Feeling unsure about having painters in your home?
Not sure what to do with your schedule, your furniture, or your kids and pets?
These are valid concerns, especially if you've never gone through a professional painting project before. At Roe Painting, we've guided thousands of homeowners through this exact experience, and the process can be much smoother than you might expect when you know what's coming.
In this article, you'll get clear answers to the most commonly asked questions about painting day, including:
- How long the project will take
- If you need to leave during the project
- What time painters leave and arrive each day
- What kind of access we'll need
- How to prepare for your project (with downloadable checklist!)
- How to reduce disruption and stay comfortable while work is underway
- What daily communication looks like
- Everything that happens after painting is complete
If you're preparing for an interior painting job, this guide will help you feel ready, confident, and in control.
How Long Do Interior Painting Projects Take?
Most interior painting projects take between 2 and 5 days from start to finish.
The exact timeline depends on several factors, including:
- The number of surfaces being painted (walls only vs. walls, ceilings, trim, cabinets, etc.)
- The total square footage of the space
- The amount of prep work required. More damage and more detail mean more time.
- If you choose a new paint color or color-match existing paint. New paint colors usually require more coats for full coverage.
For example, a small home with minimal prep and just walls being painted could be completed in two to three days. A larger home that includes ceilings, trim, and multiple coats of a new paint color will take longer, four to five days.
We'll walk you through the estimated schedule before the project begins, but you can typically expect:
- Day 1: Setup, protection of surfaces, and start of prep work.
- Day 2-4: Painting (number of coats varies based on surfaces and colors)
- Final Day: Touch-ups, final walkthrough, cleanup, and breakdown.
Most painting jobs are completed in under a week with minimal disruption to your routine.
Do You Need to Leave Your Home During the Project?
In most cases, you can remain in your home while we work.
We know it can feel uncomfortable to have crews working inside your space. That's why we plan our projects to minimize disruption to your daily routine. Our team shows up on time, communicates clearly, and respects your privacy throughout the process.
That said, there are a few situations where you may want to step away from the work area:
- If you're sensitive to strong smells (e.g., pregnant, asthma, allergies)
- During certain phases of the project, such as priming or applying specialty coatings
- If the space being painted is central to your daily activities (like your kitchen or office)
If you think you may want to be out of the house for any part of the project, we're happy to work with your schedule. Some clients choose to spend a day out of the house while the bulk of the painting is done, while others come and go as needed.
You don't have to leave your home, but if you prefer to step away, we'll help make that easy.
What Time Do Painters Arrive and Leave?
Our crews typically work from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
We'll confirm your specific schedule before your project begins, but this is our standard workday. Our team takes a 30-minute lunch break and may finish slightly early or later, depending on the day's progress.
If your household has unique needs (like a sleeping baby, remote work calls, or staggered schedules), let us know. We can sometimes adjust the flow of the day, within reason, to meet your needs. If your project requires detailed and specific scheduling, please let us know during the estimate phase of your project, as that could affect the cost.
For commercial projects or businesses, we offer flexible scheduling options:
- Night work
- Weekend hours
- Non-business hour painting
Let us know what works best for your business, and we'll create a plan that keeps your operations running smoothly.
What Access Will Painters Need?
We'll need basic access to your home, power, and a few other essentials to complete your project efficiently. Here's what to plan for:
Entry & Security
- We'll need a way to get in and out of the house. Most often, homeowners choose to be there to let crews in at the start of the day, and are back before the end of the day to close up.
- If you're not home, we'll coordinate entry ahead of time and confirm your preferences.
Utilities
- Access to electrical outlets and running water is essential for prep, cleanup, and tool use.
- If certain outlets or water sources are off-limits, just let us know in advance.
Restroom Use
- Most clients designate a guest or utility bathroom for the crew to use. Trust that our crews have been trained to exercise discretion and cleanliness in all areas of your home.
- If you'd rather not provide one, you're welcome to arrange for a portable restroom at your expense. We're happy to accommodate either way.
Parking
- Please make sure there's a nearby parking space for our crew vehicles and equipment trailer, if needed. Street parking, driveway space, or garage access are all options depending on your property.
A little advanced planning around access helps your project run smoothly from day one.
