Today was the big day! We made the decision to have the interior and exterior of our house painted.
That decision wasn't easy to make considering the expense, but we were put on our painter's schedule a month ago.
We knew we were gambling on unpredictable fall weather, but we have more sunny days than rainy days in Houston. We were sure things would work out.
Nope!
Last night, a cold drizzle started. Today, it's done nothing but rain. I had planned to spend the day outside on the courtyard patio in front.
Instead, I'm trapped inside with the smell of paint. It's not as bad as traditional paint since we requested the no-odor which in actuality is low-odor.
How to Survive Interior Painting
Advance planning is the key.
1. Make sure you and the painter agree in advance about all issues, especially about who will move furniture that may be blocking walls, art hanging on the walls, etc.
2. Most contractor crews love to play music while they're working so tell them in advance they can do this.
If certain genres of music bother you, i.e., gangsta rap with profanity would be a big no-no for me, then communicate politely so they'll know what's okay. Most willingly listen to classic rock.
3. Even though painters will cover things with drop cloths, move anything especially precious from table tops and areas that are to be painted.
4. Secure any valuables. Good painters are responsible and honest and should have insurance that covers anything that may be damaged, or, heaven forbid, stolen. Your painter doesn't want someone on his crew doing that any more than you do. Prevention is a good thing. Don't create temptation by leaving things out.
5. If you have a pet who lives inside, plan on having a friend keep Fido or Kitty. Don't put your pet in a room with a closed door and expect it to be happy and quiet. They can hear strangers in the house, and that creates anxiety.
6. Plan where or what you'll be having for lunch on painting day. Paint crews sometimes take lunch breaks in rotation so you may not be able to leave the house for a lunch out. Stock up on sandwich items or microwave entrees.
7. Boredom creates anxiety if you're sitting around with nothing to do but wait. Plan in advance so you have a project to do on your laptop or tablet.
Also have a book you've been wanting to read loaded on your Kindle or iPhone, or have a print copy handy.
8. Select a place where you'll be out of the way but available should the painters have questions and put a comfortable chair there.
9. Every hour or so, walk around to make sure the project is going according to contract. Ask questions if something doesn't look quite right.
10. Most of all, be polite. Most contractor crews are hardworking professionals who want to do the best job they can so you'll be happy and recommend them to others. Treat them with respect and consideration, and they'll love working for you.
Takeaway Truth
In all things, the Golden Rule is the best rule to follow. Treat others as you would want to be treated.
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