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GuidesFeb 13, 2026

How to Prepare Your Home for Contractor Work

Proper preparation before contractors begin work protects your belongings, keeps the project on schedule, and helps ensure quality results. Here's how to prepare your Northwest Arkansas home for different types of contractor work.

General Preparation (All Projects)

Clear the Work Area

Give contractors unobstructed access to the work zone:

  • Move furniture away from walls (at least 3 feet)
  • Remove wall decorations, photos, and mirrors
  • Take down curtains and window treatments
  • Roll up rugs and floor coverings
  • Clear countertops and shelves

    • Why it matters: Contractors shouldn't have to move your belongings. Items they move may be damaged, and it wastes time you're paying for.

    Protect Valuables

    Even with trustworthy contractors, job sites are chaotic:

  • Store jewelry, cash, and collectibles in a safe or off-site
  • Lock rooms that contractors don't need to access
  • Consider temporarily relocating expensive electronics
  • Photograph valuable items before work begins

    • Secure Pets

    Construction noise, open doors, and strangers stress pets:

  • Board pets for major renovations
  • Confine pets to secure rooms far from work area
  • Notify contractors about pet locations
  • Post signs on doors: "Pet inside - keep closed"

    • Safety concern: Contractors shouldn't have to worry about pets escaping or interfering with work.

    Plan for Access

    Make contractors' arrival smooth:

  • Provide entry instructions (gate codes, keypad codes)
  • Designate parking areas
  • Clear driveway for material delivery
  • Unlock gates and exterior doors before their arrival
  • Provide functioning garage door openers if needed

    • Communicate with Neighbors

    Be considerate of those around you:

  • Notify neighbors of construction dates
  • Warn about noise, dust, or blocked parking
  • Provide contractor contact info for concerns
  • In Bentonville and Rogers neighborhoods with HOAs, confirm you've gotten required approvals

    • Interior Projects

    Plumbing Work

    Before plumbers arrive:

  • Clear under-sink cabinets completely
  • Move toiletries away from bathrooms being worked on
  • Provide access to water shut-off valves
  • Cover exposed food in kitchen remodels
  • Lay down drop cloths on carpets (if contractor doesn't provide)

    • During work:

  • Expect water shut-offs (fill containers for drinking)
  • Don't plan to cook or wash dishes during kitchen plumbing work
  • Test water before washing clothes after repairs (potential sediment)

    • Electrical Work

    Before electricians arrive:

  • Unplug sensitive electronics
  • Back up computers (power fluctuations possible)
  • Provide attic/basement access
  • Move furniture away from electrical panels
  • Identify breakers if panel isn't labeled

    • During work:

  • Expect temporary power outages
  • Don't operate appliances while circuits are being worked on
  • Keep flashlights accessible
  • Avoid using extension cords across work areas

    • HVAC Work

    Before HVAC contractors arrive:

  • Clear space around furnace/air handler (3 feet all sides)
  • Move items stored on or near HVAC units
  • Provide attic access for ductwork inspection
  • Change air filter if you haven't recently (lets them assess system vs. filter issues)
  • Note any rooms with heating/cooling problems

    • During work:

  • Expect temporary loss of heating or cooling
  • Plan accordingly for extreme weather days
  • Keep interior doors open to balance temperature
  • Avoid adjusting thermostat while they're working

    • Flooring Installation

    Before flooring contractors arrive:

  • Remove ALL furniture from rooms being floored
  • Take down baseboards if specified in contract
  • Clear closets if they're being floored
  • Remove toilet tank items (for bathroom flooring)
  • Cover items in adjacent rooms (dust spreads)

    • Important for NWA climate:

  • Flooring materials should acclimate to your home's humidity 48-72 hours before installation
  • Ask contractors if you need to adjust thermostat to specific temperature

    • Exterior Projects

    Roofing Work

    Before roofers arrive:

  • Move vehicles out of driveway and away from house
  • Trim tree branches within 10 feet of roof
  • Move outdoor furniture, grills, and planters away from house (debris falls)
  • Cover swimming pools
  • Remove items from walls inside (vibration causes items to fall)

    • During work:

  • Expect loud noise throughout the day
  • Don't park near house (nails in tires are common)
  • Keep children and pets inside
  • Inspect attic during rain within first week (check for leaks)

    • NWA consideration: Schedule roofing during dry season (late spring/summer). Ice storms and frequent winter rain complicate roofing.

