Why the Lowest Bidder Can Cost You the Most in Parking Lot Striping
At Metro Markings, we’ve been getting a particular kind of call lately.
Not just calls to stripe a fresh layout or give a lot a seasonal refresh—but calls to fix jobs that someone else didn’t do right the first time. Paint where it shouldn’t be. Misaligned stalls. ADA markings in the wrong place. Entire layouts that don’t match the engineered plans.
It’s frustrating. And it’s avoidable.
Spec Compliance Isn’t Optional
Too many contractors treat parking lot striping like it’s just lines on asphalt. But when you're working from engineered site plans, there’s no room for guessing.
We’re seeing stalls that don’t match the blueprint dimensions. Arrows pointing the wrong way. Fire lanes missing entirely. That’s not just sloppy—it can create real liability for property owners.
At Metro Markings, we take the specs seriously. We review site plans. We mark everything precisely before the first drop of paint hits the ground. And we double-check it all before we pack up.
When You Hire Cheap, You Pay Twice
The race to the bottom on price leads to one thing: redos.
We’ve had to spend evenings and weekends cleaning up after contractors who didn’t follow the plans, didn’t measure twice, and didn’t communicate when things didn’t match up in the field. That costs clients time, disrupts their tenants or operations, and delays compliance.
Worst of all? It was avoidable.
What to Look For in a Pavement Marking Contractor
If you're a GC, property manager, or business owner evaluating bids, don’t stop at price. Ask:
Will they review and follow the engineered site plan or just “eyeball” it?
Do they know how to lay out ADA stalls to spec, including van access and signage?
Will they prep the site with proper chalk lines, measurements, and field adjustments if needed?
Can they handle communication with your engineer or project manager if questions come up?
And maybe most important:
Can they explain their process from start to finish?
Our Reputation Is Built on Precision
It’s our first season in business, but word is traveling fast. Not because we’ve been around forever—but because we show up, communicate clearly, and deliver spec-compliant, professional work that’s done right the first time.
We don’t wing it. We measure. We document. And we care.
That shouldn’t be rare in this industry—but it is.
Choose the Crew That Gets It Right the First Time
Your parking lot is more than a place to park. It’s the first impression of your property, and in many cases, a regulated space that must meet local and federal requirements.
Choosing the right contractor saves you time, avoids rework, and protects your investment.
We’re Metro Markings, and we’re here to help you do it right.
Contact us today to schedule a quote or send us your site plans for review. We’ll walk the lot, clarify the scope, and deliver a result that matches the drawing—line for line.
