If you are a small business, in either the manufacturing or service industries, it is doubtful that you have your own maintenance person or team permanently working for you. Whenever you require repairs carrying out to roofs, guttering or roadways, you’ll engage a professional company to carry out the remedial works for you. And, unless you decide to ask your secretary to pick up a paintbrush, maintenance will also include the painting of your building’s exterior.If you do not go about obtaining a contractor to carry out your painting work in a professional way then you may end up paying over the odds. In addition, you could end up with a substandard job which does little to protect your building assets and will need doing again before you had intended. This article explains how to go about finding and employing the right contractor.It is a good idea to talk to some of the other small businesses near your own, to determine how they deal with painting contracts. Are there any painting contractors they could recommend, which you could consider putting on your short list?The exterior painting process of any building can be divided into two major elements; surface preparation and painting.After talking to your business neighbours, you need to determine in detail what you want painting. Draw up a list of the numbers and sizes of all the doors, windows and barge boards etc., and if appropriate, the area of walls to be painted. Whilst you are doing this, it is essential that you examine the condition of each and every element to be painted to determine whether or not they require any repair works prior to being painted. This could include eroded brickwork or rendering and rotten timber. You should consider at this stage if it would be more cost effective or beneficial to replace rather than repair entire windows and/or doors if their condition is either poor or beyond repair. You could consider either new timber replacements or perhaps the installation of UPVC windows and/or doors may be considered as a longer term, cost beneficial solution. You need to be extra careful with your specification if your buildings are listed or in a conservation area. Whatever your decisions, they should be clearly specified so that the eventual contractor is fully aware of what you require from them and there are no grounds for future contractor claims, either during the works or afterwards.Once any repairs have been clearly determined and specified, then it is important to write down in detail how you want the existing sound and repaired surfaces treated prior to painting. This may include washing or pressure hosing for walls and the sanding down of both bare and painted timber with the appropriate grade of glass paper. You should state that your inspection and approval of all the surfaces to be painted will be carried out prior to painting.The next thing you have to do is specify the painting element. Before any painting is permitted, all the surfaces to be painted must be dust free and all bare wood surfaces must be initially treated with a knotting liquid which prevents the future leaching of resin from existing knots. The first application of paint should be with a primer to all bare wood and metal surfaces. The specification for its use and application will be found in the paint manufacturer’s data documentation, either in a brochure or on the web. The subsequent coats of undercoat and surface finish should be clearly specified including surface preparation between coats, the number of coats of each type and the colour and matt or gloss properties of the final layer. The specification for each coat can be obtained from either paint manufacturers’ brochures or their web site. A clause should also be included reminding the contractor to take note of the prevailing weather conditions during each element of the painting procedures.It is important that the contractor is regularly inspected and any problems or variations to the contract are clearly written down at the time when they are verbally given. This gives the contractor new, clear instructions and enables them to provide you with estimates of any additional costs within an acceptable time limit. A guarantee period should be stated for the works and written into the contract.It is important that you obtain quotations from at least three different painting contractors and that your list remains confidential until after the closing date to prevent any collusion between contractors. This will also assist you in obtaining a competitively priced tender. It’s a good idea to ask tenderers to provide you with the names and location of works they have previously completed. This means that you can check their work and ask previous clients if they were satisfied with the standard of work, particularly with reference to Health and Safety and the use of ladders and scaffolding.You could, of course, employ an architect or building management company to prepare all the above paperwork and site supervision for you, but this can be expensive and could add to the total cost of the work. So, have a go yourself. You will not only save money but you will be proud of what you have accomplished.

Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.

According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.

So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.

Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.

This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.

The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.

This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.

Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.

This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.

And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.

Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.

The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.

This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.

Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.

Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.

Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.

Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?

Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.

This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.

Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.