Before the painters arrive, clear a few feet around the walls inside and out. Move cars, patio furniture and potted plants. Take down fragile items and wall art. Secure pets. Make sure painters can get to the house, water and a bathroom. Then confirm colors and the start day with your painter.
The short version
- Clear around the walls so there is room to work
- Move vehicles away from the work area
- Secure pets
- Put away valuables and breakables
- Confirm access to the house, water and a bathroom
- Confirm colors and the start day
Your painter may have a few extra requests. Ask early so there are no surprises.
Outside to-do list
Clear the work area
Move patio furniture, grills, planters, bikes, trash cans and decorations away from the walls. Painters need enough room to work, and anything left in the way has to be moved or covered.
If plants touch the walls, ask your painter what they would like done. Do not cut anything back on your own. Some plants are fine to leave and some are not.
Cars and parking
Park away from the work area. Ask your painter where they need space for a lift or other equipment so you can keep that spot open.
Gates, sprinklers and pets
- Make sure gates are unlocked, or tell your painter how to get in
- Turn off sprinkler timers, or ask how they should be handled
- Keep dogs and cats inside or away from the work area
Neighbors and HOA
Give your neighbors a quick heads-up. If you have an HOA, check the color and design-review rules before work starts. It is much easier to sort that out first than to repaint a wall later.
If you are planning an exterior job, see our services page for the kinds of work we do.
Inside to-do list
Furniture and walls
Pull furniture toward the center of the room, or ask what your painter will move. Take down wall art, mirrors, curtains and curtain rods. Small things go first. Big pieces can usually stay put once they are pulled in.
Valuables and breakables
Put away small valuables, electronics and family keepsakes. Move them to a room that is not being painted. It keeps them safe and keeps the room clear.
Access and quiet
Think about where painters will find an outlet, water and a bathroom. Plan for some noise and some paint smell, and open a window if you can for fresh air. If you work from home, take calls in a room that is not being painted. Think about kids and pets, too, and where they can stay out of the way.
Decisions to make before day one
A few choices are much easier before the paint goes on:
- Colors and sheen. Test samples on your wall and look at them in morning light, afternoon light and at night. Colors change with the light.
- The scope. Read the written estimate again and ask about anything that is not clear.
- The start day and a contact person. Agree on both so you know who to call.
Leave the prep to the painters
It is tempting to get a head start. Please hold off. Do not pressure wash, scrape, sand or caulk before the job unless your painter asks you to. Those steps can be done wrong, and they can make more work for everyone.
Instead, ask your painter what they handle. Good questions to ask:
- How will floors, windows, fixtures and landscaping be protected?
- What prep and priming is included?
- How is the job cleaned up?
Ask for the answers to be in the written estimate.
On the day
Be reachable by phone, even if you are not home. When the work is done, walk the job with your painter and point out anything that needs a touch-up. If you have a question about any of this before your job starts, call me at (858) 333-2396.
FAQ
Do I need to move all my furniture before painters arrive?
Not always. Move small items, breakables and wall art. For larger furniture, it is usually fine to pull pieces toward the center of the room so the painters can reach the walls. Ask your painter what they will move, and get that in the written estimate.
Should I be home while my house is painted?
You do not have to be, but someone should be reachable by phone. Make sure the painters can get in, and tell them how to reach you with questions. Keep pets away from the work area. Plan to do a walkthrough at the end of the job.
What should I do about plants and cars?
Move cars away from the work area, and ask where your painter needs room for equipment. For plants, move pots away from the walls. Do not cut back landscaping on your own. Ask your painter what they need and how plants will be protected.
Want a free estimate? Call me, John, at (858) 333-2396 or use the contact page. I work in Ocean Beach and around San Diego. See our location page for the area. CA Lic. #1143424. A Beautiful Job Every Time.