By Cameron Maltby, owner of PB Painting · Updated October 2026
A little preparation on your end makes a paint job faster, cleaner and less stressful for everyone. It can also save money, because time spent moving belongings is time not spent painting. Here is what I ask homeowners to do before we arrive, and what our crew takes care of.
Two to three weeks before
- Finalize colors. Test samples on your walls and look at them at different times of day. We provide up to 10 free samples. See our color consultation page.
- Check HOA rules. Many San Diego HOAs require exterior color approval. Submit early, since approvals can take a few weeks.
- Plan around life. Note events, guests, deliveries and vacations, and share them with us when we schedule.
- Handle other trades first. Roofing, window replacement, stucco patching by others and drywall repairs should be done before painting, not after.
Interior checklist (a few days before)
- Remove wall art, mirrors, shelves, curtains and curtain rods from rooms being painted.
- Clear small items, electronics, plants and anything fragile off furniture and shelves.
- Empty closets that are being painted.
- Remove valuables and medications from the work areas.
- Pull furniture toward the center of the room if you can. If not, our crew will move standard furniture and cover it. Pianos, safes and very heavy pieces should stay put, and we will work around them.
- Decide which nail holes and anchors you want filled, and which ones you will reuse for art.
Exterior checklist (a few days before)
- Move patio furniture, grills, planters and decorations away from the walls.
- Trim plants and shrubs back from the house, ideally a foot or more.
- Turn off sprinklers near the house for the duration of the project, and the day before we start.
- Take down wall-mounted decor, wreaths and hanging plants.
- Park cars away from the house and out of the driveway if we are painting the garage door or nearby walls.
- Let neighbors know if we will be working near a shared fence or wall.
- Unlock gates, or arrange access to side yards and the backyard.
Day of: what to expect
- Protection first. We cover floors, furniture, fixtures, windows and landscaping before any paint is opened.
- Prep takes time. Washing, scraping, patching, caulking and priming often take as long as painting. That is normal, and it is what makes paint last.
- Pets and kids. Keep pets inside or away from the work area, and keep children away from ladders and open paint.
- Windows and doors. On exteriors, some windows may be masked for a day or two while we spray.
- Daily cleanup. We tidy up at the end of each day so you can use your home in the evenings.
What our crew handles for you
- Covering floors and furniture with drop cloths and plastic
- Removing and reinstalling switch plates and outlet covers
- Masking hardware, fixtures and trim
- Patching nail holes, dings and small cracks listed in the scope
- Covering plants, walkways and hardscape outside
- Cleanup and a final walk-through with you
If you have an older home built before 1978, ask about lead-safe practices. Our lead paint guide explains what to expect.
After the job
- Wait a day or two before hanging art, and a week or two before scrubbing walls. Paint feels dry quickly but takes longer to fully cure.
- Keep the leftover paint, labeled with the room and product, for future touch-ups.
- Turn sprinklers back on, but aim them away from walls and wood.
- Save your proposal and warranty paperwork. Our warranty transfers to the next owner if you sell.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be home while the painters work?
No. Many clients give us access and check in at the end of each day. We do recommend being available for the final walk-through.
Can I stay in the house during interior painting?
Yes, in most cases. We use low-odor, low-VOC paints and work room by room so the rest of the house stays usable.
How long will the project take?
Most single rooms take a day or two. Whole-house interiors and exteriors usually take about one to two weeks. Your proposal includes a schedule.
Ready to get on the schedule? Request a free estimate or call (619) 394-3888. Curious about price first? Read our San Diego cost guide.
About the author
Cameron Maltby owns PB Painting, a licensed and insured painting contractor in Del Mar, CA (PB Painting LLC, Lic. #1099764). Since 2020 he has estimated and managed hundreds of interior and exterior painting projects across San Diego County. Every PB Painting project is backed by a written warranty of up to 7 years. See warranty details.
