When you’re about to get a new roof, you’re dealing with an upgrade and stepping into a big home improvement project. The roofing process involves a lot of work, from tearing off the old roof to installing the new one.
That means you need to get your home and family ready for what’s coming. Proper preparation ensures the process goes smoothly and helps protect your home from any potential damage. So, let’s dive into these essential home preparation tips to prepare your house for a new roof.
1 – Protect your belongings
Roofing work gets messy. Shingles, nails, and debris can end up everywhere. That’s why protecting your belongings is crucial. Start inside by covering items in the attic or top floor with plastic sheets or tarps. Even though most contractors do their best to remove dust and debris, some might still find their way inside.
If you have fragile items hanging on your walls, like pictures or mirrors, take them down. The vibrations from hammering could cause them to fall and break. Consider moving any valuable or delicate items to a safer spot in the house.
Outside, move vehicles, patio furniture, and any other items away from the house to avoid them getting damaged or dirty during the process.
2 – Clear the area around your home
Roofing crews need space to work, and they’ll be bringing trucks, ladders, and other equipment. Clear the area around your home to give them easy access. Remove lawn ornaments, potted plants, grills, and anything else that could get in the way or damaged. Trim any trees or shrubs close to the house to prevent them from interfering with the work.
You should also make sure your driveway is clear. The crew might need to park there or use it to load and unload materials. If possible, park your vehicles somewhere else, like on the street or at a neighbor’s house.
3 — Protect your garden and landscaping
If you’ve got a garden or carefully maintained landscaping, take steps to protect it. Cover plants, flowers, and shrubs near your home with tarps or cloths to shield them from falling debris. If you have particularly delicate plants, you might want to temporarily relocate them.
Mark any sprinkler heads, garden lights, or other features that are difficult to see so the crew doesn’t accidentally damage them. Make sure to water your plants the day before the work begins. This helps reduce the risk of damage from falling debris and makes the cleanup process easier afterward.
4 – Prepare your home’s interior
The roofing process creates a lot of noise and vibrations. This can be unsettling, especially if you’re home during the work. Take a moment to prepare your home’s interior for the disruptions. Secure loose items that might get knocked over by the vibrations, like knick-knacks on shelves or countertop items.
Check that all windows and doors are securely closed to keep out dust and debris. If you have pets, think about how the noise and activity might affect them. Consider moving them to a quieter part of the house or even to a friend’s or family member’s home for the day. This helps keep them calm and prevents them from getting underfoot.
5 – Inform your neighbors
Roofing work is noisy and disruptive, affecting your household and neighbors. Give them a heads-up about the work schedule so they know what to expect. This is especially important if your neighbors have young children or pets who might be disturbed by the noise.
If your project involves large deliveries of materials or if workers will need to access your roof from a neighboring property, make sure to get permission ahead of time. Being courteous and communicative with your neighbors goes a long way toward maintaining good relationships.
6 – Ensure safe access to power
The crew will likely need access to power for their tools and equipment. Make sure they have safe and convenient access to outdoor electrical outlets. If you don’t have any outdoor outlets, discuss with the crew how they’ll get the power they need.
They might need to run extension cords from inside your home, so plan accordingly.
You should also make sure that any power lines near your roof are safely out of the way. If the lines are close to the roof, contact your utility company to have them temporarily disconnected or covered during the work.
7 – Prepare for the unexpected
Roofing projects don’t always go according to plan. Weather, material delays, or unexpected damage to your roof could cause the project to take longer than expected. Prepare yourself for the possibility of delays by having a backup plan. If the work extends into the evening, ensure you have a safe place to stay, especially if the roof is left incomplete overnight.
Prepare for unexpected costs. Crews often uncover hidden damage, like rotting wood or structural issues, that must be addressed before installing the new roof. Having a contingency budget set aside for these surprises can help alleviate stress if extra repairs are needed.
8 – Secure permits and follow regulations
Depending on where you live, you might need a permit to replace your roof. Check with your local government or HOA to see what’s required. Some places have specific regulations about the type of materials you can use, or they might require inspections during or after the project.
Make sure all necessary permits are secured before work begins. Failing to do so could result in fines or delays.
If you live in a community with an HOA, check their guidelines on roofing projects. You might need approval for the color or style of shingles you use. Knowing these rules ahead of time prevents any conflicts with your HOA.
9 – Plan for cleanup
Roofing work generates a lot of mess, from old shingles to nails and other debris. Most companies include cleanup in their services, but it’s smart to stay prepared. Talk to your contractor about how they’ll handle the cleanup process.
Will they use a magnetic sweeper to pick up nails? How will they dispose of the old materials?
Once the project wraps up, walk around your home to check for any remaining debris. This helps ensure your property is safe, especially if you have children or pets who play outside.
10 – Set expectations with your contractor
Clear communication with your contractor is essential for a successful project. Set expectations from the beginning about the timeline, daily work hours, and how they’ll protect your property during the process. Make sure you have a written contract that outlines all the details, including the cost, materials, and scope of work.
Discuss any concerns you have with your contractor before the project begins. This might include things like how they’ll handle unexpected weather changes or how they’ll address any damage that occurs during the work. Having these conversations upfront ensures everyone is on the same page and helps prevent misunderstandings.
11– Enjoy your new roof
Once the work is complete, take a moment to appreciate your new roof. It’s a significant investment in your home’s value and protection. With proper home preparation, you’ve ensured the process went smoothly and that your property is safe. Whether you went with classic asphalt shingles or something more unique, your new roof should last for years to come.
Final thoughts
Getting ready for a new roof doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these essential home preparation tips, you’ll be well-prepared for the process.
Protect your belongings, clear the area around your home, and communicate with your contractor to ensure a smooth and successful project. Your home deserves the best, and that starts with proper preparation. Happy roofing!
Getting a new roof? The pros at We Do Roofing SLC are your go-to team!
Ready for a roof upgrade? We Do Roofing Salt Lake City has you covered.
As Salt Lake County’s top-rated roofing company, We Do Roofing SLC offers over 20 years of experience and a skilled, licensed team. Whether you need a replacement, repair, or a new construction roof, we deliver expert solutions for residential and commercial properties.
Serving Northern Utah, including Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Murray, and surrounding areas. Reach out today for a fast and free quote.
