Ann Arbor's commercial painting work runs from downtown storefronts and offices to the rental houses and apartment buildings around the university. Each job starts with a walk through the space and a written scope and schedule. Older buildings may bring lead-safe rules or historic district review, and we raise those at the start.
Commercial work in Ann Arbor covers a wide range of buildings. There are brick storefronts on Main Street and in Kerrytown, offices along the edge of the city, restaurants, medical suites, and the many houses and apartment blocks near the University of Michigan that are let to students. Each has its own limits. A shop cannot have wet paint at the door during opening hours. A rental has only a short gap between one tenant and the next. We ask about those limits first and build the plan around them.
Before pricing, we walk the building with whoever manages it and write down every surface, the repairs needed and the finish wanted. Hard-wearing, washable paints suit corridors, stairwells and rental walls. Kitchens and washrooms need coatings that take moisture and cleaning. Outside, old brick and wood fronts get the same washing, scraping and priming as a house. If the building stands in one of the city's historic districts, exterior changes can need review, so we raise that at the start and you confirm with the city.
Rental housing built before 1978 comes with federal lead-safe work rules for anyone paid to disturb old paint, and landlords should ask every painter how those rules will be met. For occupied buildings we agree a sequence, floor by floor or unit by unit, and keep exits and shared halls open. You receive a written scope, a schedule and one named contact. At the end we walk the building with you and fix the items on your list before the job is closed.
Commercial painting in Ann Arbor: common questions
Can you repaint student rentals between leases in Ann Arbor?
Often, yes, if it is planned ahead. Many leases near campus end and begin within the same few days in late summer, so that period fills early. Tell us the dates and unit count as soon as you know them.
Can painting be done without closing my business?
In most cases. Work can be split into sections so part of the space stays open, and the areas customers use can be done at the quietest times you have. Ask us what hours are possible for your job.
Does a storefront in downtown Ann Arbor need approval before it is repainted?
Repainting a surface that is already painted is seldom regulated. Buildings inside a city historic district can need review for other exterior changes, and painting bare brick is discouraged. Check with the city's historic preservation staff and your landlord first.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.