As I mentioned in previous articles, I sometimes like to pop in on the “Painters’ Chat Room.” Some time back, there was a question and ensuing discussion of what was meant by “developed area” in regard to an exposed steel roof structure. Apparently there are some misconceptions and some rather strange ideas of what this means. I thought it might be appropriate to discuss this a bit.

I’m not sure where the term originated — it really has not been around all that long. I suspect it might have been thought up by Bob Verzello. The term “developed area” has somewhat of a professorial ring to it, which is Bob’s style since he is of the academic community (with a painting contracting background).

To explain what this is about, if you visualize a structural steel framing system supporting a roof or intermediate floor of a multistory steel frame structure, you will see a roof deck, usually metal but possibly concrete or wood. You will also see the supporting steel components, which may be steel beams or open web joists, or a combination of the two, or rigid frames and purlins.

Other items that might be included in the structure, but that are not part of the framing system itself, are ductwork, conduits, process piping, sprinkler systems and other items, depending on the intended use of the facility.

Assuming that the entire structure, including ductwork, piping, etc., will require painting, you will, in all probability, take everything off separately and then arrive at a total square footage for which you will develop a price.

Your take-off may look something like this:

This 66,500 square feet of surface will represent the “developed area” of the structure and is the figure you would use for pricing.

However, for this 66,500 square feet to be a valid base for pricing, only one coating system and one color will be involved. The specifications may require two or more coating systems for various parts of the structure, such as the roof deck, ductwork or special piping. You may also have a multiple color scheme to deal with. In either case, you would in all probability price the various components separately.

A very serious caveat regarding colors: Unless you are absolutely certain that the entire structure is going to be one color, do some checking — send an RFI to the architect before you price the job. You can have a real nightmare on your hands if you price for one color and get stuck with a multiple color scheme.
Keep in mind that unless the specifications or schedule of finishes or plan notes clearly stipulates that only one color is to be used, there is nothing that precludes the architect or designer from using multiple colors. That, in itself, is the primary reason for accessing a set of drawings early on to determine if any questions need to be answered and to give the architect ample time to respond.

If you have a specific question or problem area you would like to see discussed, contact Len Hijuelos at P.O. Box 2585, Gretna, LA 70054 or e-mail.

Editor’s note: Len Hijuelos would like to hear again from the reader who sent him an e-mail message after the last issue of PaintPRO. He apologizes for not answering, but his computer went down and he lost the message. Thanks!