Phasing decoration in a building that can't close
Phasing is a planning discipline, not just a way of splitting the invoice. Done properly, occupants barely notice the works moving through the building.
Zoning the building
Areas are divided so each zone is fully completed and reopened before the next begins, keeping circulation routes and fire escapes clear throughout.
Containment and signage
Screens, barriers and clear signage keep occupants away from wet surfaces and sanding dust, and keep the working area free of foot traffic.
Communication
A weekly look-ahead tells facilities teams which rooms are affected and when. Most complaints on occupied sites come from surprise, not from the work itself.
Working with cleaning and estates teams
Coordinating with in-house cleaning avoids someone scrubbing a wall that was coated four hours earlier, and gets protection lifted at the right time.
Common questions
Can you decorate while we stay open?
Yes — zoned phasing with containment is standard on our commercial work.
How do you keep dust out of occupied areas?
Screens, extracted sanders and sealed doorways at the zone boundary.
How much notice do you give of each zone?
We issue a look-ahead so facilities teams can plan room use.
Can phases run over several months?
Yes, rolling programmes across terms or quarters are common.
Related services
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Next step
Ask for a zoned programme with a weekly look-ahead schedule.
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