A Checklist for Homeowners to Prepare Their Spaces for Painting Contractors

23 Oct A Checklist for Homeowners to Prepare Their Spaces for Painting Contractors

Hiring a professional painting contractor is a great way to transform your home. Proper preparation before the painters arrive can make the process smoother and faster. Be sure to speak with your contractor to understand your responsibilities before they arrive and what they will do.

Here’s a typical checklist of what must be done before the painters can begin painting. This allows them to work efficiently and achieve the best results.

• • • • Clear the Space: Before a painting contractor begins work, the furniture, décor, and personal belongings out of the rooms being painted. If large furniture pieces are difficult to remove, push them to the center of the room and cover them with protective plastic or cloths. This gives the painters easy access to walls and ceilings while protecting your furniture from accidental paint splatters.
      • Remove Wall Decorations: All artwork, mirrors, clocks, and shelves must be removed from the walls. Any nails, screws, or hooks also need to be removed so the painters have a clean surface to work on. This is something many painters will do themselves. If you won’t be reusing those holes, let your contractor know. If there are any holes or cracks in the walls, inform the contractor beforehand, as they will likely need to patch or repair these areas before painting.
      • Protect Flooring: Floors need to be protected. While most professional painters use drop cloths, consider laying down additional plastic sheeting or old blankets in high-traffic areas.
      • Prep the Pets: Keep pets away from the areas being painted and high-traffic areas while the paint crews are in your home. The noise and unfamiliar activity can be stressful for them. Consider relocating pets to a safe space for the duration of the project.
      • Communicate Clearly: Before you hire a painting contractor, clear communication about your expectations, color choices, and any special requests is paramount to a successful project. This helps avoid miscommunication and ensures you get the results you’re looking for.

Use our checklist to clarify your responsibilities and what they will do for a smooth, stress-free project from start to finish!

Mike Katounas