AT A GLANCE
Good exterior planning connects the surface condition, preparation, coating, and schedule.
Photograph the whole exterior
Capture each elevation, then take closer photographs of problem areas. Include trim, doors, and any additional surfaces you want discussed. Wide views help explain access and height; close-ups help explain condition.
Identify the surfaces
Record siding materials and any known previous coating. Note where paint is peeling or where staining returns. Tell the painter about repaired leaks or ongoing moisture issues; paint should not be presented as a fix for an unresolved source.
Agree on the preparation
Ask what is included before finish coats begin and which repairs are separate. Product choices such as Emerald Exterior belong in the discussion only after the substrate and preparation requirements are understood.
Coordinate the practical details
Confirm neighborhood color approvals where applicable. Discuss landscaping, vehicle access, pets, and weather-dependent scheduling. The selected coating’s application directions should guide the work window.
Sources & further reading
General project planning, not a product specification. Confirm current requirements for your exact coating and site. How we maintain these guides.