Preparing your home for exterior renovation is something you definitely must plan for ahead of time. Whether it’s a roof repair or replacement to siding and gutter installations, being properly prepared makes the work much easier on you and the professionals you hire to do the job.
As you prepare for roof repairs or replacement, you might want to remove wall décor if at all possible. If not, you risk the vibrations from having the work done, causing pictures or artwork to fall and get damaged.
You also want to prevent damage to your vehicle, so you’ll want to move it out of the way. By clearing the driveway, it’s also possible for the workers to get around your home without your car in the way. It’s a win-win.
Remove any antennas or satellite dishes ahead of time, so they don’t get damaged. If needed, roofers can also help remove them, and if they need to be disposed of, they will often be willing to help with that.
One of the things that often gets forgotten when preparing for siding installation is whatever you have leaning up against your house. Typically, this is a shelf or storage shed. These need to be moved before the work begins.
Like roofing preparations, you’ll also want to move your car out of the way and remove anything on the walls. Doing so prevents damages to your belongings. Store your things in a safe place while the work is being done.
You may also want to ensure there’s no power to any outdoor outlets. If you do this, you’ll prevent the possibility of a shock to the workers. If you’re not sure that it needs to be done, ask them before the work starts so you can help them stay safe.
Gutter installation requires a few special preparations to make before you get the job started. Check for any existing water damage before the new gutters are installed. Any rotting or damaged wood needs to be repaired before gutters are put on the house.
You’ll also want to think about the drainage. Will you be harvesting rainwater? Or will you be directing the water away from your home? You might also want to direct rainwater towards a garden. This all needs to be decided before getting your gutters installed.
Lastly, if you’ve been thinking about repainting your home, it’s a good idea to get it done before the gutters get installed. Gutter installation can cause chips in old paint while they’re being installed. If you can get the painting done beforehand, it will stand up to the installation while giving your home a fresh look.
Kids and pets can easily get overwhelmed when any of these jobs are being done, so you’ll want to consider them. Talk to the kids and let your pets stay elsewhere while the work is being done.
Something else to think about is making sure shrubbery and trees are all trimmed appropriately for these types of home projects. Doing so makes it easier for the workers to get the job done right.
Don’t forget to let your neighbors know that people will be over at your home working on these various projects. They’ll appreciate the heads up, so they’re prepared for the noise that comes with doing jobs of this scale.
While some of these things may be an inconvenience, remember that they won’t last forever. Once the job is done, you’ll be grateful you did everything you needed to do to ensure a smooth process all the way around.
