Getting ready for decorators

[jamaisjedors]

Came into some money recently and decided to get our dining room painted - I've wanted to do it for 2 years and not got round to it so am quite excited - there's lots of fiddly woodwork to do so it's going to take them 5 full days with all the prep work.

The painters are coming in a week, and obviously I have to empty the room (although they will move the big stuff they said).

What else do you think I should do?

Get lots of posh biscuits? Put the posh mugs away? ( there was a thread about that a while ago where people weren't happy with the builders using their mugs).

I'll be out at work all day - do I tell them to help themselves from the fridge/cupboards? Will they cook their lunch here?

Can you tell we do all the rest of our DIY ourselves? Never had anyone in for more than a day's work I don't think and we were always there when they came.

[minipie]

Most important thing is to go round and do interim snagging every evening ie look at what they have done and see if you are happy. then tell them the following morning if there is anything you want changing/redoing.

I'd expect builders/decorators to bring their own lunch but help themselves to tea and coffee (and provide biscuits if you are feeling nice!)

if they will be using a loo upstairs you may want to ask them to remove shoes before going upstairs

Let them know how to open windows/doors for ventilation while working, and how to lock up again

If you have picture hooks/nails then decide whether you want them to stay or go

[jamaisjedors]

That's all really helpful minipie. I hadn't thought about the hooks plus showing them the windows.

Loo downstairs so not a problem - I guess a couple of towels and extra loo roll out would be good too.

[InsertUsernameHere]

Decorating can be very dusty if they have lots of prep to do. So shut the other doors and make sure they keep them shut. Have them talk through how the protect all the surfaces in the house (one decorator i ised put cling film on the door handles so she didn't accidently spread paint) and agree how it will be left. Agree which sink they are hoing to use! As above check every evening and don't pay full amount until happy. (It will be lovely!!)

[jamaisjedors]

oh yes, the sink! We have one down in the basement for painting so must point that out to them.

Unfortunately there is only one door which closes (and three doorways with no door) so will be suggesting they tape up dust sheets etc.

Thanks.