At least he asked "where" first! At least that's somethin'. :-D Oh gosh, I've had painters fill the bath tub, wash rollers & brushes, drain the water and leave it. I've had them commandeer kitchen sinks, entire bathroom vanties to be used as "staging areas". Loose rule of thumb for me is if it's warm enough to paint outside, then it's warm enough to clean up outside -- or take your tools with you and deal with them off site. I'm pretty much all for nippin' things in the bud. The sooner the better. It's not so much "when" you address it, it's "how". If you approach it the right way, you should have no worries about getting the quality job you expect. Just be honest and matter of fact and keep on with genuinely wanting to help where and how you can -- if all you have as a solution is outside, then that's simply all there is and they need to rely on other means to clean up their tools if they don't want to use what you have available. Kind of in line with the topic: It is nice to provide a space for a painter to work. Having them use their truck and keep running back and forth is not productive. If you have a utility sink, it's really nice to offer it as a place for them to set up and work. They are working in your house and need some accommodations. It's funny because some painters are intuitive and strive to have good manners as part of their pride of service, other guys just don't get it and it never crosses their mind that everyone isn't as interested in taking good care of their brushes as they are -- as in what makes you think your kitchen sink is good enough for their brushes? :D If you have special requirements it's a good idea to simply write it in the contract so everyone knows where everyone else stands -- get it all out on the table. Like if the job will run several days and really can't let them leave stuff behind -- from large stuff to the smaller stuff. I had one client who expected that even the paint would go with the painter every night. It was January and the garage really wasn't the best option - for a couple reasons. Basement was two flights down and I really thought that was unnecessary as well. Protected floors and an out of the way corner was what they needed to get okay with -- and they did. Bathroom accommodations are another issue. I personally think it's ridiculous when homeowners state they don't want painters using their bathrooms. Actually, it makes me mad and I have to breathe really deeply to help them rethink that *requirement*. I had one woman tell me and the painters that there was a McDonald's right at the end of the street and that's where they need to go on breaks and to use the facilities. She didn't even want them sitting in their trucks in her drive way to grab a drink, eat lunch or smoke. Josh, the painter, just picked up all of his paperwork, looked at me and said, "talk to you later, Lori" and quietly left. I told the woman I thought she might be better off DIYing, good luck with everything, and it was nice to meet her. Oh lord, I could go on and on... People are funny.

Housefairy-- To post a link, simply copy the link, then paste it into the "optional link url" box below the message box. Then type a name for the link (whatever you want to call it) in the "name of the link" box below the url link box. When you hit preview, you'll see it as it will appear. If not, repeat and make sure you've got it right. Hope that helps---it makes it so much easier for everyone to see your pictures (and we love seeing pictures). To post a picture directly into the message (even easier for all of us), just click on the words 'HTML code' below your photo in your photobucket account. A yellow "copied" small icon will appear. Then go to your message and paste that link into your message wherever you'd like it to be. To paste another photo, just hit return, and repeat. When you preview, you'll see your photos as they will appear for us. If not, try again. HTH Here is a link that might be useful:

I'm planning a big remodel and have already engaged with an architect and a general contractor. However, I feel like I may need additional help to come up with the most optimal and efficient kitchen layout. I'm looking for a designer with whom I could discuss pros and cons of different kitchen layouts based on the way that we use the kitchen. I'm not 100% sure how to find such a person. Most of the local kitchen designers seem to offer additional services, as a part of the whole package.... I'm aware that kitchen cabinet stores offer design services as well, but I think my kitchen is a bit tricky and I would like to get an opinion of a designer. Would on-line services such as Decorilla be a good option in this case? Any other options? Thanks!

What comes to mind is fabricating a 1/2-round tube-shaped cover made of welded wire mesh fencing on which you grow some type of vine that is not too rambunctious. Try a quick covering annual flowering vine for a start and see how it goes.