Summer has arrived, and it’s no better time to get started on those home updates that you’ve been putting off. If one of those updates is updating the interior paint in your home, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your home is ready for when your professional interior painting crew arrives.
Clear Your Rooms
Note any rooms the interior painters will be working in. If you can’t completely remove all the furniture because they’re painting the entire house, the best thing you can do is to move any furniture that you have away from the walls and put it towards the center of each room. Do you have any expensive rugs, such as oriental rugs in your home? Make sure you roll those rugs up and put them away for safekeeping so you don’t risk getting paint on them. Take anything that you have hanging on the wall, such as pictures, artwork, hangings, and TV sets, and bring those down as well. Move them towards the center of the room or put them in a closet out of the way.
What about things that you can’t remove from the wall? When you’re dealing with professional interior painters, they understand how to work around things such as an attached bedpost or bookshelf that is installed within a wall itself. The best thing you can do is try to remove any fragile items or away from your shelving so that workers won’t risk bumping into them and damaging them by accident.
Pre-Clean Walls
One of the first steps that go into interior painting is wall cleaning. Your painters will never paint over a wall that’s dirty and unprepared. While they always clean the walls on their end, any pre-cleaning will be appreciated and can make their job easier. So if you see any visible grease and dirt on your walls, you can use a mild detergent and sponge to wipe them down as much as possible. You could then wipe any soapy or detergent residue with clean water and let it dry.
Handle Leak Issues
Interior painters will always repair any visible damage to your walls before starting. However, if you have any underlying foundational issues, such as water leaks in the drywall or mold, you should have the related contractor deal with them beforehand. You may notice water stains on your ceiling or walls. That’s a sure sign you have a leak somewhere on the back end. Those leaks will not only damage your drywall, but they can also cause your foundation to rot. If you’re not 100% sure where a leak is coming from, it’s best to speak to a professional. They can get to the bottom of any cracks, holes, and other moisture issues that may be leading to water damage. If any foundation repairs or a new roof is needed, you should handle that first so leaks won’t continue to ruin any new paint.
Choose Paint Colors
Interior painters can’t start without knowing what colors you want. You’ll decide on a final color or colors that you’ll use for one room or throughout the home. You will most likely choose a main color, and if you want a different color for trimming, you’ll let them know. Your interior painters will often give you a choice between different finishes, such as matte or glossy, or textured finishes. Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start in terms of color. You can always tell the interior painter what you’re looking for and they can show you various shades of that hue to see if one will fit your home. If you prefer to remain neutral, you can choose from white, off-white, and various types of beige that can work as well. However, if you want to keep up with the trends, you can consult both with your interior painters and check out home decor magazines. According to The Spruce, the main colors for 2023 include gray, green, and black. You may also find lots of inspiration online.
Handle Pets and Children
Do you have small children and pets in your residence? Unfortunately, pets, especially dogs, can become anxious, and your cats may hide as well out of fear. Children may also become a little nervous or may get in the way. It’s best to arrange to keep your pets and kids out of the areas that are being painted so the painters can do their job without interruption. If you have a relative or friend nearby that can host your kids and pets, it may be the best solution. However, if you’re painting the entire house, it may be best if you and your entire family are gone during the painting process.
Make Home Office Adjustments
Are you one of many Americans who now work remotely? Having workers throughout your home for a few days could interrupt your work unless you have a designated home office isolated from the sound and paint fumes. If you don’t have a designated workspace that allows you to work while painters are in your home, you may want to make arrangements such as going to a coworking space or coffee shop while the project is being completed.
A fresh paint job can be an exciting renovation for anyone. After all, it can completely change the mood and atmosphere in your home. When you’re fully prepared for the interior painting crew beforehand, it can make things go a lot smoother. If there are any other necessary steps to take, don’t worry. A professional painting company will be able to give you all the information you need to fully prepare. According to Brandon Gaille, in the next decade, it’s estimated that around 5,500 painting jobs will be created. This means it should be easier than ever to find a company to tackle your painting needs. Contact Westslope Painting today to learn about how we can transform your home with a beautiful paint job.