According to the National Safety Council, tens of thousands of accidents occur in parking lots and garages each year.
Besides careless driving, poor parking lot conditions can factor into these accidents. The lines in parking lots help organize the flow of traffic in a way that helps reduce the risk of accidents.
If you’re a business owner, you want to keep your parking lot as safe as possible. One way to do this is through routine line striping.
But how much does parking lot line striping cost? How often does it need to be done? Continue reading to find out.
Why Do You Need to Stripe Parking Lots?
The lines in parking lots are more than places to park. These lines direct the flow of traffic to keep pedestrians safe and designate parking spots for certain people. For example, assigning spots for disabled individuals or expectant mothers.
Without these lines, there is no flow of traffic. Everyone can drive in any direction they want. This causes severe hazards to pedestrians and increases the risk of serious accidents.
Line striping in parking lots boils down to safety and organization. You’ll need to have your company’s parking lot planned and striped before it’s used the first time. You’ll also want to have the parking lot re-striped regularly, so the lines stay clear and visible.
An extra benefit is that re-striping your parking lot regularly makes it look more beautiful, too. Your parking lot is the first thing customers see when arriving at your place of business. You want to make a great impression on them before they ever walk through your doors.
How Often Do Parking Lots Need to Be Re-Striped?
At a minimum, parking lots need to be re-striped every few years. Exactly how often will depend on several factors. The most important considerations will be how often the parking lot is used and how severe the local weather is.
Extensive use and harsh weather conditions will cause lines to fade faster. If you notice lines are starting to fade, schedule a time to get it re-striped. It doesn’t matter if that ends up being once every one to two years.
If you hire a company to take care of your parking lot maintenance, they can let you know when it’s time to re-stripe. These companies are generally employed to sweep parking lots and take care of their drainage systems. Typically, these same companies can handle your lot striping projects, too.
If you don’t have a company that does parking lot maintenance tasks for you, you can call one for inspection. They’ll come to your parking lot and let you know if or when you need to re-stripe.
How Much Does Parking Lot Line Striping Cost?
Many factors go into determining how much it’ll cost to re-stripe a parking lot. Those considerations are discussed in the section below.
Generally, there are two costs associated with parking lot striping projects. The first cost is called a mobile mobilization fee. It’s a minimum fee charged by companies to do a project.
The reason companies charge a minimum fee is because it costs them just to get to your parking lot. They have to ensure they make enough money to continue their business when taking on projects, no matter how small. Mobile mobilization fees are usually a few hundred dollars.
The other fee will be a cost per line. Generally, a line will only cost a few dollars. There may be different line fees for straight lines, angled lines, and stenciled words.
A Note About the Mobile Mobilization Fee
It’s important to note the mobile mobilization fee doesn’t always apply. It’s a minimum amount charged per project, so it doesn’t usually affect larger parking lot jobs.
For example, let’s say the minimum fee is $250. If you’re contracting a small project that would typically amount to $150, you’ll pay $250. If you have a large project that amounts to $900, you’ll only be paying $900.
Parking Lot Line Striping Cost Considerations
There are many considerations when it comes to the total costs of any parking lot project. The most significant cost determining factors are discussed below.
New Parking Lot vs. Re-Striping
Striping a brand new parking lot generally costs more than re-striping. This is because a new parking lot will need to be designed, and each line carefully measured.
An existing parking lot needing re-striping is a much easier task, so the price is generally lower. Workers will usually only need to paint over existing lines.
If the parking lot needs to be redesigned, this will cost more than a typical re-striping. How much more will depend on whether the entire parking lot needs redone or just specific areas.
Extra Markings Needed
Any stencils necessary will cost extra. Most companies have a specific cost per letter or stencil type. Most parking lots will need at least one or two additional markings, but this depends on individual projects and goals.
A few common extra markings needed in parking lots include:
- Arrows used to direct traffic flow
- Stop bars (with or without the word “Stop”)
- Logos
- Fire lane creation
- Handicap parking spaces
- Loading zone designations
- Space numbers (usually for larger lots)
- Speed bump painting
The above are only a few examples. Each parking lot project is unique. The company you work with can help you better determine what markings are necessary.
Time of Day, Week, and Year
Time could be a significant determining cost factor, too. To be re-striped, the parking lot must be empty. Some lining companies offer services in the evening or weekends, but it might cost extra.
