Do You Need to Be Home During Your Exterior Remodeling Installation?
As a Florida homeowner planning an exterior renovation project, you likely have many questions about the installation process. One of the most common questions our St. Petersburg customers ask is whether they need to be physically present during their siding installation, gutter replacement, or other exterior work. At A&E Remodeling, we understand that your time is valuable, and coordinating your schedule around a home improvement project can be challenging.
The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Preference
The good news is that for most exterior remodeling projects, you don’t need to be home for the entire installation process. Unlike some contractors who might insist both homeowners be present throughout the project, we believe in making the remodeling experience as convenient as possible for our customers.
However, there are certain key moments when your presence is beneficial or necessary. Let’s break down what you should know about being home during your siding installation or other exterior renovation.
When Your Presence Is Recommended During Installation
1. Initial Consultation and Project Planning
While this happens before the actual installation, being present for the initial consultation is essential. This meeting allows us to:
- Assess your home’s exterior needs
- Discuss your goals and preferences for your new siding
- Take accurate measurements of your home’s siding
- Address any questions about the siding project
- Provide a detailed estimate for the siding installation
This is your opportunity to communicate exactly what you want, so your active participation ensures the siding installation project meets your expectations.
2. Pre-Installation Meeting
We recommend being home at the beginning of the first day when the installation crew arrives. This brief meeting allows you to:
- Meet the siding installation crew
- Review the project scope and timeline
- Confirm material selections (James Hardie fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, etc.)
- Discuss any last-minute questions about the installation process
- Establish communication protocols for the project
This meeting typically takes 15-30 minutes and helps ensure everyone is aligned before the siding installation work begins.
3. Final Walkthrough and Inspection
Once the siding is installed and the project is complete, we strongly recommend being present for the final walkthrough. This gives you the opportunity to:
- Inspect the completed work and new siding
- Ask questions about maintenance for your home’s siding
- Address any concerns about the installation
- Sign off on the project completion
- Learn about warranty coverage for your siding installation
This final meeting ensures you’re completely satisfied with the results before we consider the siding installation project complete.
When You Can Be Away During the Installation
For the majority of the actual siding installation process, you don’t need to be physically present. Our experienced crews are fully trained and supervised to:
- Follow the agreed-upon plan precisely when installing new siding
- Work efficiently and professionally throughout the installation
- Maintain cleanliness and organization during the siding replacement
- Respect your property and belongings throughout the installation process
- Address any unexpected issues that arise during the siding installation
Many of our Florida customers choose to go to work, run errands, or even work from home in a different part of the house during the bulk of their exterior remodeling project.
What to Expect During Your Siding Installation When You’re Not Home
When you’re not present during the siding installation process, here’s what typically happens:
- Arrival and Setup: The siding installation crew arrives at the scheduled time and sets up their equipment and materials.
- Preparation: The team prepares the work area, placing protective coverings over landscaping and other vulnerable areas to prevent accidents.
- Removal of Existing Siding: If you’re getting a complete siding replacement, the crew will carefully remove your current siding. This is when they might discover any hidden issues that need addressing.
- Repairs and Preparation: Before installing new siding, the team will repair any damaged areas and install proper moisture barriers to protect your home from the elements.
- Installation: The actual siding installation begins, with the crew working methodically around your home. Whether it’s James Hardie fiber cement siding or vinyl siding, the installation follows specific manufacturer guidelines for proper siding installation.
- Cleanup: At the end of each day, the crew will clean up debris, nails on the ground, and other materials, leaving your property tidy and safe.
- Communication: If any issues are discovered during the siding removal and installation process, the project manager will contact you to discuss solutions.
Project Types and Presence Requirements
Different exterior projects may have different recommendations for homeowner presence during installation:
Siding Installation
Can you be away? Yes, for most of the siding installation process.
Siding installation projects typically take 1-2 weeks depending on your home’s size. After the initial meeting on day one when the crew arrives, you can be away during work hours for the remainder of the project. We recommend checking in periodically (in person or via phone/text) for updates on how the siding installation is progressing.
When installing new siding, our team will need to remove your current siding first. This removal and installation process is something our crews handle efficiently whether you’re home or not.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Installation
Can you be away? Yes, for most of the installation.
James Hardie fiber cement siding installation follows a similar timeline to other siding projects. The quality siding installation process is handled by our certified crew who specializes in proper siding installation techniques specific to fiber cement materials.
Vinyl Siding Installation
Can you be away? Yes, for most of the installation process.
Vinyl siding installation is typically less complex than fiber cement, but still requires expert installation to ensure your home’s siding protects your home from the elements properly. Our siding team handles the entire process professionally whether you’re present or not.
Soffit and Fascia Replacement
Can you be away? Yes, for most of the installation.
These projects typically take 2-5 days and can proceed smoothly without your presence after the initial meeting. We’ll keep you updated on progress via your preferred communication method as the old siding is removed and new materials are installed.
Seamless Gutter Installation
Can you be away? Yes, for the entire installation in most cases.
Gutter installations are usually completed in 1-2 days and are among the least disruptive exterior projects. After the initial consultation and approval, many homeowners choose to be completely away during the installation process.