How to Prepare Your Home for Painting
While our crew handles all surface protection and careful prep work, there are a few things you can do in advance to make sure everything runs on time and without interruption. Here's what we recommend:
Furniture & Decor
Move smaller furniture items toward the center of the room
Remove art, mirrors, and shelves from walls being painted
Take down curtains, blinds, and move rugs
If you want certain items to stay on the wall after painting, leave the hardware in place. If not, remove it and we'll patch the holes.
Storage & Surface Cleaning
Empty closets that will be painted
Clear countertops, bookshelves, dressers, and nightstands
Store fragile or valuable items in a separate room
Electronics & Equipment
Disconnect TVs, computers, sound systems, and game consoles
Label cords to make reconnection easier
If you need an extra set of hands, we can help you remove wall-mounted TVs, but we're not responsible for remounting, reconnecting devices, or replacing wires.
Other Considerations
Disable any security systems or alarms that may be triggered by crew movement
Make sure pets and children are kept out of work areas for safety. If you have concerns about your pets escaping through open doors, you may want to make arrangements to keep them off-site.
Leave a contact number where you can be reached during the day
We understand that this kind of prep can feel overwhelming, and we're here to help. If you need assistance moving larger furniture or just have questions about what needs to be done, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
How Do You Handle Smell, Safety, & Disruption?
Modern paints are far less intrusive than you might expect, and we work hard to keep your space livable and low-stress while we're on site.
Odors
Most of the products we use are low- or zero-VOC, which means minimal smell and no harmful fumes in typical use.
The only exception? Certain specialty primers or oil-based coatings. We'll tell you in advance if we'll be using any of those.
If you or someone in your household is especially sensitive to smells (or is pregnant), we recommend stepping away during application and letting us know so we can plan around your comfort.
Room Access
We'll communicate clearly about which rooms we'll be working in each day, and how long those spaces will be off-limits. We do our best to work in stages so you're never completely displaced from your home.
Cleanliness & Containment
- Floors and furniture are protected with drop cloths and plastic sheeting
- We tidy up daily and keep pathways clear
- Tools and supplies are contained in a designated area.
We treat your home like home, not a job site.
Daily Communication & Progress Updates
You'll never be left wondering what's happening or who to talk to.
Before your project begins, we'll introduce you to your crew lead. They will be your main point of contact throughout the job. They're responsible for coordinating the work, answering your questions, and keeping everything on track.
Here's what to expect in terms of communications:
- Daily check-ins. We will confirm the work planned for the day and let you know what's next.
- Open line of contact. You'll have a direct number to reach your crew lead. You can also communicate via email or text.
- End-of-project walkthrough. Once painting is complete, we'll do a final walk-through to ensure everything meets project expectations. If there's anything that needs a touch-up, we'll take care of it for you. If you want to be present for the final walk-through, please coordinate with your crew leader for the time of project completion.
What Happens After Painting is Done?
The job isn't finished until you're satisfied and your space is clean, safe, and ready to enjoy. After the final coat, this is what you can expect:
Cleanup and Breakdown
- All drop cloths, plastic, tools, and equipment are removed.
- We tidy each work area so you're not left with a mess.
- Any trash or empty paint containers are hauled away.
Leftover Paint
- We'll leave behind leftover paint in case you need to touch up in the future.
Re-Entry Timelines
To protect your fresh paint:
- Wait 24-48 hours before showering in freshly painted bathrooms.
- Wait 48-72 hours before placing décor or furniture directly against walls or placing items back on painted shelves (especially in humid or cool weather).
- If in doubt, we'll guide you based on the specific products used.
Ready for a Successful Painting Project?
Now you know exactly what to expect during your interior painting project, from first-day access to final walkthrough. We've covered how long it takes, how to prepare, what your day-to-day will look like, and how we communicate every step of the way.
If you've been feeling unsure about having painters in your home, that's completely normal. Hopefully, now you have a full picture of how the process works and what you can do to make it a smooth experience.
What's next? Download our Painting Prep Checklist below to make sure you're 100% ready before painting day arrives. It breaks down everything into a simple room-by-room guide.
At Roe Painting, we've helped thousands of homeowners get beautiful results while leading with clear communication, less stress, and a positive contracting experience. If you're looking to kick off a new painting project, you can request a complimentary painting quote to get started.
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