Preparing Your Home for Exterior Painting

Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful exterior painting project. While your painting contractor will handle most of the work, there are steps you can take to help ensure the best results and protect your property.

Clear the work area around your home. Move outdoor furniture, planters, grills, and decorations away from the house. Trim back shrubs and tree branches that might interfere with the painting process. This gives the crew clear access and prevents damage to your belongings.

Protect landscaping near the house. While professional painters use drop cloths and take care around plants, you can provide extra protection by covering delicate plants with lightweight tarps or moving potted plants temporarily.

Ensure access to outdoor water sources. Painters need water for cleaning brushes, equipment, and surfaces. Make sure exterior spigots are accessible and functioning.

Secure pets and plan for noise. Painting projects involve scraping, sanding, and other activities that can be stressful for pets. Plan to keep them indoors or away from the work area during project hours.

Communicate any concerns or special instructions. If you have specific areas that need extra attention, color preferences, or scheduling constraints, discuss these with your contractor before work begins.

While you don't need to do extensive prep work yourself, these simple steps help create a smooth, efficient painting process. Your contractor will handle all the technical preparation, but your cooperation ensures the project goes smoothly from start to finish.