Preparing Your Home When You Won’t Be Present During Installation
If you choose to be away during your siding installation or other exterior remodeling project, here are some steps to take before the installation crew arrives:
1. Clear the Work Area
- Remove vehicles from the driveway or garage if access is needed
- Relocate outdoor furniture, grills, and planters away from work areas
- Keep items at least 3-5 inches away from your siding
- Trim bushes or branches that might be too close to the house and impede access to work areas
- Cut grass short a day or two before the installation begins
2. Secure Pets
- Make arrangements for pets to be kept inside, away from work areas
- Consider boarding pets if they’re sensitive to noise or strangers
- Inform the installation crew about any pets that will remain on the property
3. Provide Access
- Determine how the crew will need access to necessary areas (lockbox, hidden key, garage code)
- Ensure electricity is available as the crew will need power for their tools
- Provide access to an outdoor water source if needed
- Make bathroom arrangements if you’re comfortable doing so
4. Establish Communication
- Provide your best contact number for updates or questions during the installation
- Set expectations for how often you’d like updates on the siding installation
- Decide on your preferred communication method (call, text, email)
- Designate an alternate contact person if you’ll be unreachable
The Benefits of Professional Siding Installation
Whether you choose to be home or not during the installation process, professional siding installation offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Durability: Properly installed siding protects your home from the elements, particularly important in Florida’s harsh climate.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Quality siding installation creates a thermal barrier that helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
- Increased Curb Appeal: New siding dramatically enhances your home exterior with new siding and can significantly increase property value.
- Low Maintenance: Modern siding materials like James Hardie fiber cement siding require minimal upkeep compared to traditional materials.
- Peace of Mind: Professional installation ensures your home’s exterior will stand up to Florida’s challenging weather conditions.
How A&E Remodeling Ensures Peace of Mind When You’re Away During Installation
As your neighbors here in St. Petersburg since 1995, we understand the trust you place in us when allowing work on your home in your absence. Here’s how we honor that trust during the siding installation process:
Fully Licensed and Insured
Our work is covered by comprehensive insurance and we operate under Florida State Licenses CBC031923 and CGC1504594, providing you complete protection and peace of mind during the installation.
Background-Checked Crews
All our installation crews undergo thorough background checks and are directly employed by A&E Remodeling—not subcontractors who might not share our values and standards for quality siding installation.
Daily Clean-Up
Our siding installation crew thoroughly cleans the work area at the end of each day, collecting all debris and ensuring your property remains tidy even during multi-day projects.
Secure Job Sites
We properly secure all materials and equipment at the end of each workday to protect your property and prevent safety hazards during the installation process.
Regular Updates
Even when you’re not present during the siding installation, we provide regular updates on your project’s progress through your preferred communication method.
Respect for Your Property
Our siding installation teams are trained to respect your home as if it were their own, taking care to protect landscaping, structures, and belongings throughout the installation process to prevent accidents or damage to your driveway.
Special Considerations for Florida Siding Installation Projects
Living in Florida presents unique circumstances that may affect your decision to be present during siding installation:
Hurricane Season Preparations
If your siding project takes place during hurricane season (June through November), we may need to make special arrangements for securing materials and protecting your home in case of weather alerts.
Seasonal Residents
For our seasonal residents, we offer special coordination services to complete your exterior project while you’re away. We can work with property managers, neighbors, or trusted contacts to ensure your siding installation proceeds smoothly in your absence.
Florida’s Heat Considerations
During summer months, our siding installation crews typically start early to avoid afternoon heat. If you prefer to be present at the beginning of each workday, please be aware that we may arrive as early as 7:00 AM, weather permitting.
Making Your Decision About Being Home During Installation
When deciding whether to be present during your siding installation or other exterior remodeling project, consider:
- Your comfort level with having work done in your absence
- Your schedule and availability during the projected timeline
- The complexity of your specific siding project
- Your preference for involvement in day-to-day decisions
- Whether you have specific concerns that would be best addressed by being present
At A&E Remodeling, we respect your choice either way and will work with you to ensure your siding project runs smoothly regardless of your level of presence during installation.
The Type of Siding You Choose Matters
The type of siding you choose for your home can also impact the installation process. Whether you select James Hardie fiber cement siding or vinyl siding, our experienced installers will ensure proper siding installation that protects your home from the elements.
- Vinyl Siding: Generally installs more quickly, with less dust and debris
- Fiber Cement Siding: Requires specialized cutting tools that create more dust, but provides superior durability
- James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding: Our specialty, engineered specifically for Florida’s climate
No matter which siding material you choose, our siding installers are trained to handle the unique requirements of each product, ensuring smooth siding installation that will provide lasting protection for your home’s exterior.
Ready to Transform Your Florida Home’s Exterior?
Whether you plan to be home throughout your siding installation project or prefer to be away, A&E Remodeling makes the process simple and stress-free. Our 25+ years of experience protecting Florida homes means you can trust us to deliver exceptional results with or without your daily supervision.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your exterior remodeling needs. We’ll answer all your questions about the siding installation process and help you determine the approach that works best for your schedule and preferences.
Schedule Your Free Consultation or call us at (727) 329-8107 to get started on your siding installation project.
A&E Remodeling is your premier Florida exterior specialist, serving St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, and surrounding communities since 1995. We specialize in siding, soffit & fascia, seamless gutters, and complete exterior solutions designed specifically for Florida’s challenging climate.