Getting the house ready

New construction

Before I arrive

• Window stickers, appliance labels and protective film off
• Blue tape, floor protection and paper off
• Construction debris, dumpsters and portable toilets gone from view
• Permit box and lockboxes off the front; your sign out of the shot unless you want it in
• Power and AC on; every fixture has a bulb, all one color
• Final clean done: dust off trim, sills and light fixtures, floors swept
• Drive and walks washed of mud and concrete splatter
• Garage cleared of leftover materials
• Punch list closed on anything that shows: outlet covers, paint touch-ups, hardware
• If it’s staged: beds made, pillows set, towels hung, patio furniture out

The week before

• Burned-out bulbs replaced, with the same warm color in every room
• Scuffs touched up and anything broken that will show repaired
• Lawn mowed and edged, beds weeded, fresh mulch where it looks thin
• Windows cleaned inside and out where you can reach
• Anything you’d rather not have photographed flagged for me: art, safes, security panels
• Gate code, alarm code and the key or lockbox details sent to me
• Sprinklers off the day before so drives and walks are dry
• Extra chairs and side tables out of the main rooms

The morning of the shoot

Every room, then room by room below

• Everyone out of the house by the time I arrive, so the full shoot time goes to your photos
• Surfaces cleared down to a few simple pieces
• Family photos, mail, medications and valuables put away
• Anything you’d rather not have online put away
• Pet bowls, beds, toys and litter boxes out of sight
• Blinds and curtains open evenly
• Every light on: ceiling lights, lamps and under-cabinet lights
• Pets out, or in one closed room, during the shoot
• Office, media room, wine room and gym: desks clear, screens off
• Ceiling fans and TVs off; remotes and cords hidden
• Fireplace glass clean
• Closet doors closed, or the closet tidy if it’s a feature

Kitchen

• Counters clear except one or two pieces: fruit, flowers or a board
• Small appliances, dish towels, sponges and soap put away
• Fridge front clear of magnets, papers and photos
• Rugs up and trash cans out of sight
• Sink, faucet and appliance fronts wiped to a shine

Living and dining

• Pillows set and one throw folded neatly
• Coffee tables and shelves edited to a few pieces
• Dining chairs pushed in evenly, one simple centerpiece

Bedrooms

• Beds made smooth, in light bedding if you have it
• Nightstands down to a lamp and a book
• Laundry, chargers and personal items out of sight

Bathrooms

• Counters and showers clear: no bottles, razors or toothbrushes
• Bath mats and rugs up
• Fresh towels hung neatly; toilet lids down
• Mirrors and glass spotless

Outside

• Cars out of the driveway, and off the street in front if you can
• Trash bins in the garage and garage doors closed
• Hoses, toys, tools and yard equipment put away
• Patio furniture out with cushions on; grill uncovered and clean
• Pool clean, cover off, water topped up
• Pool cleaner, hoses and poles out of the water
• Backyard clear of anything you wouldn’t want seen from the drone
• Roof, gutters and pool deck clear of leaves and debris
• Front door clean and a simple doormat at the entry

Twilight

I shoot through sunset and blue hour

• Every interior and exterior light working, and on before sunset
• Pool, spa and landscape lights on, or their timers set for sunset
• Waterfalls and water features running
• Gas fireplace ready to light, if there is one

Film and reels

• Pets out of the house while I film; movement shows on video
• Music, timers and sprinklers off while I film
• Interior doors open so I can walk through room to room