Remodeling your home’s exterior is exciting — but it can also feel like a leap into the unknown. There’s lots of noise, movement, materials, tools, and a lot of unfamiliar steps. At Hitchcraft, we believe the process should feel clear, respectful, and well-managed from day one. We don’t just show up and start swinging hammers. We plan, we protect, and we communicate — because that’s what we’d want if it were our home.
Easing the Anxiety
We know how personal this is. Your home isn’t just a structure — it’s your space, your investment, your comfort zone. Having it wrapped in scaffolding and tarps can feel invasive. That’s why we focus on:
- Clear communication — You’ll know what’s happening each day, what’s next, and who’s on site.
- Respect for your space — We don’t blast music, leave trash behind, or treat your yard like a jobsite. We’re guests, and we act like it.
- No surprises — If we find something unexpected, we’ll talk it through before moving forward. You’ll never be left guessing.
We also encourage questions — before, during, and after the job. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re just curious how something works, ask. We’re here to help you feel confident, not confused.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Inside Your Home:
- Take down wall art and fragile items, especially on exterior-facing walls. Vibrations from tear-off and installation can shift or rattle frames, even if they’re securely hung.
- Secure shelves, mirrors, and valuables near windows or doors. If it’s delicate and close to the action, it’s worth a second look.
- Plan for noise and movement. Construction isn’t quiet. If you work from home, have a baby napping, or a dog who’s sensitive to sound, think about how you’ll manage the disruption. We’re happy to coordinate around key times when possible.
Outside Your Home:
- Cut back overgrown foliage near walls, windows, or gutters. This helps us work safely and protects your landscaping from accidental damage.
- Move outdoor furniture, grills, planters, and decor away from the house. If something’s too heavy to move, let us know — we’ll help or work around it.
- Mark sprinkler heads, buried lines, or invisible fences. A quick heads-up can prevent accidental damage during setup or cleanup.
- Unlock gates and sheds if we’ll need access to the backyard or stored materials.
How We Begin the Process
A few days before your scheduled start.
- A dumpster will be placed in your driveway or a designated spot. We’ll coordinate this with you in advance to avoid blocking access to garages, walkways, or essential parking. If your home cannot accommodate a dumpster we will coordinate trash removal via trailer.
- Material drop-offs — siding, trim, accessories, and tools. These may arrive all at once or in stages, depending on supplier logistics.
Site Protection
Before any tear-off begins, we:
- Lay down tarps and protective sheeting to catch nails, debris, and dust
- Cover landscaping, decks, and walkways
- Set up ladders and scaffolding with care, always checking for stability and clearance
Tear-Off & Inspection
We remove old siding methodically, section by section. This is where we often uncover:
- Rot, mold, or water damage behind the old siding
- Improper flashing or missing house wrap
- Insect damage or signs of past leaks
If we find anything unexpected, we’ll stop and walk you through it. No surprises, no pressure — just honest information and clear options.
We treat your property like it’s our own — and we clean as we go, every day, not just at the end.
Prep Work
Once the surface is exposed, we:
- Replace or repair any damaged sheathing
- Install moisture barriers (like house wrap or rain screen systems)
- Flash all windows, doors, and penetrations properly — no shortcuts, no guesswork
- Confirm layout lines, starter strips, and trim placement before the first panel goes up
This stage is where craftsmanship matters most, and takes the most time. It’s not just about what you see — it’s about what’s underneath. A beautiful siding job starts with a solid, weather-tight foundation.
Siding Installation
Once the prep is complete and the surface is ready, we begin installing your new siding. This phase is where things start to visibly transform — but it’s still a careful, methodical process.
Here’s what happens:
- We start with starter strips and layout lines, ensuring everything is level and properly spaced.
- Panels are installed section by section, with attention to expansion gaps, fastener placement, and aesthetic appeal.
- Accessories like corner posts, J-channels, and soffits — are integrated as we go.
- We constantly check for alignment, spacing, and movement — vinyl and composite siding need room to expand and contract with temperature changes.
What you’ll notice:
- The house will start to look “finished” in stages — one wall at a time.
- There may be temporary gaps or exposed areas as we transition between sections — this is normal and part of the sequencing.
- We’ll clean up daily, but the full transformation takes time. Rushing leads to mistakes. We don’t rush
Gutter Installation (If Applicable)
If your project includes new gutters, they’re typically installed after the siding is complete. This ensures:
- Proper integration with fascia and trim
- Clean alignment with the new siding profile
- No interference with layout or fasteners
We custom-cut gutters on site for a seamless fit, and we slope them carefully to ensure proper drainage — no guesswork, no “eyeballing.” Downspouts are placed with both function and aesthetics in mind, and we’ll walk you through options if adjustments are needed.
If you’ve had issues with ice dams, overflow, or drainage in the past, this is a great time to talk about upgrades — like larger downspouts, leaf guards, or rerouting flow away from problem areas.
Light Fixtures & Final Touches
Once the siding and gutters are in place, we reinstall or replace:
- Exterior light fixtures
- Outlets, and hose bibs
- House numbers, mailboxes, and other accessories
If you’re upgrading fixtures or want to relocate something, let us know early in the process so we can plan accordingly.
Final Cleanup & Walkthrough
Before we call the job complete, we:
- Do a full magnetic sweep for nails and metal debris
- Remove all tarps, tools, and leftover materials
- Clean up landscaping and walkways
- Perform a final walkthrough with you to review the work, answer questions, and make sure everything feels right
If anything needs adjusting — a loose outlet cover, a trim piece that doesn’t sit flush — we take care of it. No punch list left behind.
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