The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for an Exterior Painting Project

Planning an exterior painting project in Mountainside, Summit, Westfield, or beyond? Proper preparation ensures a smooth, efficient, and high-quality result. Here’s everything you need to know to get your home ready before our exterior painters arrive.

What to Expect on Your Painting Day

Our crew typically starts between 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM. While an estimator or team member may arrive later, we will always notify you of any scheduling changes due to weather or previous job adjustments.

How to Prepare for Your Exterior Painting Project

To ensure efficiency, safety, and the best results, please complete the following before our team arrives:

1. Trim Foliage Around the House

• Cut back bushes and plants at least 12 inches away from the surfaces to be painted.
• Remove any vines attached to the house.
• If trimming isn’t possible, we’ll do our best to paint behind the plants, but full coverage cannot be guaranteed.

2. Secure Your Windows

• Close all windows securely before we arrive for pressure washing.
• If you’ve had water leaks around windows or doors, please inform your Job Site Supervisor.
• To prevent leaks, place towels around windows that are prone to water entry.

3. Clear Your Decks and Porches

• Remove small items and fabric objects before pressure washing and painting.
• We only pressure wash decks if we are staining them to prevent peeling paint issues.

4. Prepare Window Screens & Storm Windows

• Unlatch window screens from inside to allow for easy removal from the outside.
• Storm windows will only be removed if they are not glued shut. We avoid forceful removal to prevent damage.

5. Keep Pets Safe

• Keep pets away from the work area.
• If you have specific instructions for gates, latches, or doors, inform your Job Site Supervisor upon arrival.

6. Ensure Property Access

• Unlock any gates or areas included in the project.
• Provide necessary lockbox codes if applicable.

7. Provide Access to Water & Electricity

• We may need access to outdoor water spigots and electricity. Please let your Job Site Supervisor know their locations.

8. Inform Us of Parking Restrictions

• If you live in a neighborhood with limited or restricted parking, please notify us in advance.
• For city buildings with limited parking spaces, provide recommendations for the best parking locations.

9. Check HOA Requirements

• If your community is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), ensure compliance with any color or work restrictions.

10. Need Help? Let Us Know!

• If you are unable to complete any of these preparations, contact us and we’ll be happy to assist. Additional charges may apply.

What Our Painting Crew Will Handle

Our team will take care of the following to make the process easier for you:

• Move large patio or porch furniture and place it in a safe area.
• Cover any remaining furniture near the work area with plastic or drop cloths.
• Return furniture to its original position after project completion.
• Remove and dispose of all trash, leftover materials, and empty cans.
• Label and leave any leftover paint cans for future touch-ups if requested.

Walkthrough & Project Communication

To ensure that you are satisfied with the completed project, the Job Site Supervisor (painter on site) will answer questions during the project and walk the job with you when the work has been completed. You are not expected to pay for the project until this has been done. The Supervisor’s goal is to show you the exceptional quality of work in which he and his crew take pride in having produced, and in which you can also take pride displaying.

To ensure your satisfaction, our Job Site Supervisor will:

1. The Job Site Supervisor or our Production Associate will inform you of the expected completion day and time.

2. The Job Site Supervisor will walk the house and the project with you to ensure you are satisfied with the work. The on-site Jobsite Painting Supervisor will be your primary point of contact during the project. You can also call the Production Associate if you need further assistance.

3. After the walkthrough is done, please sign our copy of the job proposal, and give your payment to the Job Site Supervisor.

Please set aside time to meet with our Job Site Supervisor for the final walkthrough. We want to ensure you’re completely satisfied before wrapping up the project!

Following these steps will help create a seamless painting experience while ensuring the best possible results for your home. Ready to start your exterior painting project? Contact us today for a free estimate!