If you’re willing to do some of the preparation work before the painter arrives, you can get the job done faster and at a reasonable cost.

The first thing to do is to scrub your walls with warm water and sugar soap – a simple task, but one that could significantly lower your labour costs.

If you notice mould, consider applying a light bleach solution, then hose off.

If you notice any peeling or flaking paint, scrape it loose, then sand down the surface. Fill any dents, holes, cracks and gaps with pre-mixed exterior grade filler or acrylic gap sealant.

Once you’re finished, sand down again and apply a paint primer to seal the surface.

Remove and replace any old caulk around windows or doors, then protect any surrounding flowerbeds, decks and lawns with drop cloths.

The rest you can leave to the experts.