How to Prepare Your Home for Painters: A Simple Checklist

A week or two before: decisions to make

The smoothest projects are the ones where the big decisions are made before day one. Settle colours and sheens, confirm which rooms and surfaces are included, and tell your painter about anything unusual: a leak that was fixed, a ceiling stain, a door that sticks or a room that must stay usable.

• Choose colours and sheens (or book a colour consultation)

• Confirm exactly which walls, ceilings, trim and doors are included

• Plan where pets, kids and home-office work will go during painting

• Share parking, alarm codes and access instructions

Before interior painting

Good homeowner prep helps the crew work faster and protects your belongings. You do not need to move heavy furniture; just clear the small things so the crew can get straight to work.

• Remove pictures, mirrors, curtains and wall décor

• Clear shelves and small items; move fragile objects to another room

• Leave large furniture accessible; the crew will move and cover it

• Empty closets you want painted inside

• Plan pets and kids around wet-paint areas

Before exterior painting

Exterior crews need clear access to every wall, plus room for ladders and drop cloths. A little garden prep also protects your plants from being stepped on or splashed.

• Trim shrubs and plants away from walls

• Unlock gates and move patio furniture and BBQs

• Point out outdoor taps and outlets

• Turn off sprinklers on painting days

• Park vehicles away from the house and driveway work area

What the painting crew handles

A professional crew covers floors and furniture, removes switch plates, patches holes, caulks gaps, primes where needed and cleans up every day. Mention leaks, soft wood or past paint failures at the estimate so repairs can be planned.

At the end of the job, walk the rooms with the crew lead. Point out anything you want touched up while the crew and the paint are still on site.

Living at home during painting

Modern low-odour interior paints make it practical to stay home while rooms are painted. Keep windows open where you can, expect each room to be out of use for roughly a day, and avoid hanging pictures or pushing furniture against fresh walls for a few days while the paint hardens.