Hiring a Painting and Stucco Subcontractor in Tampa: A Checklist for GCs

On a tenant improvement or renovation, paint and stucco are some of the last trades on the wall and some of the first ones the owner notices. A sub that shows up without submittals, with the wrong product or without enough crew can hold up a turnover. This is the checklist we work from with general contractors in Tampa Bay, and it is what we suggest any GC asks for from a painting or stucco sub.

1. A written scope that matches the drawings

• Every area and surface listed: walls, ceilings, doors and frames, exposed structure, exterior elevations
• The paint systems from the spec, by product or MPI number, with the number of coats
• Stucco scope stated clearly: patch, section replacement or new system, and over what substrate
• Clear exclusions (for example wallcovering, specialty coatings, or work by other trades)
• Alternates priced separately so you can compare bids line by line

2. Submittals before mobilization

• Product data sheets for every coating and sealant
• Color samples or drawdowns for approval
• A mockup area when the spec calls for one, especially for stucco texture and exterior color
• Safety data sheets for the site file

Getting submittals approved early avoids repainting a room because the sheen or color was not what the architect expected.

3. Insurance and paperwork

• Certificate of insurance naming the GC and owner as certificate holders or additional insured, as the subcontract requires
• Workers' compensation coverage or a valid Florida exemption, as the subcontract allows
• W-9 and, on federal work, a SAM.gov registration (UEI) and readiness for certified payroll on prevailing wage jobs

4. Schedule and manpower

• A work sequence by area or phase, tied to drywall finish, ceiling grid and flooring
• Crew size per phase and a single point of contact who answers the phone
• Night or weekend work available for occupied buildings and retail
• Lifts or scaffold identified up front for high walls and exteriors

5. Florida lien law basics

In Florida, subs and suppliers who do not contract directly with the owner generally serve a Notice to Owner within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials, under Chapter 713 of the Florida Statutes. Expect it, it is routine. With each pay application, ask for the statutory conditional waiver for the current draw and an unconditional waiver for the prior payment received. It keeps the owner's title clean and keeps your draws moving.

6. Closeout

• Punch list turned around quickly, ideally within days
• Touch-up paint labeled by room and color for the owner
• Product list and color schedule for the closeout binder
• Final lien waiver with the final payment

How we work with GCs

Kanos Group self-performs interior and exterior painting, stucco, drywall, tile and flooring, demolition and ACT on commercial projects across Tampa Bay, including tenant improvements, retail, healthcare and senior living, and federal work. We bid by scope with unit pricing, send submittals early and work by phase with our own crews. Permitted work is performed under our Florida Certified General Contractor partner.

See our tenant improvement subcontractor page, government contracting, or send us your bid package through the estimate form.