Start with the decision
Write the painting scope around named deliverables, the drawings that describe them and the interfaces with other trades. A painting package should identify surfaces, preparation and the specified finish. “Paint the space” leaves too much uncertainty about repairs, protection and occupied-area working. Use the worksheet below to expose missing information before requesting a firm quotation.
This guide is for business-to-business project planning in the United States and Canada. For the wider trade context, visit the painting resource hub.
Define each package boundary
| Deliverable | Input to include | Boundary to settle |
|---|---|---|
| Surface preparation | substrate condition and agreed preparation scope | minor preparation versus separately defined repairs |
| Coating application | surface schedule, product specification and colours | specified system versus proposed alternatives |
| Protection and access | occupied areas and items to protect | moving contents, masking, access and cleanup |
Download the painting scope of work worksheet (CSV)
Fill in the response, owner or source, and date checked. Keep unresolved items visible. The file contains planning prompts only; it does not calculate quantities or make an approval decision.
Put the checklist to work
- Attach the current drawing and specification references, and identify who may receive them. Separate issued information from items still awaiting approval.
- Assign substrate repairs, hazardous-material assessment, access equipment and protection of adjacent finishes explicitly. Use included, excluded, by others or unresolved, with a named owner for unresolved items.
- Document assumptions about surface readiness, approved selections and release of rooms from preceding trades. A target date is not a substitute for those inputs being available.
- Issue the same revision to all invited businesses. Record clarifications and circulate material changes before comparing proposals.
A scope gap worth discussing
Illustrative example — not a Build Accord client project
One proposal prices finish coats on a ready surface while another includes extensive preparation. Compare their preparation assumptions before choosing between the totals.
Apply this to your decision: A scope sheet with deliverables, interfaces, exclusions and unresolved decisions that every invited business can price against.
Using this in the US and Canada
For a project in the United States
Record the state, local jurisdiction and actual service area. Confirm the project location and the scope of the business’s authority with the responsible project team. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a starting point for business licensing resources.
For a project in Canada
Record the province or territory, municipality and actual service area. Use Canada’s permits and licences resources to locate relevant checks, including the linked BizPaL service. Confirm requirements for the actual activity and location.
For either market, state the currency, units and deadline time zone. This worksheet is general planning guidance, not a determination of licensing, procurement eligibility or technical compliance.
The next useful step
Continue with painting invitation to bid checklist. For the other side of the conversation, see the painting bid proposal guide.
Build Accord coordinates introductions between construction project teams and trade contractors. An inquiry starts a discussion of fit and availability; it does not guarantee a contractor, an invitation to bid or an award. These guides are not a listing of currently available crews or projects.