Whether you’re painting a single room or your entire house, one of the most common questions we get is:
“What do I need to do before you arrive?”
At Inspired By Design Painting, we keep it simple. We handle all the big stuff—prep, protection, setup, and cleanup. But there are a few small things homeowners can do to make the project smoother, safer, and faster.
Here’s our simple, stress-free prep checklist to help you get ready for your next painting project.
The Homeowner’s Pre-Paint Checklist
1. Take Wall Décor Down
Remove pictures, artwork, wall-mounted shelves, mirrors, and anything else hanging. Don’t worry about the holes—we’ll patch those as part of our prep.
2. Clear Small Furniture and Breakables
Move small tables, floor lamps, and decorative items out of the work area if possible. If it’s delicate, valuable, or sentimental—better safe than sorry.
“We do everything we can to protect your space, but nothing beats having your favorite vase tucked away before the drop cloths go down.”
— Brandon Miller, Owner
3. Unplug Electronics and Label Cords
If we’re painting around TVs, computers, or media centers, unplug and label cords ahead of time. We’ll move larger furniture carefully, but this step keeps your electronics safe.
4. Make a Clear Path
Make sure our crew can easily move from room to room, especially in tight hallways or around staircases. That helps speed things up and keeps everyone safe.
5. Crate Pets or Arrange for Safe Spaces
We love animals, but open doors, ladders, and cords aren’t pet-friendly. If possible, crate pets or keep them in a separate part of the house while we’re working.
6. Communicate Special Instructions
If there’s something we should know (like a broken outlet, sensitive alarm, or access issue), let us know before we begin. Clear communication helps us serve you better.
What We Take Care Of
You don’t need to lift heavy furniture or tape off trim—we handle that. Here’s what we do for every job:
- Move and cover large furniture
- Protect floors with drop cloths and surface tape
- Mask off windows, baseboards, and fixtures
- Patch holes, sand surfaces, and spot-prime as needed
- Clean up thoroughly and remove all trash and materials
“Our clients are often surprised how little they need to do. We’re here to make the process easy—from setup to cleanup.”
— Brandon Miller, Founder
Bonus Tip: Prep the Color Decisions, Too
We’re always happy to offer color consultations—but if you already know your palette, have it ready! It helps us get your job scheduled faster.
If you’re unsure, don’t stress—we’ll bring samples and help you choose a color that fits your light, your furniture, and your style.