Walk the exterior before you select the finish.
Record peeling, chalk, cracked joints, damaged boards and stains that return. Include all elevations and the trim or other materials you want finished. Recurring damage deserves a conversation about its cause, not just the new color.
Ask for the sequence in writing.
The proposal should explain cleaning, drying, unsound-coating removal, repairs, sealants and primer appropriate to each included material. Application conditions and protection of nearby areas are part of preparation planning.
Know where coating work stops.
Structural damage, active leaks and concealed conditions can require another trade or a separate scope. Older finishes may also need qualified assessment before disturbance. Agree on repair boundaries and who resolves the underlying issue before finishing starts.
Use these questions before approving a proposal.
- 01Has chalk, mildew and contamination been removed?
- 02Are loose edges scraped and sanded sound?
- 03Have cracks, joints, rot and penetrations been addressed?
- 04Is primer required on bare or repaired material?
- 05Are application weather and dry times acceptable?
Exterior longevity is largely determined before the finish coat. Preparation should be described, not reduced to the word ‘prep.’
Turn the guide into a project-specific answer.
A free consultation applies these questions to your surfaces, condition, access, priorities and timing. You receive a written scope that is easier to compare and approve.