A February Planning Guide from DeHaan Painting
February is a funny month for homeowners.
You’re not quite in “spring project mode” yet—but you are starting to notice what feels tired, scuffed, outdated, or overdue inside your home.
We see it every year in Charlotte: homeowners know they want to paint something, but they’re unsure where to start. And with so many surfaces, spaces, and products to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where smart planning comes in.
At DeHaan Painting, we don’t just show up with paint—we help homeowners sequence projects the right way, so nothing gets repainted twice and every dollar works harder for you.
Below is how we typically help clients prioritize their painting projects—especially when planning in February.
1. Interior vs. Exterior: What Comes First?
In most cases, interior projects should come first—especially early in the year.
Why?
- Winter and early spring are ideal for interior painting
- Exterior work depends heavily on temperature and weather windows
- Interior projects often influence exterior color decisions (and vice versa)
February is the perfect time to tackle interiors while planning and scheduling exteriors for spring or early summer. This approach keeps projects moving without rushing decisions when painter schedules fill up.
Pro tip:
If you’re considering both interior and exterior work this year, plan them together—even if they’re completed months apart.
2. Start with High-Impact, High-Traffic Areas
If you’re not repainting the entire home at once, priority matters.
We typically recommend starting with:
✔ Common Areas
Living rooms, hallways, stairwells, kitchens, and open-concept spaces see the most daily wear—and they visually connect the rest of the home.
Refreshing these first:
- Sets the tone for the rest of the house
- Helps guide color flow into secondary rooms
- Delivers immediate visual impact
✔ Trim, Doors, and Details
Trim is the “frame” of your home—and worn trim makes even fresh walls look tired.
Addressing trim early:
- Elevates the entire space instantly
- Prevents mismatched sheens or whites later
- Allows walls and specialty finishes to be selected with confidence
3. Cabinets Before Walls (Yes—Really)
One of the most common mistakes we see is painting walls before cabinet refinishing.
Why that’s a problem:
- Cabinet prep is intensive and can impact surrounding surfaces
- Color decisions for cabinets often dictate wall colors—not the other way around
- Spraying cabinets after walls are painted increases risk and cost
If cabinets are on your wish list this year, they should be planned early, even if they’re scheduled later.
This ensures:
- Proper sequencing
- Clean transitions
- Zero repainting due to overspray or color regret
4. Specialty Finishes & Feature Areas Need a Plan
Roman clay, limewash, accent walls, fireplaces, range hoods—these statement finishes deserve extra attention.
They should be:
- Planned before surrounding walls
- Sampled under real lighting
- Coordinated with flooring, cabinetry, and trim
When these features are rushed or added “later,” homeowners often end up repainting adjacent areas to make everything feel cohesive again.
Planning them early avoids that frustration entirely.
5. Why Professional Planning Saves You Money
A big part of our role isn’t just application—it’s project sequencing.
Professional planning helps you:
- Avoid repainting surfaces twice
- Lock in cohesive color flow throughout the home
- Schedule projects in the most cost-effective order
- Make confident decisions without pressure
In February especially, there’s time to think, sample, and plan—without competing against peak-season demand.
Planning First. Painting Second.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start, that’s completely normal. Most homeowners don’t paint often—and they shouldn’t have to figure it out alone.
February is the ideal time to:
- Prioritize projects
- Build a smart plan for the year
- Secure your preferred timeline
- Get expert guidance before schedules fill up
At DeHaan Painting, we’re proud to act as a planning partner, not just a paint contractor—helping you get it right the first time.
If you’re ready to start mapping out your projects for the year, we’d love to help.
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DeHaan Painting
Craftsmanship, planning, and finishes that last
Helping Thousands of Families in Plaza Midwood, Noda, Chantilly, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Myers Park, South Park, Barclay Downs and Surrounding Areas.
DeHaan Painting
“Charlotte’s Premier Painter”
Dock, Deck, Fence Staining – Interior House Painting – Exterior House Painting – Kitchen Cabinet Painting – Limewash Applications – Commercial Painting – Christmas Light Installer
Phone: (980) 224-3191
Email: info@dehaanpaints.com
