A little prep goes a long way. Most first-time customers aren't sure what's on them versus what's on us. Here's exactly what to expect on day one, so there are no surprises and we can get straight to work.

What we handle

• Masking & protection: Painter's tape along trim, floor protection, and plastic sheeting over anything staying in the room.
• Surface prep: Cleaning, sanding, patching small holes, and priming as needed for the finish we're applying.
• Cleanup: Daily site cleanup and a full walk-through with you at the end of every job.
• Dust and odor control: Filtered air movement where possible, especially for cabinet spray work.

What's on you

1. Clear the room where you can: Small furniture, wall decor, and anything fragile should be moved out or to the center of the room before we arrive. We handle heavy furniture moving on request; just let us know in advance.
2. Empty the cabinets, if it's a cabinet job: For kitchen cabinet painting, we ask that drawers and shelves be emptied so we can remove doors and hardware cleanly.
3. Plan around pets and kids: A quiet, closed-off space away from the work area (or a day out of the house) keeps everyone safest and the job moving faster.
4. Clear access to power and water: A nearby outlet and, for cabinet or tub jobs, water access helps us stay efficient.

A typical first-day timeline

We usually arrive within the scheduled window, walk the space with you to confirm scope, then move into masking and setup. Most interior rooms are ready for the first coat within a few hours of arrival. Cabinet jobs run on a slightly different clock since doors are removed and finished off-site or in a controlled area.

Questions we get a lot

• Do I need to be home? Not for the whole job, but we like a quick walk-through at the start and end.
• Will it smell? Our coatings are low-VOC where possible, and we ventilate actively during application.
• How long until rooms are usable? Interior walls are typically dry to the touch same-day; we'll give you a firm timeline before we start.

P.S. Not sure what needs to move? Send us a photo of the room and we'll tell you exactly what to clear before we arrive.