The time of year could matter, too. If you choose to have a project done during a high demand time, it’ll likely cost extra. Choosing a time when these companies aren’t as busy could help decrease costs.
How Big Is the Parking Lot?
The bigger a parking lot is, the more lines it will need. This obviously increases the cost of a project, because each line usually has a small fee attached to it.
Type of Paint Used
There are two types of paint commonly used for parking lots: oil-based paints and water-based paints. The professionals you’re working with can help you determine which paint type is best for you.
The costs of oil and water paints vary. The price won’t only change between the two types, but also between different qualities and brands of paint.
The color of the paint used will also determine the price. Typically, white paint is cheaper than colored paint.
Some local building codes may require colored paint for parking lot lines. Local laws may also determine exact colors for areas like fire zones or handicapped spaces. The cost of these colored paints will affect your total price.
Additional Maintenance or Repairs Required
The same company that does your painting project will usually offer other parking lot services. Before a parking lot is re-striped, you want to ensure it’s in the best possible condition.
Now is the perfect time to take care of any repairs or maintenance your parking lot needs. A few ideas of what your lot might need are:
- Drainage system inspection, clean out or repair
- Filling in potholes
- Repairing cracks
- Professional sweeping of parking lot
- Asphalt seal coating
If these also need to be done, it’s best to take care of them at the same time as your re-striping. Some companies may offer a better rate if you hire them for multiple tasks at once.
Location of Parking Lot
Where your parking lot is located can change the price. Certain areas of the U.S. may be more expensive than others. Projects in rural areas also usually cost less than those in big cities.
Local Competition
How many parking lot contractors work in your area will also affect the total price of your project. More companies operating in a single area means prices will generally be more favorable. This is thanks to many companies competing for the same target audience.
How to Choose the Right Company for the Job
Re-striping your parking lot is a big deal because it keeps pedestrians safe. The parking lot is also the first thing customers see when they arrive at your company’s location. You want to make a good impression.
Choosing the right company for the job is vital. But how can you ensure a company will do a good job? The following tips can help.
Ask for In-Person Recommendations
Ask other business owners in your area who they used for their parking lots. Inquire whether they liked or didn’t like the company and why. The chances are high your experience will be like those of previous customers.
Check Online Reviews
You can also check online reviews for the parking lot contractors in your area. A simple Google search can turn up a lot of information on how projects went for other companies.
The Best Contractors Put Safety First
Remember, the best parking lot contractors will put safety first. Look on their websites, blogs, and social media accounts.
Is safety a frequent topic of discussion?
If it is, this is a good sign. If the topic is rarely mentioned, it might be a warning sign the company doesn’t care about safety the way it should.
You can also call the company and ask them questions about safety. The person you speak with should be willing to answer any questions and address any concerns. If they’re snippy or evasive, this is a bad sign.
Price Points Should Be Obvious
Nobody wants to budget funds for a project only to find out are hidden fees drastically raise the price. A good parking lot contractor should have obvious price points. Sometimes these are listed on the website, while other times, you have to call to inquire.
The company that does your project should inspect your parking lot before beginning. They should offer an estimate for the job and explain what the final difference in cost could be.
This final cost difference shouldn’t be much more unless something drastic happens. A professional should discuss anything major that comes up. They should never proceed with anything that will cost you significantly more than quoted before getting an okay.
They Should Have Knowledge and Experience
The company you hire should have the necessary experience. They should also know local zoning codes as they apply to parking lots. Their knowledge should expand to the regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
High-Quality Materials and Tools
An excellent company will use high-quality materials (like paint) that are meant to last. Cheap materials don’t work as well and will end up leaving you with a poorly done job. The appropriate tools are also crucial in ensuring a well-done line striping project.
Great Customer Service
Nothing is worse than feeling a contractor doesn’t appreciate your business. You want to work with a company with excellent customer service. This way, if you have any concerns, you know they’ll be addressed appropriately.
Do You Still Have Questions About Parking Lot Line Striping Costs?
The cost of parking lot line striping will vary based on many determining factors. Among these determining factors are the size and complexity of the project. The time and location of your scheduled line striping are also factors.
Do you still have questions about the cost of parking lot line striping costs? Or, do you want to schedule your lot striping appointment?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. They can also set you up an appointment while you’re on the phone.
