Key Details to Share with Exterior Painters Before They Begin

What to Discuss with Your Exterior Painters Before Starting the Job

Painting the outside of a home is a huge job and if you want to get it right, communication is crucial. An advantage of a job well done is not just enhancing your home’s appearance but also shielding it from weather damage! Before anyone sets foot in your house, it’s essential to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Setting expectations clearly reduces mistakes, helps save time, and ensures the result you want. These are the top things to cover with your exterior painters before they pick up a brush.

1. Confirm the Scope of Work

First, review the items that are included in the project. Don’t assume something will get done — ask.

• What areas will be painted? Is it only the siding, or does it encompass trim, doors, shutters, fences, or porches?
• Will they handle prep work? This can comprise scraping away old paint, pressure washing, patching up cracks, as well as priming surfaces.
• Who puts away outdoor furniture or covers landscaping? Some painters take care of this themselves; others expect homeowners to do it.
• Is there a warranty? Will they come and fix it if the paint is peeling off within a year? Get this in writing.

The more you discuss things in detail, the less there will be to take everyone by surprise later.

2. Choose the Right Paint and Finish

Not all paints are the same. Some are more moisture resistant, some last longer, some fade less. What you and your painters should agree on:

• The specific brand and type of paint — Higher quality paints last longer and better protect.
• The finish — Flat, satin or glossy? Satin is typical for exteriors because it is durable and does a good job of hiding imperfections.
• Coats — Are they going to use one coat or two? Some colors require additional coats for complete opacity.

If in doubt, ask your painters for recommendations for your climate and home’s surface type.

3. Discuss the Paint Color

Choosing a color may sound easy enough, but it’s best to test it first. Sunlight changes the look of paint vs. the store.

• Request sample swatches in your space. A swatch on a small card is not enough—test it on your real siding and see how it looks throughout the day.”
• Validate trim and accent colors. Provide clear guidance to your painters on the location of each color. One miscommunication here could mean repainting parts of your home.
• Check with the HOA if needed. And if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, they may have rules dictating what color selections are exterior.

A little extra time spent on color choices can save you from making costly mistakes down the line.

4. Talk About Weather and Scheduling

As many people do not realize, weather impacts exterior painting more than anything else. Rain, excessively hot temperatures, and high humidity can all create complications.

• What is the plan B for inclement weather? Will they stop work when it rains or look for better conditions before beginning?
• How long will the job take?
• What hours will they work? Some painters like to paint in the morning; some prefer afternoons.
• Advance knowledge of the schedule enables you to plan around it, particularly if you have pets, children and outdoor activities.

5. Ask About Surface Preparation

But it all starts with good prep work. The new paint won’t hold if painters skip this step.

• They’ll wash the house and then power wash it? A good scrub is needed to remove dirt, mildew, and old peeling paint.
• What will they do for cracks, gaps, or rotted wood? Some painters touch up and replace minor wood damage; others expect you to do this before they arrive.
• Will they use a primer? Certain paints contain built-in primer, however a separate primer is required for significant color shifts or raw surfaces.

Pick your date accordingly; rushing prep work can result in paint careening off walls and attaching itself to limbs.

6. Address Safety and Property Protection

Painting is messy, and accidents do happen. Describe how you will protect their home and yard.

• How are they going to protect landscaping? But removing paint drips on plants, patios or sidewalks can be a pain in the you-know-what. Will they also cover bushes and flower beds?
• But what about windows, doors, and outdoor furniture? Is there anything you should move before they come?
• Will they employ ladders or scaffolding? If so, what locations will they “set up” at? Just be sure no delicate surfaces, like fragile decks or garden beds, are underneath.

The higher the precautions, the lower the headaches after.

7. Clarify Cleanup Expectations

Painting is a messy business; there is no getting around it. Check with your painters about what cleanup they include in their service.

• Will they clean up old paint chips and debris? If they scrape peeling paint, you don’t want it sitting in your yard.
• What are they doing with any leftover paint? It’s always a good idea to have some for touch-ups, but ensure that they properly seal and store any leftover cans away.
• Will they clean paint spills? Some painters place drop cloths everywhere; others may not be so careful.

An experienced crew will leave your home cleaner and more beautiful than when they arrived, not with paint dripped everywhere.

8. Confirm Payment Terms and Pricing

Money can be uncomfortable to discuss, but, if you are going to be working together, you want to set the terms before you get started.

• What’s the total cost? Request a written estimate that breaks down labor, materials and any additional fees.
• How is payment handled? Some painters request a deposit and others want to be fully paid once the job is done.
• Could there be additional fees involved? If they discover wood rot or find other repairs are necessary, will they inform you before tacking on to the bill?

Create a clear payment agreement so there are no surprises upon job completion.

9. Ask About Communication During the Project

No matter how well you plan, there will always be surprises. Knowing how your painters will be in touch with you makes things a lot easier.

• Who should I refer to as a concrete contact person? If you have questions will you talk to the painter directly or a manager?
• How will they communicate progress to you? Will they check in on a daily basis, or are you just supposed to assume they will meet the deadline?
• What if there is a delay? Would they keep you updated if the job is taking longer than they anticipated?

Good communication not only eliminates misunderstandings but it also improves the process of the contracts.

10. Discuss Any Specific Concerns You Have

Each home is unique, and you may have particular requests. Feel free to raise them.

• What kind of paint do you want to be used for durability?
• Are there certain areas you would like additional attention in, such as high-traffic areas?
• Are there pets that need to stay inside when painting doors?

The more information you provide, the better painters can achieve your expectations.

Conclusion

It all begins with clear communication for a successful exterior paint job. Going over the details ahead of time — such as colors, prep work, scheduling, and cleanup — can help you avoid surprises and ensure the job meets your expectations. Thoroughly discussing these tips with your painters will help guarantee a smooth process and a great end product.