Painting Contracts · Question

What should I arrange on site before the painting crew arrives?

Short answer

Arrange clear access to every area, working power and water, storage space for materials, rooms emptied or furniture grouped and covered, decisions on colours and finishes, and a named person who can approve work. Settle other trades first, because electrical, plumbing and carpentry work done after painting damages the finish. A ready site saves days of crew time.

In more detail

Painters lose most time to waiting: for keys, for rooms to be emptied, for a colour decision, for electricity. Since crews are usually paid by the day or the item, delays cost money or push the schedule.

Think in four groups.

Access and services:

Provide entry for the crew, lift or staircase access, a locked store for paint and tools, and a place to wash equipment. Make power available for lights and sanding equipment, and water for mixing and cleaning. Agree working hours with neighbours or occupants, and plan for ventilation, since fumes and dust need an outlet.

Space and protection:

Remove fragile items and valuables. Move large furniture to the centre and cover it, or take it out. Take down curtains, wall hangings, switch plates and fittings the contractor is not meant to handle. Mark clearly what is protected by the contractor and what you will move yourself. Floors, glazing and fixtures should be covered, and the contract should say who supplies the covering and who is responsible for accidental marks.

Decisions and approvals:

Finalise the shade codes, finish types and any special areas before work starts, and confirm the approved sample patch. Name one person on your side to approve changes and sign off stages. Changing colours mid-job usually means extra coats and extra charges.

Sequence with other work:

Complete plumbing, electrical and carpentry first, apart from final fittings that follow painting. Let new plaster and repairs cure and dry for the period the plasterer or manufacturer advises. Paint over damp surfaces fails.

Walk the site together on day one

Walk each room with the contractor's supervisor, agree start order, note existing damage with photographs and confirm that everything on your preparation list is ready.

Also check how the work will be measured and inspected, and when dust-producing steps will happen, so occupants can plan around them.

Key points

Waiting for keys, rooms, power or colour decisions is where painting time is lost.
Provide access, power, water, secure storage and ventilation.
Clear or cover contents and agree who protects floors and fixtures.
Finalise colours, finishes and the approver before the crew starts.
Complete other trades and let repairs dry before painting begins.

Who this applies to

Owners preparing a home, shop or office for a painting contractor.
Facility managers coordinating painting with other works.
Tenants and landlords scheduling repainting around occupation.

Last reviewed 3 October 2026

This answer is general information, not advice on your particular case. Terms, eligibility, and requirements change, so check the current position with the relevant institution or authority.