If the exterior of the home needs to be painted, consider the materials on the house (brick, siding, etc.) Weather in the area is also a consideration. Humidity, frost, and intense sun can all also affect paint. Power washing is an essential step before applying exterior paint. As for interiors, the quality of the existing paint may need more or less fixing. Some paint is bad enough to need paint stripping. Too many layers of paint can destroy a wall. In which case, a few layers may need to be stripped and scaped before applying new paint. If the paint underneath a current project is bold, primer is essential. Also, sanding down unwanted textures or sanding after applying putty is important before painting begins. Fill any holes with putty before painting. Remove light switch and plug hole covers. Tape off the now open electrical boxes. Drop cloths should be used and taped in place to protect the floor. It’s also important to have the proper tools for the job. If rolling, make sure you have plenty of paint on the roll. Dripping rolls are a no-no, but a painter shouldn’t need to press too hard to get the paint onto the wall.