Condo painting
Should You Paint a Condo Before Moving In?
Moving into a Vancouver condo? See why painting before move-in is easier, what to check with your strata first, and how to plan colours, timing and access.
By Tegron Painting ·
The short answer
Yes — if you plan to repaint, doing it before you move in is usually the easiest option. Empty rooms mean no furniture to move or cover, painters can reach every wall, and you avoid living with paint odour and drying time. In a Vancouver condo, check your strata's rules first: many buildings require booked elevator time, set work hours and proof of contractor insurance.
Why paint before moving in?
- Clear access: walls, ceilings, trim and closets are all reachable without shifting furniture.
- Less disruption: you are not working around beds, kitchens or kids while rooms dry.
- Cleaner result: fewer things to protect means less chance of drips on belongings.
- One move, not two: furniture goes in once, against finished walls.
If the existing paint is clean, in good condition and a colour you like, you may not need to repaint at all. Touch-ups can be enough.
What should you check with your strata first?
Strata rules vary from building to building, so read your bylaws or ask the property manager before booking painters. Common questions:
- Are there permitted work hours for contractors?
- Does the elevator need booking or padding?
- Does the strata need a certificate of insurance or WorkSafeBC coverage from the contractor?
- Where can painters park and unload?
- Are there rules about balcony, door or exterior-facing colours? Interior suite walls are usually up to you; anything visible from outside often is not.
Tegron Painting regularly works in strata buildings — see our strata and condo painting page.
How long does it take to paint a condo?
It depends on the number of rooms, ceiling height, wall condition, colour changes and how many coats are needed. A dark-to-light change or patched walls take longer than a same-colour refresh. Ask your painter for a written schedule, and leave a buffer before the moving truck arrives so paint can dry and rooms can air out. Follow the drying and recoat times on the product used.
How to plan the timeline
- Confirm possession date and when you can get keys.
- Check strata rules and book the elevator if needed.
- Choose colours early — test samples on your own walls in daylight and evening light. Our colour guide helps.
- Get a written estimate listing rooms, surfaces, prep, products and coats. Use our estimate checklist.
- Schedule painting first, then flooring installers' final touches, then cleaning, then the move.
- Ventilate the suite after painting and before moving in.
If you are still getting ready for painters, our interior preparation guide covers what to clear and how to plan around pets, furniture and ventilation.
What should be painted while it's empty?
- Walls and ceilings in every room
- Closets, which are hard to reach once full
- Trim, baseboards and doors
- Feature walls and any colour changes
Kitchen cabinets can be done at the same time; see our guide on whether your cabinets are suitable for painting.
FAQ
Is it better to paint before or after moving in? Before, in most cases — empty rooms are faster to prepare and paint, and you avoid living around wet paint.
Do I need strata permission to paint inside my condo? Usually not for interior suite walls, but most stratas have rules on work hours, elevator use and contractor insurance. Check your bylaws.
Should I paint before or after new flooring? Generally painting first, because drips land on old floors instead of new ones. Confirm the order with both trades.
How soon can I move in after painting? Follow the product's drying and recoat times and allow time to ventilate. Ask your painter what they recommend for the paint used.
Planning a condo repaint?
Call Tegron Painting at 604-838-5571 or request a free estimate. We work in condos and strata buildings across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.