Just like any other home improvement project, siding installation requires ample planning and preparation to ensure its smooth-sailing completion. In addition to inquiring about the cost of materials and labor, it is also important to ask about the timeline so you can manage your schedule and get ready before the week of installation arrives.
Here are the steps you should take while waiting for your siding project to begin:
How to Prep Your Home
Your indoor and outdoor spaces need to be arranged and made ready so you can keep them safeguarded while your siding is being installed.
Trim the landscaping. Taking care of your landscaping does not only enhance the curbside appeal of your home. It is also a practical way to ensure that the installation work turns out to be an absolute breeze. Prune tree branches so they do not scrape the siding. This also gives the crew a clear view of their work area. Do not forget to cover the flowerbeds with a tarpaulin to prevent debris from falling on and crushing them. Cutting the grass on the lawn short also makes it easier for the crew to spot and remove debris such as nails during cleanup.
Store outdoor furniture and other accessories. Clear the outdoor area and remove anything that is near the exterior walls. If you have patio furniture and gardening equipment, store them in a garage or shed to clear the path of the siding installation crew. Other landscaping decorations such as solar lights should also be moved to prevent damage or accidents.
Remove fragile items from interior walls. Removing and installing siding can cause your walls to vibrate, so it is wise to remove any items hanging on the interior walls like framed photos and art pieces. Light fixtures, window decorations like suncatchers and other fragile items that could fall from shelves from all the shaking should be removed as well. Make sure you store these items in a safe room where they will be protected from accidental damage.
Park vehicles down the street. Whenever your home is getting exterior upgrades, it is a good idea to park all your vehicles away from the site. You can anticipate your new siding and a dumpster to store refuse materials to be delivered to your home before the actual installation. Clearing the driveway makes way for these items and helps minimize the chance of getting your vehicles damaged by stray debris.
How to Prep Your Family
Siding replacement is a major renovation, and you and your family will have to make some adjustments to your daily routine in order to accommodate the project. All the commotion outside can be sometimes stressful, so you need to prepare ahead of time to handle that.
Keep pets securely indoors. Because house pets like dogs and cats have sensitive hearing, the noise generated from the hand tools such as drills and saws during siding installation is likely to distress them. Some animals respond to this by hiding or running away. Keeping them inside a safe room in your home is good, but if you can get them to a daycare or another place without commotion, it may be worth it for your peace of mind.
Inform and make plans for the children. Just as all the noise and commotion can be upsetting to pets, it can stress out children too. If you have an infant or toddler who needs frequent naps, taking them to a relative’s house can be helpful. Or you can set up a play date over at a friend’s house so you can keep them entertained and engaged while away from the chaos taking place at your home.
Anticipate the noise and mess if you work from home. A good siding contractor will go above and beyond to minimize the noise and mess during the installation. However, do keep in mind that the activity is bound to make a little bit of noise one way or another. If you work remotely, it may affect your ability to concentrate on tasks or be heard properly on phone calls. Luckily, there are simple options that can work for the day, and these include going to a local coffee shop or a co-working space near your residence.
How to Help the Siding Team
As the homeowner, there are a few things you can do to help create the smoothest experience for everyone involved including the siding installation crew.
Designate the work areas. You need to designate the work areas so that the siding replacement team can have sufficient space to arrange their workstations and set up their tools and equipment, such as James Hardie siding panels, dumpsters and trucks to haul off refuse materials and other debris. One thing you can do is make room in the driveway. It is likely that your new siding will be delivered a few days before the installation, so designating that space for them will make everyone’s job simpler. As mentioned earlier, be sure to clear your deck, patio and lawn so that there is nothing in the way of the installation crew.
Do not hesitate to raise your concerns. At the end of the day, your new siding should be a source of delight, a worthwhile investment that gives your home a beautiful appearance, and a long-lasting, low-maintenance facade. If you have questions about the process or the results, do not hesitate to voice your concerns to the contractor. A good and dependable team will be more than happy to provide you with the insight and guidance you need.
Turn to Your Bay Area Siding Experts!
When it is time to spruce up your home’s exterior with new and improved siding, turn to Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. Our professional team works with the best materials such as James Hardie fiber cement and Shakertown® cedar shingles for residential applications, guaranteeing superior protection and increased curb appeal. Contact us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our online form to request a free estimate.