Helpful Tips for Homeowners Before Their Siding Job

When you’re getting ready for a home improvement project, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the finished product. However, before the first nail is hammered or the first piece of siding is put up, there are essential steps to take to ensure a smooth process. As contractors who have worked on countless projects, we’ve learned that preparation is key. Here are some helpful tips for homeowners before their siding job to make everything run as smoothly as possible.

Understand It’s an Active Construction Site

One thing many homeowners don’t fully realize is that their home will essentially turn into an active construction site during a siding job. This means there will be noise, workers, and materials on-site for the duration of the project. Our team does everything we can to keep the area clean and minimize disruptions, but it’s important to know what to expect.

Plan for Disruptions

We usually work from 7:30 AM to around 4:30 PM, depending on the weather and other factors. This means you’ll need to adjust your schedule accordingly, especially when it comes to parking your cars or letting pets outside. Our team cleans up daily, sweeping and using magnetic brooms to pick up nails, but be aware that it’s nearly impossible to get every single nail.

1. Arrange parking: Make sure you park your cars in an accessible spot each morning before we arrive.
2. Keep pets safe: If your pets usually roam the yard, consider finding a temporary space for them inside or taking them on more walks while we work.
3. Protect children: Make sure your kids stay out of work zones for their safety.

Clear Valuable Items from the Workspace

We understand that your home is filled with valuable and sentimental items, and while we take every precaution to avoid damage, accidents can happen. Whether it’s a cherished vase or expensive furniture, it’s best to move those items to a safer location while work is being done.

Tips for Protecting Your Belongings

1. Store valuables safely: If you have items of high sentimental or monetary value near the work areas, consider moving them to a secure location.
2. Cover what can’t be moved: For items too large to move, like furniture, cover them to prevent dust or debris from settling on them.

Think About Your Outdoor Space

If you’re an avid gardener or have a beautifully landscaped yard, it’s essential to plan ahead. Our crew will need access to all sides of the house, and that may mean trampling over parts of your garden or lawn, despite our best efforts to protect everything.

Protect Your Garden and Lawn

1. Plan your siding job around your garden: If you have a prized garden that’s in full bloom, consider scheduling the siding work during a time of year when your garden isn’t as vulnerable.
2. Communicate your preferences: Let us know if there are specific areas you’d like us to avoid or if there are particular bushes or trees that you want us to protect.

Prepare for Temporary Inconveniences

There will be temporary changes to your daily routine. We will have a dumpster and porta potty on-site, and while we do our best to keep them discreet, they’re a necessary part of the job.

Minimize Inconvenience During the Siding Job

1. Discuss placement of dumpsters: Let us know where you’d prefer the dumpster and other materials to be placed, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
2. Plan for changes in daily routines: Think about how the construction will affect your typical activities, such as using your yard, parking, or access to certain parts of your home.

Safety First: Look Out for Nails and Debris

While we strive to keep the worksite as clean as possible, the nature of construction means there may be nails, wood chips, or other debris that don’t get swept up immediately. It’s important to stay cautious, especially if you have pets or small children. Even with our daily clean-up efforts, it’s nearly impossible to catch everything. Be mindful when walking in work areas to avoid any accidents.

How to Stay Safe During the Project

1. Inspect walkways daily: Before letting kids or pets outside, do a quick inspection of the yard and driveway for nails or sharp objects.
2. Wear shoes: Encourage everyone in the household to wear shoes when walking around outside, just to be safe.

Timing is Everything

Choosing the right time of year for your siding job is another crucial aspect. You’ll want to avoid times when the project could interfere with your summer plans or special outdoor events.

Scheduling Your Siding Job

1. Avoid peak season for outdoor activities: If you have a pool or regularly host outdoor events, try to schedule the work for a time that won’t interrupt these activities.
2. Consider seasonal factors: Spring and fall are generally the best times to schedule siding work, as the weather is mild and your yard may be less of a priority than during summer.

In Summary

As you prepare for your siding job, remember that planning ahead and understanding the scope of the project will make the process smoother. Keep these helpful tips for homeowners before their siding job in mind, and don’t hesitate to communicate with us about your specific needs. From moving valuables to preparing your yard and making adjustments to your daily routine, these steps can help minimize the disruptions and keep your home safe.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance before your siding project begins, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide helpful tips for homeowners and guide you every step of the way.