Project prep checklist

Your installation day checklist is simple: stay accessible, stay flexible, and know what's normal.

Install team arrival and setup

• Installers typically arrive in the morning—your project manager will confirm timing
• Materials get staged in your driveway or yard (this is temporary)
• Installers need clear access to work areas throughout the day

During the install

• Expect noise, especially with roofing, siding, or window projects
• Workers may need to enter your home for window, door, or insulation work
• Your project manager is your go-to person—call or text them anytime, even mid-project

End of day

• Installers clean up the work area daily
• Debris removal happens throughout the project, not just at the end
• Your project manager will update you on progress and next steps
• What's Normal: Loud hammering and cutting. Materials staged in your driveway for the day. Workers moving around your property. Brief interior access for window, door, or insulation work. All standard—we've done this for over 10,000 homeowners, and Our installers know how to work efficiently while respecting your space.

Different projects need different prep. Jump to the section that applies to your upcoming work.

Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Gutters • Attic Insulation

Knowing how to prepare for roof replacement keeps your belongings protected and gives installers clear access. We've seen homeowners forget about attic storage during tear-off—covering items with plastic sheeting takes five minutes and saves headaches later.

• Move vehicles away from the house—falling debris is unavoidable during tear-off
• Cover items stored in your attic with plastic sheeting (dust and small debris can fall through)
• Remove or protect satellite dishes, antennas, and rooftop decorations
• Trim back tree branches that overhang the roof or touch the roofline
• Secure loose outdoor items like patio umbrellas, toys, and lightweight furniture
• Take down hanging plants or wind chimes near the roofline
• Mark any skylights or solar panels for the install team's reference

Preparing for siding replacement means clearing the perimeter and removing anything mounted to your walls. The most common surprise? Homeowners forget about hose reels, house numbers, and that decorative thermometer by the back door.

• Remove exterior-mounted items: lights, house numbers, hose reels, décor
• Clear a 6-8 foot perimeter around the house for staging and access
• Protect landscaping near the foundation with tarps or relocate container plants
• Mark sprinkler heads and buried irrigation lines close to the house
• Take down window screens on walls where siding is being replaced
• Move firewood stacks, AC unit covers, or storage bins away from walls
• Note any exterior electrical outlets or fixtures for the install team

Preparing for window replacement is mostly about clearing interior space. Vibration from removing old frames can knock things off walls—we've seen picture frames, mirrors, and floating shelves come down unexpectedly.

• Clear furniture and belongings 3-4 feet back from each window being replaced
• Remove blinds, curtains, and window treatments completely
• Take down fragile items from nearby walls—vibration can knock things loose
• Cover floors beneath windows with drop cloths or plastic sheeting
• Ensure a clear path from your main entry to each window location
• Remove window-mounted AC units if applicable
• Unlock and test each window so installers can assess operation

Preparing for door replacement means clearing entry areas and thinking through temporary access. If your main door is being replaced, you'll need another way in and out for a few hours—garage entry or a side door works fine.

• Remove security sensors, doorbells, or smart locks from the door frame
• Clear the entry area inside and out—coats, shoes, benches, planters
• Cover nearby flooring with drop cloths (dust and debris are unavoidable)
• Take down wall décor near the door frame
• Disconnect any hardwired security systems tied to the door
• Plan an alternate entry point if your main door is being replaced
• Note any storm door hardware that needs removal

Preparing for gutter installation is straightforward—mostly clearing space below the roofline. The one thing homeowners miss? Buried downspout extensions. If you've got underground drainage, mark where the lines run so installers don't puncture them.

• Move vehicles out from under the eaves and roofline
• Clear patio furniture, grills, and planters from directly below the gutters
• Note existing downspout discharge locations for the install team
• Mark buried downspout extensions or underground drainage lines
• Trim back shrubs or branches that touch the fascia or soffit
• Remove hanging plants or decorations near the roofline
• Ensure ladder access is clear on all sides of the house

Preparing for attic insulation installation means clearing access and protecting stored items. Insulation dust gets everywhere—if you've got boxes of photos or holiday decorations up there, plastic sheeting is worth the effort.

• Clear the path to your attic access point (pull-down stairs, ceiling hatch, or walk-up door)
• Remove stored items from the attic or consolidate them to one side
• Cover remaining belongings with plastic sheeting—insulation dust spreads
• Make sure the attic light works (if you have one)
• Note the location of HVAC equipment, ductwork, or junction boxes for the install team
• Clear any insulation that's blocking the access point
• Ensure the attic floor or joists can support install team movement

Your project prep checklist doesn't end when installers leave. A little attention in the first week helps you catch anything that needs follow-up—and helps you understand what's normal settling versus what's worth a call.

First 48 hours

• Walk the completed work with your project manager before sign-off
• Note any questions or concerns—your project manager will address them on-site when possible
• Test operation: windows open and close smoothly, doors latch properly, gutters are secure
• Confirm the site cleanup is complete (no debris, nails, or materials left behind)
• Collect your warranty documentation and keep it somewhere accessible

First week

• Monitor for normal settling—minor adjustments are common and covered under warranty
• Avoid pressure washing new siding, roofing, or gutters for at least 30 days
• Check for any visible concerns: loose trim, gaps, operational issues
• Keep your project manager's contact info handy for follow-up questions

When to contact us

• You notice visible damage or installation issues
• Windows, doors, or other components don't operate correctly
• You have questions about care, maintenance, or warranty coverage
• Something just looks off—trust your gut and give us a call