How to get ready for an exterior siding project

Are re-siding jitters keeping you up at night? Having your home re-sided is the best way to get rid of worn siding that may not be protecting your home as it should.  An exterior siding project will spruce up the appearance of your property while helping to protect your investment and can boost your home’s curb appeal.  

If you’ve already scheduled an appointment with a contractor or you’re considering this fantastic home improvement project, you may be somewhat nervous about it. A licensed and insured contractor will do their best to provide professional siding installation with the least amount of mess and disruption, and the greatest care of your personal belongings. They'll also make sure that your yard is clean when they've finished their work. Even so, preparing ahead will help to minimize any mishaps, for a smooth, successful, and stress-free experience. 

10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR EXTERIOR SIDING PROJECT 

Here are 10 steps you can take to prepare for the big project. 

1. Talk to Your Contractor About Any Questions or Concerns 

Getting your questions answered upfront and knowing exactly what to expect during your siding install will go a long way toward creating a smooth siding experience. Whether it’s a question about the installation or what the crew will require once they arrive at your home, communication will help the process run more smoothly, with the least amount of disruption and surprises. 

2. Move Outdoor Furniture, Planters, and Grills 

Remove anything that can get in the way while your contractor is working to reduce the risk of damage. This might include a patio table and chairs, grills and other appliances, potted plants, statues, benches, children’s toys, hammocks, and outdoor décor. This will also give your siding team ample room to work. If you have removable solar lighting along a pathway or loose lawn decorations, it is best to remove these, so they won’t get in the way or get damaged. Don’t forget any items on your porch or deck.  

Cover outdoor furnishings that are at a distance from the siding as well as anything you’re not able to move. This includes larger items like a doghouse or child's playhouse, fire pit, or garden bench at the back of the yard. You can find large tarps at most hardware and home improvement stores. 

4. Prepare and Protect Your Landscaping 

Trim shrubs and trees that are brushing up against the home’s siding. Cut your grass short, so that the installers will be able to spot small material scraps and errant nails and screws during the post-project clean-up. Cover flower and vegetable gardens with tarps to reduce damage to bushes, flowers, and other plants. But don’t cover them up too early! They should only be covered on the day that your work is scheduled, to minimize the lack of sunlight.   

5. Make Room for Your Contractor’s Equipment and Supplies 

Designate the work area and communicate this to your contractor. Create space in your garage or driveway for the siding crew, with easy access to electrical outlets and anything else they need. Having both the garage and the driveway is helpful, since during the demolition, a dumpster can be moved into the driveway, and the crew will have access to electricity so they can set up all their equipment. 

6. Move Your Family’s Cars 

Avoid the risk of damage to your vehicles while giving the contractors the room they need to work efficiently by moving them to a safe distance. Moving your cars into the street will allow the siding crew to back their truck up for easy movement of materials into the garage. You’ll also be glad to have your car on the street if you need to leave the house for some reason. The contractor may need to bring the new siding and a dumpster to your home a few days before the scheduled work. If you have any parking restrictions on your street, notify your town officials or homeowners association. 

7. Clear a Path 

In addition to providing a place for the contractors to work, make sure that the pathway from that location to the siding around your entire house (or the portion you’re replacing) is clear. Giving them free access along the driveway, walkways, and porches will minimize damage as they carry materials. 

8. Remove Artwork and Shelves from Exterior Walls 

If you have outdoor décor or shelving attached to exterior walls, the siding work might make those outer walls vibrate. Take these items down to avoid any potential damage. 

9. Prepare the Inside of Your Home 

The demolition and installation processes outside can also jostle things around inside. This may damage fragile indoor furnishings or decor such as paintings, hanging plants, window decorations, and lamps that are near or attached to exterior walls. 

10. Make Plans for Your Family and Your Pets 

Small children and family pets may get disturbed by the noise and disruption caused by a siding installation, so it might be best to have them stay elsewhere during that day. It may be a good time for a play date or a visit to see family. If you work from home, you may wish to escape the noise and commotion as well. Consider working at a neighbor’s house, library, or coffee shop.   

PREPARE FOR BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME SIDING 

An exterior siding project at your home doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing ahead with these easy steps, you can have an orderly experience and greatly minimize the risk of damage. When you choose Hardie^® high-performance siding, the result will be gorgeous new siding that will enhance your home's appearance while reducing maintenance costs and protecting it for years to come. 

To help ensure an exceptional job, choose a contractor that’s recognized as Preferred or Elite Preferred through the James Hardie Contractor Alliance^® Program. Preferred level members are required to be highly experienced, licensed and insured. 

If you’re thinking about re-siding your home and would like to know how James Hardie fiber cement siding compares with other types of siding, download our Ultimate Re-side Guide.