    Landscaping Projects

    Before landscapers arrive:

  • Mark sprinkler heads and irrigation lines
  • Show locations of septic systems, wells, or underground utilities
  • Remove decorations, solar lights, and hoses
  • Trim back vegetation blocking access
  • Identify plants you want to keep vs. remove

    • During work:

  • Expect muddy conditions if it rains (common in NWA)
  • Keep kids away from excavation areas
  • Don't water lawn while landscaping work is in progress

    • Pest Control

    Before pest control arrives:

  • Clean kitchen thoroughly (helps identify pest sources)
  • Pull furniture away from baseboards
  • Empty lower cabinets for baseboard treatment
  • Remove pet food and water bowls
  • Store food in sealed containers

    • After treatment:

  • Follow contractor's instructions for re-entry time
  • Don't mop treated areas for specified period
  • Ventilate home as directed
  • Keep pets away until surfaces dry

    • During the Project

    Daily Expectations

    Contractors should:

  • Arrive within promised timeframe
  • Clean up daily (not spotless, but functional)
  • Contain dust with plastic sheeting
  • Ask before using your bathroom or kitchen
  • Secure work area at end of each day

    • You should:

  • Be available for questions (or designate decision-maker)
  • Not hover or micromanage
  • Respect that contractors need to focus
  • Communicate concerns promptly, professionally

    • Communication

    Check in daily for:

  • Progress updates
  • Any discovered issues
  • Changes to timeline
  • Decisions needed from you
  • Tomorrow's schedule

    • Don't interrupt for:

  • Small decisions already covered in contract
  • Social conversation during work hours
  • Frequent status checks (once daily is sufficient)

    • Safety Considerations

    Your responsibility:

  • Keep children away from work areas
  • Don't use half-installed systems (toilets, electrical outlets)
  • Stay clear of ladders and scaffolding
  • Don't assume electrical circuits are off
  • Watch for trip hazards (cords, tools, materials)

    • After Completion

    Final Walk-Through

    Before making final payment:

  • Inspect all work with contractor present
  • Test everything (faucets, switches, HVAC)
  • Verify cleanup is complete
  • Confirm permits are closed with city inspection
  • Get warranty documentation
  • Obtain lien releases

    • Common Issues to Check

  • Paint touch-ups where needed
  • Caulking around fixtures
  • Proper operation of all systems
  • Matching materials (flooring, paint colors)
  • Cleaned work areas
  • Restored landscaping

    • Documentation

    Keep records of:

  • Final invoice and receipt
  • Warranty information
  • Permit closure documents
  • Photos of completed work
  • Contractor contact info for future questions

    • For Northwest Arkansas Homeowners

    Seasonal Considerations:

  • **Spring**: Pollen covers everything; plan for extra cleaning
  • **Summer**: Extreme heat affects some materials; schedule early morning work
  • **Fall**: Best time for most projects (mild weather)
  • **Winter**: Ice storms delay outdoor work; avoid if possible

    • Local Resources:

  • Bentonville, Rogers, Centerton, and Bella Vista have online permit portals
  • Check city websites for specific requirements
  • Many projects require inspections before final payment

    • Bottom Line

    Investing time in proper preparation:

  • Reduces project duration
  • Minimizes damage risk
  • Improves work quality
  • Reduces your stress
  • Keeps costs on budget

    • Professional contractors appreciate homeowners who prepare properly. It shows respect for their time and creates conditions for best results.

    Need help finding contractors who communicate expectations clearly and work professionally in your Benton County home? We connect Northwest Arkansas homeowners with licensed professionals serving your area.

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