Homeowners should remove fragile items, wall decorations and small belongings, then make sure the crew can reach the work areas. Professional painters should confirm who handles larger furniture, floor protection, taping, patching, sanding and cleanup before the project starts.
What homeowners should move
Remove pictures, mirrors, decorations and small items from the work area. Empty open shelving and move valuables, electronics, medications and important documents somewhere safe. These steps reduce handling and let the crew protect the room efficiently.
If you want nail holes filled, leave the walls bare and identify anything that must remain. If artwork will return to the same location, ask whether selected fasteners should stay in place.
What professional preparation should cover
Surface preparation is part of the finish, not an optional cosmetic step. The agreed scope should explain how floors and furniture will be protected and which patches, cracks, caulking or stains will be addressed.
- Floor and walkway protection
- Furniture covering and agreed furniture movement
- Cleaning or deglossing surfaces where required
- Patching, sanding, caulking and spot priming included in the quote
- Daily organization and final cleanup
Plan for pets, children and access
Keep pets away from open paint, tools and freshly finished surfaces. Let the estimator know about alarm systems, parking limitations, building rules or times when rooms cannot be accessed.
A short conversation before the start date prevents most disruptions. RiteKote reviews project-specific preparation during the estimate rather than expecting every homeowner to prepare the same way.
Your before-the-crew-arrives checklist
- Remove wall hangings and fragile objects
- Clear small items from furniture, counters and shelves
- Store valuables and personal documents securely
- Arrange a safe area for pets and children
- Confirm parking, entry, washroom and alarm instructions
- Review the agreed repairs and included surfaces
Related homeowner questions
Do I need to move all the furniture?
Usually not. RiteKote asks homeowners to remove small and fragile items. Larger furniture responsibilities are confirmed for the project and protected according to the written scope.
Should I wash the walls first?
Ask before doing extra work. Kitchens, bathrooms and visibly contaminated surfaces may need cleaning, while many rooms only need the preparation identified during inspection.
Do I need to remove switch plates and outlet covers?
That responsibility should be confirmed in the scope. It is better to agree on it than to assume the homeowner or crew will handle it.
