Planning an exterior remodel is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you're replacing your roof, siding, or windows, preparing your home properly can make the process smoother and help prevent unexpected issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your home is ready for a successful exterior renovation.
Clear the Area Around Your Home
Exterior remodeling projects often involve heavy equipment, scaffolding, and a lot of movement around your home. To keep your family, contractors, and your belongings safe:
Remove Outdoor Furniture: Move patio furniture, grills, planters, or any other outdoor items away from the house. This prevents them from being damaged and gives workers clear access to your home’s exterior.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim any overhanging branches or large shrubs near the house. This not only protects the plants from damage but also gives workers more space to move around freely.
Move Vehicles: If possible, park your cars a safe distance away from the house, as roofing and siding work may lead to falling debris or dust accumulation.
Prepare the Inside of Your Home
While exterior remodeling focuses on the outside of your home, the work can still have an impact indoors.
Remove Wall Décor: Vibrations from replacing the roof or siding may cause items like picture frames, mirrors, or shelves to fall. Take down any fragile items from walls adjacent to the construction area.
Cover Furniture and Floors: Dust and debris can find their way indoors, even if workers take precautions. Cover furniture near windows and doors, and consider laying down protective coverings on floors near entrances.
Close Windows and Doors: Especially during roof or siding replacements, it’s a good idea to keep windows and doors closed to minimize the dust entering your home.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Major exterior renovations like roof replacements can be noisy and disruptive. Let your neighbors know in advance about the project, including the estimated start and finish dates. This helps maintain good relationships and allows them to plan around the construction if needed.
Plan for Pets and Children
If you have pets or small children, an exterior remodel can be particularly stressful for them due to noise, strangers around the property, and possible hazards.
Create a Safe Space: Set up a designated room or area indoors where pets and kids can be comfortable and away from the action. If possible, consider arranging for them to stay with friends, family, or at a daycare during the noisiest phases of the project.
Inform Contractors: Make sure your contractors are aware of pets or children in the home, so they can take additional precautions when entering or exiting the property.
Secure Valuables
If you have valuable items stored in your attic, garage, or rooms near where construction will take place, consider relocating them temporarily. Vibrations from roofing work or siding replacement can sometimes cause things to shift or fall.
Prepare for Noise and Disruptions
Roofing and siding replacements are noisy processes. Hammering, sawing, and movement of materials can create a lot of commotion. Prepare for a bit of disruption in your daily routine and consider using noise-canceling headphones or taking a break from the house when work is in full swing.
Know What to Expect from Your Contractor
Clear communication with your contractor is key to a smooth remodel. At BN Covered Exteriors, we make sure our clients understand the timeline, scope of work, and what to expect during each phase of the project. Whether you’re getting a roof replacement with CertainTeed shingles, Alside composite siding, or new Provia energy-efficient windows, having a clear understanding of the process helps avoid surprises.
Protect Your Landscaping
While workers take care to minimize the impact on your landscaping, large projects like roofing or siding replacements may involve heavy equipment that could damage delicate plants or flowers near your home. Consider:
Temporarily Relocating Potted Plants: If you have plants in pots or movable containers, relocate them away from the work zone.
Marking Important Areas: If you have sprinkler systems, hidden wiring, or other landscaping features that need to be avoided, mark them clearly and inform your contractors.
Prepare for Waste and Debris
Roofing and siding jobs create a lot of waste, including old materials, nails, and debris. Your contractor will likely bring a dumpster to the site, but it’s good to be prepared for debris around the yard. After the work is done, a thorough clean-up should be part of the contractor’s job, but you can also check for any stray nails or scraps that may have been missed.
Have a Contingency Plan for Bad Weather
Exterior remodeling is often at the mercy of the weather. Rain, wind, or extreme heat can delay projects or create challenging conditions for workers. While professionals do their best to minimize delays, having a little flexibility in your schedule can help you stay calm if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Conclusion
A well-prepared home ensures that your exterior remodeling project goes as smoothly as possible, minimizing disruptions and protecting your property. Whether you're replacing your roof, siding, or windows, taking these steps ahead of time will help you feel more in control and ready for the transformation. If you're planning an exterior remodel, BN Covered Exteriors is here to guide you through every step, providing quality products and professional service for a beautiful and durable home makeover.
Feel free to reach out to BN Covered Exteriors for a consultation, and let us help you turn your vision into reality!
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