How to Prepare Your Home for Exterior Painting: Complete Checklist
Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful exterior painting project. At JH Painting Services, we handle all prep work, but understanding the process helps you know what to expect and how to prepare your property.
Before the Crew Arrives
1. Clear the Perimeter
- Move outdoor furniture at least 10 feet from the house
- Relocate potted plants and garden décor
- Remove items from window sills
- Take down bird feeders and wind chimes
2. Protect Your Landscape
- Cover delicate plants with drop cloths
- Water gardens thoroughly (dry plants are more fragile)
- Mark sprinkler heads to prevent damage
- Trim bushes and shrubs 12+ inches from the house
3. Vehicle Arrangements
- Park cars in the garage or away from the work area
- Clear the driveway for equipment and material staging
- Note that overspray can travel—keep vehicles at least 20 feet away
4. Pet Considerations
- Keep pets indoors or in a fenced area away from work zones
- Wet paint and ladders can be dangerous for curious animals
- The noise of power washing and sprayers may stress pets
5. Notify Neighbors
- Let adjacent neighbors know about the project
- Crews may need to work near property lines
- Share expected timeline and work hours
What Our Team Does During Prep
Power Washing (Day 1)
We thoroughly clean all surfaces to remove:
- Dirt and grime
- Loose paint
- Mildew and algae
- Cobwebs and debris
- Oxidation (on aluminum siding)
Important: Your home needs 24-48 hours to dry completely before painting.
Surface Preparation
- Scraping: Remove all loose, peeling, or flaking paint
- Sanding: Smooth rough areas and feather edges of existing paint
- Caulking: Seal gaps around windows, doors, and trim
- Priming: Apply primer to bare wood and problem areas
- Repairs: Fix damaged siding, rotted trim, and wood putty all imperfections
Masking & Protection
- Plastic sheeting over windows and doors
- Drop cloths on decks, walkways, and gardens
- Tape off lights, fixtures, and house numbers
- Cover air conditioning units
Massachusetts Weather Considerations
Our New England weather can be unpredictable. Here's what we factor in:
Ideal Painting Conditions
- Temperature: 50-85°F
- Humidity: Below 70%
- No rain for 24 hours before and after
- Minimal wind
How We Handle Weather
- We monitor forecasts closely
- Projects may pause during unsuitable conditions
- We protect partially completed work
- We communicate schedule changes promptly
The Prep-to-Paint Timeline
Your Checklist Summary
One Week Before:
- [ ] Confirm project start date
- [ ] Finalize color selections
- [ ] Notify neighbors
- [ ] Schedule pet accommodations if needed
Day Before:
- [ ] Clear perimeter 10+ feet
- [ ] Move outdoor furniture
- [ ] Protect delicate plants
- [ ] Park vehicles away from house
During the Project:
- [ ] Keep windows closed during power washing
- [ ] Maintain clear access to electrical outlets
- [ ] Keep pets away from work areas
- [ ] Note any concerns to communicate with crew lead
Ready to Get Started?
At JH Painting Services, we take care of all the professional preparation—that's part of our commitment to quality results that last. We'll walk through your property before starting to address any specific concerns.
Contact us at (508) 690-8886 for your free exterior painting estimate!
