4 Steps Homeowners in Chevy Chase MD Should Take Before House Painting
Before a paint job ever begins, most of the work that smooths the way doesn’t involve a single drop of paint. In a place like Chevy Chase, where older homes often carry some quirks and late November brings shorter days, a little early prep goes a long way.
Working with house painters becomes simpler when homeowners know what to handle ahead of time. Things like moving furniture, clearing space, and planning around family needs are small steps that lead to big improvements in how smoothly the job goes.
Whether you’re updating a single room or refreshing your whole home exterior, knowing how to set the stage helps the professionals work more efficiently and helps you get back to normal faster.
Let’s take a closer look at the four smart steps every homeowner should take before the painting even starts. Each one supports better results and fewer hiccups along the way.
4 Smart Steps to Prepare Your Home Before Painting
Preparing your home for a paint project isn’t complicated, but it does benefit from a bit of attention before the crew arrives. These steps outline simple actions homeowners can take ahead of time to make sure the workspace is ready and the painters can get started without delay.
1. Move Furniture and Wall Decor Out of the Way
Your painters can’t do their best work if the space isn’t fully accessible. Before painting starts, take a little time to move rugs, lamps, bookshelves, or anything else that bumps up against the walls. Clearing the area gives your painting team full room to prep and paint without having to pause for a walkthrough or rework the layout on arrival.
Start with large, movable furniture like couches and dining tables. Move them into the center of the room if they’re too bulky to leave entirely. Removing framed art, clocks, mirrors, and wall shelves helps cut down on dust, avoids breakage, and makes for easier wall prep. Lighting fixtures that hang too close to the work area should be taken down where possible.
Piano in the corner? Built-in cabinetry? Some things are just too heavy or anchored to shift. In those cases, talk to your painters in advance. They’ll let you know if those features need extra prep or special coverings. Even just identifying those pieces now helps save time when the crew arrives.
2. Protect What Stays with Covers or Drop Cloths
Not everything can or should be moved. But it should still be protected. Sofas, TVs, floors, and electrical cords benefit from solid covers that keep drips, tools, and sanding dust from spreading into the rest of the house.
Painters usually arrive with their own drop cloths, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help by getting a jumpstart. If your furniture is staying put in the room, go ahead and lay down canvas or plastic sheeting ahead of time. This helps the crew start faster and avoids damage to valuables like audio equipment or older wood furniture.
In older Chevy Chase homes, it’s common to have delicate hardwood floors or ornate trim that may not be easy to replace. Prepping those spaces with waterproof covers or soft cloth layers helps minimize risk. If your home is especially sensitive to dust or has kids with allergies, laying plastic over rugs and vents can make cleanup easier once the painting is done.
Want more ideas for protecting your space? Our blog on preventing mess during interior painting goes deeper into prep for high-traffic rooms and common living areas. And if your trim needs some upgrades before painting, our carpentry and repair services can make sure everything is in great shape.
3. Make a Plan for Pets and Kids During Paint Days
Painting can be loud, smelly, and full of sharp tools or wet surfaces. If you have pets or small kids at home, it pays to plan around their routines so everyone stays safe.
The strong smell of primers or fresh paint can be hard for pets, especially in cooler months when windows may need to stay closed longer. And open doors during supply runs make it easy for pets to slip outside unnoticed. A temporary room setup or a few days with a family member can take away a lot of the stress. Same goes for young children, especially in multilevel homes where stairs or paint trays might be in use.
Even one helpful conversation with your painting crew ahead of time can avoid a lot of disruption. If your dog gets anxious around strangers or your toddler naps during certain hours, the crew can plan their work schedule around that. It builds trust, prevents mistakes, and keeps the project moving.
Major changes in the home often overlap, and planning colors early can make the painting process smoother, especially when those decisions affect multiple rooms or tie into a broader remodel. And when prep reveals issues like cracks or dents, understanding when drywall repair is needed helps keep the project on track before the crew begins.
4. Double-Check Timing and Let the Team Know About Special Requests
This one can save everyone a lot of re-dos. A few clear instructions from you ahead of time helps the painting team get everything right the first try.
Think about sections of the home that have unusual conditions. Is there a dining room ceiling that’s peeling from a damp patch? An accent wall that you want to keep the same color? Features like crown molding, decorative trim, or older wallpaper can make certain areas more complex than others. Bring those to your painter’s attention early, especially here in Chevy Chase where historic styles and layered materials are common.
Seasonal timing matters too. In late November, there’s less daylight to work with and more moisture in the air. Letting your painters know if you’re available on weekends or need an early finish helps them plan around both your schedule and the colder days. It can also affect when they paint certain rooms or which products they select.
Using professionals who are comfortable with older homes helps, especially when walls don’t behave like modern drywall. If you’re working on a bigger refresh, we’ve shared tips before on painting newly remodeled rooms and how sequence timing plays a part when structural changes are involved.
Better Prep Means Better Results Every Time
When spaces are clear, items are protected, and schedules are aligned, professional painters can focus on delivering the best finish for your home. That kind of preparation is even more helpful in Chevy Chase, especially during November, when weather conditions can change quickly and shorter daylight hours add pressure to stay on track.
Good preparation doesn’t have to take long or be complicated. A thoughtful walkthrough and a few simple adjustments can take pressure off you and help the professionals make steady progress. The result is a smoother job, less disruption to your routine, and results that look exactly how you expected, if not better.
Transform your Chevy Chase home with ease by partnering with Hömm Certified Painting Systems for a flawless painting experience. Our expert team is ready to assist with every detail, from planning to execution. For those in the area, our experienced house painters in Chevy Chase, MD, ensure your project runs smoothly and meets every expectation. Start your home transformation today and enjoy the satisfaction of a beautifully refreshed living space.
