there are restrictions (e.g., times when trades can work, use of service lift, corridor protection). Integrating these details avoids surprises.
3. Resource and workforce readiness
A reliable painting team turns up with adequate manpower, materials and tools to avoid downtime. If a job is under-resourced, it drags.
4. Use of quick-drying paints and efficient methods
Modern paints with faster drying times help reduce “down time” for rooms. Also, experienced painters work with logical sequencing — trim first, walls next — to avoid re-works or retracing steps.
How to monitor progress during the job
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Hold brief check-ins each day with your painter, asking what was done, what remains and any expected challenges.
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Make sure they note any issues (e.g., wall damage, moisture problems) that may extend the job, and how they plan to deal with them.
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Use a written “handover” on completion so you know when cleaning, inspection and final finish are expected.
What happens if the job overruns?
Delays might still happen. To manage them:
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Agree ahead what happens in case of overruns (e.g., compensation, free touch-ups, daily rate).
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Ask for a buffer time (e.g., “finish within X days unless structural issues arise”).
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Keep records of timing so you can gauge performance.
Final thoughts & call to action
Time is valuable — and in a flat setting, every day of work can disrupt your living. By selecting a painter who respects time, provides a clear schedule and works proactively, you minimise upheaval and get your home back to living condition sooner. For a detailed time-plan and commitment to finishing on-schedule, contact us today and we’ll help you lock in your project dates.
