Why communication is the cornerstone of every commercial painting project

Outcomes are often decided long before handover, sometimes even before anything happens on site. That’s because the success of every commercial painting project is dependent on strong communication, and that begins well in advance. With so many moving parts and so many stakeholders involved, we’d be asking for chaos if we weren’t prepared to lay the foundation early. It’s the difference between constant disruption and a seamless experience.

At Dukes, communication is central to how we operate, and we’ve been successfully transforming spaces since 1958. We specialise in strata painting, retirement living and aged care, commercial property, educational institutions, and government and heritage buildings. Across every sector, transparency and consistency are essential for high-quality results and lasting client satisfaction.

Our communication philosophy is always to set expectations early. We provide clear, upfront information to set the tone for the entire project and ensure all parties are on the same page. Prior to arriving on site, stakeholders need clarity on when the job begins, how it will progress and what to expect along the way. When the path forward is understood, there are fewer surprises, fewer assumptions and smoother coordination between all involved, from site site access to building managers.

Effective communication requires timely updates and clearly delegated responsibilities. Without that structure, minor misunderstandings can escalate quickly. For example, if one party assumes an update has been shared but it hasn’t, access or staging can be disrupted, which often leads to a chain of avoidable issues.

When updates are consistent and transparent, there’s no uncertainty. We manage this by providing information before it’s requested. Being reliable, professional and engaging in ongoing conversation means stakeholders are never left in doubt, which reduces frustration and keeps working relationships intact throughout the project and beyond.

Providing a single point of contact for each commercial painting project makes everything simpler. At Dukes, that’s the dedicated project manager. It removes crossed wires and eliminates confusion about who’s handling what. Clients also have the reassurance of knowing who to contact with questions or concerns, which makes all the difference.

Good communication is proactive and delivered through the right channels. We understand that clients have different preferences, whether that’s email or a quick phone call. And residents may need printed notices handed out or left at their doors.

The reality is that working on a site that is lived in or worked in will have an impact. However, we can limit that impact with adequate communication. When building management, residents and businesses have time to plan around access changes, noise or other short-term disruptions, they’re far more likely to accommodate it without frustration.

One of the most common issues that can occur when communication falls short is scope confusion, particularly in the strata sector between strata managers and owners. Sometimes, a strata manager can approve a specific scope, but the owners aren’t advised and expect more than what’s included. If this misunderstanding isn’t addressed before work begins, it can lead to complaints and delays. That’s why we provide clear, written scopes shared with all stakeholders at the outset.

Sometimes stakeholders expect more work or a faster turnaround than what was agreed. This usually comes down to unclear timelines or scope early on. Making sure everyone is aligned from the start helps avoid frustration later.

External changes can also disrupt communication. For example, when systems change, contractors may not be granted access straight away. This can create delays in viewing requests, booking site visits or submitting proposals on time.

When it comes to strata managers, clear documentation and efficient coordination are essential. They need to know exactly what’s included in the job, when each stage is scheduled for work and completion, and how compliance requirements will be met. Timely, well-structured updates also help them manage their responsibilities while keeping other stakeholders, like owners and residents, informed.

For residents living in the building undergoing the painting and remedial works, communication should be kept simple, practical and considerate. The priority is letting them know how the work might affect daily routines, whether that’s noise, access restrictions or use of shared spaces. Giving enough notice and keeping messages relevant helps reduce inconvenience and makes the process easier for everyone.

Communication for committees focuses on process, outcomes and accountability to build trust. They tend to take a broader view and want reassurance about the standard of work being delivered. That includes seeing that quality checks are in place, safety is managed responsibly, and the service offers genuine value for money.

Strong working relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re built through consistency, clarity and respect for the people involved. That’s why how we engage with clients matters just as much as the quality of the work itself. When the process runs smoothly, the results speak for themselves.

At Dukes, we prioritise safety and high-quality work that lasts long-term. None of that is possible without being proactive in our communication and keeping all stakeholders informed every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a commercial painter you can trust to keep the all-important lines of communication open and transparent, choose a contractor who responds quickly, provides a detailed quote with clear timeframes and understands how to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

If you’re in the greater Sydney area, get in touch with the friendly team at Dukes to organise a comprehensive quote today.

By Carla Cortes
Customer Experience Manager