As you prepare for a major renovation, you will be rightly focused on finding a great general contractor. Other items on the list include selecting materials and figuring out costs. With this long to-do list, it’s easy to overlook plans for site prep and protection. It can have a big effect on your home during and after the renovation. Sweeten, a free renovation platform that matches homeowners with licensed general contractors offering support through project completion, outlines the ways to minimize mess and prevent damage with thorough site prep before work gets underway; plus tips to clean up after a renovation.

Discuss site prep and protection with your contractor

Contractors generally work with you on protecting the existing space. However, it’s mainly to prevent damage rather than block dirt and grime. That is to say, your floors shouldn’t be scratched or dented, but they may be dusty, streaky, or even sticky. They will need to be cleaned up after the fact. You’ll want to discuss with your contractor your expectations for cleanliness over the duration of the renovation. What services are included and for what price varies depending on the project and the contractor.

Decide whether to stay or go during renovation

Site prep is an important undertaking, especially for homeowners who are renovating just one part of their residence. It becomes even more important if you plan to continue living at home through the renovation. Staying put may cost more than clearing out completely. Extra time and effort go into set-up and tear-down each day. Crews must first lay paper, hang tarp, and add any other protective barriers. These all have to be taken down at the end of the work day in order for the owners to use their home at night.

Prep and protect your home, and seal the construction site

1. Cordon off the renovation zone by hanging heavy-duty tarp (at least .8 millimeters thick) from the ceiling down to the floor to create a seal. Apply masking tape across all sides of the tarp where it meets the ceiling, walls, and floor. Tension rods can also help hold up heavy tarps. Particles will fly through any and all gaps you leave, no matter how small. If you need a flap for entry and exit, consider applying an adhesive zipper to your tarp. Add a double layer if there will be a lot of sanding or if you know that dangerous particles will be released into the air.

2. Within the reno zone, protect anything that you’re keeping. Floors should be covered with construction paper (maybe even a double layer, as insurance against tearing). Cover window treatments or appliances with tarp (again, leaving no gaps).

3. If the reno zone is in the center of your home, consider laying continuous paper or tarp through all the high traffic areas. This will prevent dirt from tracking into the rest of the space.

4. Cover all furniture throughout the home (especially textile surfaces such as couches and beds) with a drop cloth or tarp.

5. Seal up closet doors by applying masking tape to the gaps between the doors and the floor. Nothing more annoying than having to wash all your dusty clothes because you forgot to do this.