Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Siding Replacement

When the time comes to replace the siding on your home, you can't just sit back and let the contractors do all the work. Sure, you're paying them to handle the heavy lifting, but that doesn't absolve you of all responsibilities. Your role starts long before the contractors arrive and even extends a bit after they've gone. A little prep work can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and efficient siding replacement project. The benefits of being proactive are manifold: it can reduce the chances of delays, prevent potential damage to your property, and even help you form a better working relationship with your contractors. 

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In 2020, Americans spent $363 billion on home upgrades, renovations, and maintenance. The subsequent year saw an expenditure of $406 billion, marking an 11.8% year-over-year increase—nearly tripling the typical annual growth rate of 4.4%. By the time 2022 rolled around, spending on home improvements had escalated even further to a staggering $472 billion.

So, keep reading if you want to ensure that your siding replacement goes off without a hitch. We're going to delve into some crucial tips that will guide you through the process of getting your home primed and ready for this significant makeover.

Clear the Perimeter of Your House

The first thing you'll want to do is clear the area around your house. This may sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many overlook this simple step. The siding contractors will need ample room to move around your property, set up scaffolding, and store materials. So, make sure you move cars, bikes, and any other vehicles away from the house. Additionally, take the time to store or cover up any patio furniture, grills, or other outdoor items. Doing so clears the way for the crew and protects your belongings from dust and debris.

The roof replacement expense in Atlanta, Georgia can vary widely, falling between $3,300 and $20,000. These costs are contingent on factors such as the dimensions of your roof and the grade of shingles you opt for. For a standard 1,500-square-foot roof, you're looking at an approximate cost of $6,800. When it comes to asphalt roofing, the per-square-foot price ranges from $3.40 to $5.70.

If you're seeking a professional siding replacement contractor in Atlanta, it's important to do your research and find a company with a good reputation that offers quality service. You can also look up the keyword Atlanta Siding Replacement company near me and shortlist a few from the results. Ask for references and reviews, and don't forget to read online reviews before making a final decision.

Remove Obstacles from Interior Walls

When siding is being replaced, the vibrations from the work can travel through your walls, shaking things up a bit. To minimize any damage, you'll want to remove pictures, mirrors, and any other wall hangings from the sides of the house where the siding will be replaced. This might also be a good time to secure or move any fragile items sitting on shelves. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your valuables.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

This is one of those prep steps that many homeowners neglect, but it's essential. Overgrown trees and shrubs can obstruct the workspace and make it more difficult for the siding contractors to do their job. Before the crew arrives, trim back any trees, shrubs, or plants too close to your home. This will make the job easier for the contractors and reduce the risk of damage to your new siding. Plus, let's face it, well-trimmed trees and shrubs are more aesthetically pleasing and can enhance the appearance of your new siding.

Notify Your Neighbors

A siding replacement project can be noisy and disruptive, not just for you but for your neighbors as well. It's courteous to inform them that you'll be having work done. This allows them to prepare for any noise and disruptions, and it's just good neighborly conduct. Keeping your neighbors in the loop can help maintain a peaceful community atmosphere and even prevent complaints or misunderstandings.

Make Arrangements for Pets and Kids

Both pets and kids are naturally curious, and a construction zone is not safe for them. To prevent any accidents or delays in the work, make arrangements for your pets and children to be elsewhere while the contractors are on site. Whether that means planning playdates, setting up a temporary fenced area in another part of the yard, or having your pets stay with a friend, taking care of this in advance will make life easier for everyone involved.

Review and Prepare for Utility Access Points

Another often overlooked aspect of siding replacement is the issue of utility access points. These include your electrical outlets, water spigots, gas meters, and even cable boxes that might be affixed to the exterior of your home. Before the crew arrives, take a walk around your house to identify these points. Make sure they are easily accessible and not blocked by any debris or clutter. Why is this important? Well, if the contractors need to disconnect or work around these utilities, easy access will make their job quicker and more efficient.

Plan for Contingencies

It's always a smart idea to have a contingency plan in place. While no one likes to think about what could go wrong, planning for it is wise. In your communication plan, outline steps for dealing with emergencies or unexpected delays. Who will be the person making the immediate decisions in such cases? How will the message be communicated to other relevant parties? Having a contingency plan and knowing who will enact it can make a potentially stressful situation far more manageable.

Document Everything

Finally, keeping a written record of all communications can prove invaluable, particularly in a long-term project like siding replacement. Whether it's changes in material choices, delays due to weather, or shifts in timelines, keeping a log of all communications ensures that everyone remains accountable. It can also be a helpful reference if there's a dispute or if you simply need to refresh your memory about a particular detail. You can opt for a digital format like emails or a project management app that both you and your contractor can update in real time. This not only aids in transparent communication but also in ensuring that both parties are aligned in terms of expectations and deliverables.

Summary

Preparing for siding replacement is a multifaceted task that involves more than just clearing space and securing valuables. It's about establishing a seamless flow of communication, planning for contingencies, and maintaining a detailed record of the entire process. By taking the time to establish a robust communication plan and following through with it, you're investing in the overall success and efficiency of the project. In doing so, you facilitate a smoother construction phase and contribute to a more enjoyable, stress-free experience for everyone involved. A well-prepared homeowner is the cornerstone of a successful siding replacement project.