
Preparing your home properly before professional decorators arrive can make the entire project smoother, faster, and far more cost-effective. Many homeowners in West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and surrounding regions often overlook these essential steps—but preparation is one of the biggest factors that affects the final quality of your interior finish.
Whether you’ve booked Emporium Decorators for interior painting, wallpaper hanging, or a full home refresh, this guide explains everything you need to know to get your home ready.
Why Preparation Matters Before Painting
Professional painters can transform a room—but the results depend heavily on how well the space is prepared beforehand. Proper preparation ensures:
Good preparation also allows the decorators to focus on what they do best: delivering a beautiful, long-lasting result.
If you’re planning a repaint soon, explore our Interior Painting & Decorating service page for style ideas and inspiration.
1. Clear the Room as Much as Possible
Before your decorators arrive, remove:
The more space your decorators have, the more efficiently they can work. Larger furniture can be moved to the centre of the room—your decorator will cover and protect it.
For examples of beautifully completed interiors, browse our Decorating Portfolio.
2. Remove Wall Hangings & Accessories
Take down:
This prevents accidental damage and gives your painter full access to wall surfaces.
If you're planning a feature wall instead of standard paint, check out our Wallpaper Hanging Service.
3. Protect Valuable or Fragile Items
Even though professional decorators work carefully, it’s best to store delicate items somewhere safe, such as:
This avoids accidental bumps or dust exposure during preparation and sanding.
4. Make Surfaces Accessible
Painters may need to fill cracks, sand surfaces, or remove flaking paint. Ensure they have easy access to:
This preparation leads to a cleaner, more durable finish—an essential step in professional decorating.
5. Address Damp or Moisture Issues Early
Professional decorators can smooth, repair, and prepare surfaces—but issues like damp must be resolved in advance.
If you’re unsure whether your walls are ready, your decorator will assess them during the initial visit. Our team at Emporium Decorators frequently identify and advise clients on these issues during free quotations.
6. Plan Your Rooms Strategically
If you are decorating more than one room:
A properly planned schedule reduces disruption and ensures your home stays functional throughout the project.
If you want inspiration on multi-room transformations, visit our Flat Refurbishment in Leeds project.
7. Ensure Children & Pets Are Safe
Paint, dust, and tools can be hazardous. Create a safe area for:
This keeps everyone safe and avoids disruptions during work.
8. Discuss Paint Colours Before Work Begins
Choosing colours on the day slows down the project. Instead:
For expert guidance, read our helpful blog:
👉 How to Choose the Right Colour Scheme for Any Room
9. Plan for Ventilation
During painting, decorators often keep windows open for proper airflow and faster drying. Ensure windows can:
If ventilation is a concern, let your painter know beforehand.
10. Be Available for the First & Last 30 Minutes
You don’t need to be home for the entire project—but painters often need you during:
Clients appreciate this structure because it ensures transparency and satisfaction.
To book a visit, contact us anytime:
👉 Contact Emporium Decorators
Final Tips from Professional Decorators
Here are quick additional tips homeowners often overlook:
Small actions like these lead to a faster, smoother project.
Why Preparation Leads to Better Results
When clients prepare their homes, decorators can:
If you're considering updating more than one area, browse our other services:
Conclusion
Preparation isn’t just a helpful step—it’s a crucial part of achieving a premium finish. By following this guide, you’ll make your decorating project smoother, faster, and more enjoyable, with results that last for years.
If you’re ready to transform your home in West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, or surrounding areas, Emporium Decorators is here to help.
Explore our work:
👉 Our Work Page