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You've made an appointment to have siding installed on your property. While you're undoubtedly excited at the prospect of a fresh new look for your home, you're also probably wondering to what extend the installation process will affect your day to day routine. Here is what you need to know in order to properly prepare for siding installation:
Expect things to get messy: During siding installation, the outside of your house is bound to turn into one giant mess. Make sure to remove all planters, furniture, and miscellaneous items from your porch and patio before the work begins so that they don't get damaged. If you have a garden area to the side of your house and you don't want it trampled, mark off the area and let your contractor know where it is so that he and his crew can do their best to avoid ruining it.
Get ready for some noise: Siding installation is not always a quiet process, and the noise levels might get a bit unpleasant over the course of the project. Sure, some noise here and there is bearable But given the length of the installation from start to finish, those who tend to be home during the day might want to make other plans. Remember that while shorter siding jobs can take two or three days, longer jobs can take more than a week depending on the size of the house, the materials in question, and the circumstances at play.If you have babies or pets at home, then you should know that a moderate amount of ruckus might translate into a greater disturbance if sensitive ears are consistently exposed to the noise. Dogs might be particularly intolerant to the presence of loud strangers directly outside the house. It might be a good idea to ask friends or family members to use their homes as a short-term daytime escape. If you work from home, then you might want to find a temporary office or workspace to use throughout the process. You should also make your contractor aware if you are a stay-at-home parent or if you operate a business out of your home office. When possible, a good contractor will do his best to get the job done as quickly as possible so your life can quickly return to normal.
As a courtesy, you might also want to notify your neighbors of the impending siding installation project. This will give them the ability to make alternate plans to avoid having to suffer through several days of noise.
Clear the walls: When it comes to siding installation, sometimes the pressure from the outside walls of your house can impact the inside walls. It's a good idea to remove all valuables from your walls, including paintings, framed photographs, and mirrors, before the installation begins. Store these items in a basement or spare bedroom to avoid them getting damaged during the siding installation process.
Be prepared for some strange things to happen: Some homes - especially those that are older - are built with sheet rock that is nailed in, not screwed in. As a result, during siding installation, it is possible for the outside banging to cause nails to pop out of the sheetrock. This won't cause any structural damage, but nail pops are known to be rather unsightly. While it is rare for this to happen, as a consumer, it never hurts to be aware that siding installation can bring about some strange and unpleasant side effects. If you own an older home and have never had siding previously installed, then you might want to discuss this risk with your contractor.
There's no doubt that siding installation will have some sort of effect on your daily routine. But the more prepared you are for the process, the more easily you'll deal with the upheaval. It might seem overwhelming, but remember to put things in perspective: Once the installation is complete, you'll be rewarded with a stunning exterior as a gateway to your home for many years to come.
