Exterior Painting Prep Guide

CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City

Ready to make a change?

Schedule an Estimate

Typical Crew Start Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Please note that your estimator or a member of our CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City team may arrive later in the day to check in.

While we do our best to keep your project on schedule, weather conditions and changes to prior jobs can occasionally impact your planned start date.

If this happens, we will notify you promptly to keep you informed and minimize any disruption to your plans.

certapro van outside home

Preparing for Your Exterior Painting Project

To help ensure your exterior painting project with CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City runs smoothly, safely, and on schedule, please complete the following preparations before our crew arrives:

Foliage: Trim back bushes and shrubs at least 12 inches away from the home or areas being painted. Please remove any vines connected to the house. If removal isn’t possible, we will do our best to paint behind them, but perfect coverage cannot be guaranteed.

Windows: Ensure all windows are closed securely before we arrive for pressure washing. If you have experienced leaks around windows or doors in the past, please let your Job Site Supervisor know. Placing towels around windows prone to leaks is recommended.

Decks/Porches: Please clear porches and decks of small items and fabric furnishings before we begin. Note that we will only pressure wash decks if they are being stained to prevent peeling paint.

Screens: Please unlatch window screens from the inside so they can be removed externally without us needing to enter your home. Storm windows will only be removed if they are not sealed to the frame, as we avoid forceful removal to prevent damage.

Pets: Plan to keep pets safely away from the work area during your project. If there are special instructions regarding gates, doors, or pet management, please notify your Job Site Supervisor on arrival.

Property Access: Ensure we have access to all areas included in your project scope. Please unlock gates and share any necessary codes for locks or lockboxes.

Water & Electricity: We will need access to outdoor water spigots and exterior electrical outlets. Please inform your Job Site Supervisor of their locations.

Parking: Let us know in advance if there are neighborhood parking restrictions. For city or limited parking areas, please recommend the best available parking location for our team.

Assistance: If you need help with any of these preparations, please contact us ahead of time so we can assist you. Additional charges may apply.

HOA Approval: If you live in an HOA community, please check and follow any requirements related to exterior painting, including approved colors and work restrictions.

What You Can Expect From CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City

During your exterior painting project, CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City will handle the following to keep your property organized and protected:

  • Move large patio or porch furniture to the center of your yard or another clear area to keep it out of the work zone. (Some weight restrictions may apply.)

  • Cover any patio or porch furniture that remains near the work area with plastic or professional painter’s drop cloths.

  • Return all moved furniture to its original location once your project is complete.

  • Remove and dispose of any trash, debris, and empty paint cans from your property to leave your space clean.

  • Label and leave any leftover paint with you for reference and for future touch-ups upon request.

Exterior Painting

Walkthrough and Project Communication

To ensure your complete satisfaction with the finished project, the Job Site Supervisor (the painter on site) will be available to answer any questions throughout the job and will conduct a final walkthrough with you once the work is complete. Payment is not expected until after this walkthrough.

  • The Job Site Supervisor or our Production Associate will notify you of the anticipated completion date and time.

  • The Job Site Supervisor will walk through the home and project with you to confirm you’re happy with the results. They will be your main point of contact during the project. For additional assistance, you can also reach out to the Production Associate.

  • After the walkthrough is done, please expect a call later that day or the next day from the Residential Sales Associate who will finalize the project and provide all the necessary payment information.

Please be sure to allocate time in your schedule to meet with the Job Site Supervisor for the final walkthrough.

Inspection

Our experience with CertaPro Painters was excellent. From the initial consultation and scheduling process with Hiram Patchen, through the arrival of the painting crew several days later, our project was flawlessly executed. In fact, our initial scope of work was scheduled for two days, but the crew was so efficient, they completed the entire job in one day! We were extremely pleased with the quality of the work, and truly appreciated their efforts. This crew was timely, thorough, and professional. We would highly recommend this company!

- Debra M. | Ellicott City, MD

Debra M. | Ellicott City, MD

Get a Free EstimateBack

Other Residential Services We Provide

Check out our Cabinet Painting

Cabinet Painting

Your cabinets are perhaps one of the most touched surfaces in your home, so it’s no surprise that they wind up with a little wear and tear. At CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City we’ll work with you to find a finish or paint that meets the needs of your home and daily routine.

Learn More

Check out our Carpentry Services

Carpentry Services

Crown molding is a great way to add elegance in a home. It is timeless, ornate and exquisite looking. The CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City team can work install decorative borders around your home including fireplace mantels, baseboards, door casings, and wainscoting.

Learn More

Check out our Color Consultation

Color Consultation

Not sure which shade to choose? Struggling to differentiate matte, satin and gloss? We’ll help you navigate the sea of options to find a color that matches your home’s interior aesthetic and stands up to your family’s daily routine.

Learn More

Check out our Concrete Staining and Epoxy Finish

Concrete Staining and Epoxy Finish

Applying a stain to an interior or exterior concrete floor can add unique dimension to any space. You can enhance the durability of your concrete with an epoxy floor coating. The CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City team is trained in applying concrete stains and epoxy floor coatings.

Learn More

Check out our Deck Staining

Deck Staining

At CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City we offer a variety of interior and exterior home staining services, including your home’s deck and fencing. Regardless of the room inside your home that needs an update or the area of your home’s exterior that needs protection from Mother Nature, our team works with you to determine the best plan of action for your home.

Learn More

Check out our Drywall Repair

Drywall Repair

Whether your home has water damage that requires drywall repair or your walls have medium-to-large holes that need patching, the CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City crew will patch, sand and prime, to create a flawless surface to paint on.

Learn More

Check out our Exterior Trim Painting

Exterior Trim Painting

Trim painting is a minor detail that makes a big difference in the overall appearance of your home. Boost your home's curb appeal with our trim and accent painting services!

Learn More

Check out our Foundation Painting

Foundation Painting

CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott-City are experts in foundation painting and staining. Whether this is your first time painting your foundation or just need a refresh, we are here to help.

Learn More

Check out our Front Door Painting

Front Door Painting

Let our team at CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott-City transform your exterior through the little details that make all the difference.

Learn More

Check out our Move-In & Move-Out Painting Services

Move-In & Move-Out Painting Services

CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City offers professional move-in and move-out painting services that make your transition smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

Learn More

Check out our Power Washing

Power Washing

Power washing is a vital step in painting the exterior of your home. CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City uses the process to remove mold, oil and old paint so new paint absorbs into your surface better.

Learn More

Check out our Stucco Repairs and Replacement

Stucco Repairs and Replacement

As with any other home exterior, it’s important to maintain the stucco or EIFS (also known as synthetic stucco) covering your home. The CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City team is very knowledgeable in both repairs and painting related to these two materials and will work alongside you to determine what services your home needs.

Learn More

Check out our Trim and Molding Painting

Trim and Molding Painting

CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott-City is your go-to house painting company for your woodworking and crown molding needs. In addition to specializing in providing quality interior and exterior painting services we also offer customers services such as installing and painting molding.

Learn More

Check out our Vinyl and Aluminum Siding Painting

Vinyl and Aluminum Siding Painting

Whether you have high-tech vinyl siding or a more traditional siding, CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City knows how to restore them. Our team has the right approach to add new life to your exteriors.

Learn More

Check out our Wallpaper Removal

Wallpaper Removal

Removing wallpaper can be a tricky task. The crew at CertaPro Painters® of Ellicott City is skilled in removing wallpaper and will make this time-consuming task, hassle-free for you. All you’ll have to do is enjoy the final look.

Learn More

Areas We Services in Ellicott City, MD