Why EOFY is a smart time to invest in commercial painting

If you feel like the clock might be ticking a little faster these days, it’s probably because we’re in the final quarter of the financial year. Many organisations are now actively trying to use up their allocated capital or operational budgets before June 30 to avoid losing unspent funds. Timing matters, and EOFY is a smart time to invest in commercial painting.

At Dukes, we’ve been transforming commercial spaces since 1958. We specialise in strategic and compliant painting and remedial building repairs delivered with efficiency and precision. We understand how important timing, coordination and presentation are, especially when upgrades need to align with internal deadlines or stakeholder expectations.

Aside from the obvious budgeting pressure to use up remaining CapEx or OpEx before it’s gone, audits are another strong motivator to get works done before EOFY. Property managers and facilities management teams often want sites looking their best ahead of the deadline so they’re in top shape for audits and stakeholder reporting.

Commercial painting is a smart EOFY spend because it can be scoped, mobilised and completed quickly. Unlike structural works, it doesn’t involve long lead times, complex approvals or major disruption. It also gives an immediate visual lift ahead of key milestones like leasing campaigns, sales, AGMs or revaluations. When paired with new flooring, it can completely change the look and feel of a space, which is particularly important in aged care, schools, commercial and government buildings. As our General Manager, Paul Williams explains, “A well-executed paint job can make a tired building feel cared for and up to date—it shifts perception quickly.”

And it’s not just about aesthetic enhancement. Commercial painting is a long-term investment that protects your asset from weather, wear and decay, especially in buildings that are exposed to the elements. When paint systems are applied properly and then well-maintained, they can significantly extend the life of surfaces and help reduce the need for costly repairs later on.

Government departments often need to acquit budget by June 30 while meeting strict procurement rules, and they usually aim for visible, accountable upgrades that fit neatly within the cycle. Paul explains, “We specialise in EOFY projects in busy, occupied government buildings. A lot of them also need lead paint remediation, remedial repairs or flooring. Dukes can take care of all of it.” Whether it’s a school, office or operations facility, painting provides a clear, tangible outcome that keeps both finance and facilities teams happy.

In aged care and retirement living, budgets often follow compliance and maintenance cycles. Many painting projects are scoped and approved before the end of the financial year, but are held over to begin after July 1, once timing lines up with internal schedules and operational planning.

For commercial property, EOFY is a great opportunity for managers to carry out visual upgrades that lift tenant satisfaction and get buildings ready for new leases starting July 1. Paul says, “Tenants notice when a space has been refreshed, and it says to them that it’s being looked after. It’s an attraction for sure.” Fresh paint can also support revaluations and lease negotiations, giving your property a sharper edge in a competitive market.

To get the most value from your EOFY commercial painting spend, contact the team at Dukes as early as possible, ideally in Q2 or Q3. Even if the spend hasn’t been fully approved, early engagement allows our experts to scope and cost the available options and helps us deliver the best scheduling and pricing. We want this to be a long-term solution for you, not a rushed quick fix.

Many commercial and government properties require multiple layers of authorisation, so scoping early helps avoid delays tied to internal approvals or board sign-offs by providing a clear plan and quote up front. If needed, the work can be staged by allocating part of the budget to preparation, access, remedials or early coats, and deferring the rest until after June. That way, you still account for part of the expense this financial year.

A well-planned project ultimately delivers better outcomes. By considering the full scope of works up front and with plenty of time, we can align paint systems with compliance requirements and long-term durability and avoid the shortcuts that often lead to reworks when you choose an inexperienced commercial painter. It also makes it easier to combine painting with remedial tasks, which reduces duplication in access and setup costs.

We successfully completed an urgent lead paint remediation project on a heritage-listed government asset. The request came through in the final weeks of the financial year to utilise unallocated budget and bring this asset back into operation, as it had been taken out of use due to public health and safety concerns.

Dukes was engaged for the job based on our experience with heritage assets and proven ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising compliance. The scope involved full containment and removal of lead-based coatings, followed by reinstatement works using heritage-appropriate materials and methods. We managed access, safety, remediation and repainting, all under strict regulatory oversight.

The outcome was a reinstated public facility, made safe and ready for use on time and on budget. The client had a tangible result to show in their end-of-year reporting, and we were proud to help return a valued community asset to service.

At Dukes, we specialise in commercial painting and remedial building repairs across aged care, retirement living, government assets, including education, and commercial property. EOFY is always a busy period, as repainting remains a smart way to invest remaining budget.

If you need commercial painting and have available funds this EOFY, work with experienced professionals who understand what’s at stake. We will deliver compliant, low-disruption painting with a focus on long-term value and seamless project delivery.

Don’t wait until June. Contact the team at Dukes to discuss your plans today.