When it comes to painting and renovation projects, every industry has an ideal timeline based on location, operations, and seasonal activity. This is especially true for multi-family properties, where tenant experience, owner approvals, and seasonal logistics all play critical roles in execution.
Below, we outline suggested timelines and strategies tailored to your property type.
Apartment Buildings & Complexes
Suggested Timeline:
- 2–3 months before work: Board/property manager meetings, project scope approval
- 1 month before: Tenant notifications, schedule coordination
Execution Windows:
Interior Work: Can be done year-round. Ideally scheduled when units are vacant for ease and efficiency.
Exterior Work (New England): Best between May–October, weather permitting.
When to Avoid Major Work:
- November–December: Holidays and end-of-year demands create higher stress. Avoid adding disruption.
- Peak Move-In/Move-Out Periods: If turnover is high, limit work to the empty units. Moving is already stressful—ongoing renovations can make it worse.
Condos & HOAs
With condos and HOAs, the planning process is often more complex due to a larger pool of owners/shareholders. Funding, approvals, and communication require more lead time.
Planning Considerations:
- Larger Projects: Require extensive planning. Board votes and, in some cases, owner votes are necessary.
- Funding: Coordinating how costs are split between owners or to get any financing loans in order. This takes time and education to gain consensus.
Suggested Timeline:
- 6–12 months before work: Board meetings, scope approval, budgeting/financing discussions
- 1–2 months before work: Notifications to owners and tenants, scheduling coordination
Execution Windows:
- Interior Work: Year-round; best when units are vacant.
- Exterior Work (New England): Best between May–October.
Best Times for All Multi-Family Properties
Standard Working Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM
These are ideal for several reasons:
- Most residents are away at work or school.
- Those at home are typically active during these hours.
- Residents can still enjoy quiet evenings and weekends without disruption.
- More cost-effective.
Exceptions for Off-Hour Work:
Depending on your property and project, off-hour work may be appropriate in certain cases:
- Amenity Spaces (e.g., gyms, pools, lounges): Overnight painting can minimize amenity downtime. Painting is relatively quiet and can often be done without waking residents.
- Emergency Repairs: Always exempt from standard hours.
- Clubhouse Remodels: Since these buildings typically don’t house residents, you can extend work hours—just avoid loud activities like demolition or heavy sawing during evenings.
Tip: Always consult with your contractor before scheduling work during quiet hours or weekends. A skilled, experienced contractor can create a precise project schedule that minimizes disruption and keeps your project on time and on budget.
Why re:fab?
At re:fab, we bring over 30 years of experience in painting and renovating multi-family properties of all sizes throughout New England and Central Florida. From apartments to condos, we know how to plan and execute projects with minimal disruption to residents and staff—while staying on time and within budget.
Let’s Get Started
Contact us today to schedule your next project with a trusted, professional team, or download our FREE Multi-Family Design Resource to get started.
