Protect the finish before opening the toolbox
Polished timber, stone, specialist paint, wallpaper and fitted joinery can be more costly to repair than the item being installed. Clear the immediate area and agree protective coverings appropriate to the surface; taped plastic is not suitable everywhere. Record an existing mark before moving furniture. If a fitting must be removed, label its parts and keep screws separated. Local making good should be described honestly because aged paint and hand-finished surfaces may not blend invisibly. Where decorative plaster, original joinery or listed fabric is uncertain, stop and seek specialist or consent advice. Care is a sequence of decisions, not simply slower drilling.

