So you’ve made the decision to put on an addition, make a much-needed home improvement, or even get cable or Wi-Fi put in. You have a lot of professional installers coming to your home to bring anything from sinks and cable wire to drywall and electrical outlets. What can you do on your end to prepare for the installer’s arrival? Here are some ways you can make it easier on the professional coming to your home and have things ready to go when he or she arrives.

Move Furniture Out of the Way

If your electrician or cable guy needs to reach out-of-the-way places to do his work, do your part to move any couches, chairs, tables and the like out of the immediate area or at least away from the wall to make the job easier. Plus, you can do it carefully so as not to mark up your furniture. A professional will be in a hurry and may move it all a little too quickly for your taste. In the case of the cable installer, make sure TVs and entertainment centers are at least three to five feet away from the wall. Have all the devices on hand that the technician will need, such as wireless cards, routers and modems.

Clean Up

Some jobs require that the homeowner clean the area first. In the case of carpet installation, you should vacuum the old carpet to get rid of dirt and dust that could come loose when it is removed from your home. Pin up any curtains or anything else hanging over the flooring, and open up the windows to keep the ventilation going. It’s a good idea to use an exhaust fan or even the fan of your HVAC system to get that smell of new carpet out as soon as possible, which will last about 72 hours.

Have a Discussion with the Installer

Whether you’re having new cupboards put into your kitchen, plan to renovate the bathroom, or just have some new ceiling fans installed, it’s important to talk with your contractor or installation professional beforehand to learn what to expect. Not every job is the same or requires the same tools, which is why communication is vital.

Find out how long the project will take and whether you should leave the premises while the job is being done. While most contractors realize the need for the homeowner to be present at time of the installation for security concerns, you may be asked to stay in another area of the home for your own safety and that of your kids. Drywall contractors, for example, have to haul in large pieces of sheetrock and equipment and they’ll be in and out of the house. It makes sense that you should leave them be so they can work unencumbered.

And one last note: if it’s hot and someone is in your home working diligently to fix an issue or install something, be a gracious host—offer a glass of something cool to drink and say “thank you” when they’re finished. Do your part to prepare for the professional’s arrival to ensure a seamless installation from beginning to end.