How to Prepare for Your Siding Replacement

For many homeowners, getting replacement siding is new territory — something you may not have had done until now. While the actual installation is key, it’s not the only part of the process.

Take these 9 steps before the crew arrives, and the day of your siding installation will go a lot smoother for everyone involved.

Siding Replacement Prep for Your Property 

Your home, indoors and outside, needs special attention so you can keep it safeguarded while the siding is replaced.

1. Trim Landscaping 

In addition to boosting your curb appeal (who doesn’t like that?), taking care of landscaping is also a practical way to get your home ready for the siding team to do their work.

• Bushes and trees — Trim branches so they don’t scrape siding. This gives the crew a clear view of their work area and ensures your new siding won’t get scratched.
• Flower beds — Cover these with tarps to prevent debris from landing among your plants.
• Lawn — Cut grass short so that when the siding installers clean up the area, it’ll be easier for them to spot and remove small debris, like nails.

2. Store Outdoor Furnishings 

Remove anything that is near your home’s exterior walls, and store them safely in a shed or garage. Items to look for:

• Planters
• Outdoor furniture and cushions
• Seasonal décor

Tip: If you have loose lawn decorations or removable solar lights in or near the path where workers need to walk, you may want to temporarily move them to prevent accidental damage.

3. Remove Breakables from Interior Walls 

Siding installation can cause your home’s walls to vibrate, so it’s a good idea to remove anything on or near interior walls that you want to protect. This can include:

• Pictures/frames
• Glass hangings
• Breakables or delicate décor
• Light furniture that might vibrate if left next to walls
• Lamps
• Hanging plants
• Window decorations (like glass suncatchers)

4. Park Vehicles Down the Street 

Whenever your home is having upgrades, it’s a good idea to keep your car or truck safely away from the work area. 

Tip: While it may make sense to park in your garage, remember that your siding installation may make it harder to access your driveway if you need to leave home for any reason. So, parking on the street may be a better choice.

Prep for Your Family 

You and your family will also need to make adjustments during the installation. Sometimes, the commotion of workers outdoors can be stressful, so prepare ahead of time to handle that.

5. Keep Pets Securely Indoors 

The many workers and the noise of the siding installation are likely to distress dogs and cats, because they have sensitive hearing. Some animals respond to this anxiety by running away, some by hiding, others by biting — and none of those are good for you or your pets.

Tip: Keeping animals inside the house is good, but if you can get them out for the day, such as with a trip to doggy daycare, it may be worth the investment for your peace of mind.

6. Make Plans for Children 

Just as the noise and movement can be upsetting to pets, it can bother children too. And if the children end up outside among the debris, they could inadvertently get hurt.

• Visit family — If you have a baby or toddler who needs naps, taking them to grandma’s house for the day (or something similar) can be helpful.
• Set up play dates — Why not let your son or daughter visit a friend, and perhaps even sleep over their house?
• Plan out activities — If you’ll need to stay home, have plenty of crafts and games (or even a new toy) available to keep children engaged. 

7. Be Ready for Noise if You Work from Home 

Removing old siding and nailing in new siding is not a quiet activity. If you work remotely, this may impede your ability to concentrate or hear and be heard on Zoom and phone calls.

Tip: If you don’t have an on-site office to go to, there are other options that can work for the day — such as a local co-working space, the coffee shop, or the library.

Prep for the Siding Team

There are a few things you, as the homeowner, can do to help our siding installation team create the smoothest experience for you.

8. Designate Work Areas 

Your siding installation team will need space to arrange workstations and require room to set up your siding materials, as well as a dumpster or vehicles to haul off debris.

• Make room in your driveway — This is a handy space where materials can be set up. It’s likely that your new siding, as well as a dumpster (if needed) will be delivered a few days early. If you have that space designated for them, it’ll make everyone’s job simpler.
• Clear space next to exterior walls — As mentioned above, be sure to remove anything from your lawn, deck and porch that could get in the way of the installation team.
• If you have any preferences, talk with your contractor — The siding company will be positioned best to help you when you let them know any needs you have.

9. Ask Us Questions Anytime! 

Ultimately, your new siding should be a delight — a worthwhile investment that gives you beautiful curb appeal and lasting, low-maintenance value. So, if at any point before, during or after the installation you find that questions arise, let your contractor know.

Our team at John McCarter Construction is happy to provide you with insights, tips, and guidance that’ll help you be thrilled with your new siding.

Experience the Delights of New Siding   

Whether your property needs a facelift, or you’re realizing your exterior is worn and prone to water damage, investing in new siding is a great way to transform your home. And our skilled, caring team would be happy to serve you.

Learn more about our siding replacements for Michigan homeowners.