How to Prepare Your Home Before the Painters Arrive

By the Red Brush Team

To prepare for painters, clear the work area, move or cover furniture and valuables, take things off the walls, make a plan for pets and kids, and confirm access, parking, and utilities. Most of this takes a few hours the day before. Doing it right keeps the job on schedule, protects your belongings, and often keeps your price down, because the crew doesn't have to spend billable time moving your things.

This checklist covers interior and exterior jobs. Before you start, check your written quote to see what the contractor handles and what they expect from you. Some crews move furniture as part of the job. Others expect rooms ready to go.

First: Confirm Who Does What

Preparation responsibilities vary, so settle them before painting day:

• Will the crew move furniture, or do you?
• Who takes down curtains, wall art, and outlet covers?
• Does the price include covering floors and furniture?
• What time will the crew arrive, and how long will they work each day?

Interior Painting Checklist

Clear the Space

• Move furniture out of the room if you can, or push it to the center and leave space for the crew to work around it. Large pieces are better moved by the crew or helpers if you're unable to.
• Take down wall items. Remove pictures, mirrors, shelves, and hooks. Fill your own nail holes if the contractor hasn't included patching.
• Remove or cover window treatments. Take down curtains, rods, and blinds that are in the way.
• Clear surfaces. Empty tables, counters, and shelves so nothing gets splattered or knocked over.
• Empty closets if they're being painted, and clear the area in front of any doors and baseboards.

Protect What Stays

• Cover or remove rugs and delicate flooring. Pros use drop cloths, but moving valuable rugs out is an easy way to protect them.
• Put away valuables, breakables, and personal items. Jewelry, important papers, and electronics should be out of the work zone.
• Cover any furniture that can't be moved with plastic or cloth sheeting. Ask the contractor what they supply.

Handle Practical Details

• Plan for pets and children. Wet paint and open doors don't mix with curious animals. Boarding pets or setting up a quiet room elsewhere is worth considering.
• Plan for ventilation. Ask which paint will be used, and open windows or run fans if the crew recommends it. Low-VOC paints reduce odor, but ventilation still helps.
• Think about where you'll be. Some people work from home during painting. Others find a few days away easier. If you have breathing sensitivities or small children, talk to the contractor about timing and product choices.
• Set aside a space for supplies. The crew will need a spot to stage drop cloths, ladders, and paint.
• Confirm water and power access. The crew needs outlets and a water source for cleanup.

Exterior Painting Checklist

• Trim back plants and shrubs that touch the house, or ask the contractor to cover them. Branches and bushes up against siding make clean prep difficult.
• Move outdoor furniture, grills, planters, and décor away from the house.
• Clear the perimeter so ladders and equipment have space to set up safely.
• Cover or move vehicles. Park cars away from the work area to avoid overspray and drips.
• Close windows and secure screens. Cover or remove window screens as directed.
• Plan for sprinklers. Turn off or adjust irrigation so it doesn't spray the wet surface or the crew, and ask when it's safe to turn back on.
• Tell your neighbors. A quick heads-up about noise, equipment, and possible overspray is a courtesy that avoids problems later.
• Secure pets and kids away from ladders, equipment, and wet paint.

The Day Before and the Morning Of

A short final check saves headaches:

1. Walk through each room or area and confirm it matches your checklist.
2. Make sure the crew can reach every surface to be painted.
3. Confirm the start time and who your point of contact will be.
4. Check that parking is available for the crew's vehicles and equipment.
5. Keep your phone handy for questions, and don't hesitate to ask if something isn't clear.

During the Job

Stay out of the crew's way, but stay reachable. Make color decisions before painting day, not during it, because changing a color halfway through can add cost and delay. If you notice something that concerns you, such as a missed spot or a color that looks different from the sample, say so early. Fixing it while the crew is still on site is far easier than a callback later.

After the Painters Finish

Do a walkthrough with the contractor before final payment. Check each room or section in good lighting, look at edges and trim, and list any touch-ups. Don't rush this step. Once you're satisfied, put furniture back only after the paint has had adequate time to cure, since some finishes stay soft longer than they feel. Ask the crew about cure times for the products they used.

If you're still choosing a contractor, our Complete Guide to Hiring a Painter in Sacramento explains how to vet and compare your options before painting day arrives.

Start With Contractors Who've Been Vetted

Preparation goes more smoothly when you trust the crew. Red Brush sends your project to a maximum of 3–4 local painting contractors who've been vetted for licensing and insurance. It's free for homeowners, with no obligation and no spam.

Ready to get your project started? Get free quotes from local painters and compare vetted Sacramento contractors.

Red Brush Painting Leads connects Sacramento homeowners with vetted local painting contractors — free, with no obligation and no spam.