A new roof not only protects your home from moisture, it also makes your home look nicer. You will need to take a few steps to prepare before the work crews arrive, though.
1. Get Permission
Your roofing service should handle the procurement of any necessary permits, but you may need to handle things on a more local level. If you live in a homeowner's association–controlled neighborhood, for example, you will need to go through the proper channels to get permission for the work to be performed. Depending on your HOA, there may be restrictions on roof style and color as well as guidelines for the hours the roofers are allowed to perform the work.
2. Protect the Attic
Although the roofers likely won't be going into the attic unless extensive repairs are necessary, dust and debris will be falling into the attic. If you use your attic for storage, cover everything with painter's drop cloths to protect it. If you need to have more extensive repairs such as the roof decking replaced, remove the items from the attic until the work is done.
3. Move the Cars
Your roofing crew will need a place to park their work trucks. Some of the crew may also arrive in personal vehicles. Move your own cars out of the driveway so the roofers can use it, and let your neighbors know that there may be some extra vehicles using street parking for a few days. If you typically park in a garage, move your car to street parking before the roofers arrive each day. This way you can be sure you can get out of the driveway in the event you need to go somewhere.
4. Call In a Landscaper
It may seem odd, but before you call in a roofer you should bring in a landscaper — or at least do a bit of yard work on your own. Prune back any trees or shrubs that are growing close to the house or overhanging the roof. Otherwise, these plants can get in the way of the roofers as they try to work. You should also mow the grass and avoid watering the day before the roofers arrive. Work traffic on long grass and wet ground is more likely to lead to turf damage.
5. Take Down Wall Decor
Installing a roof will come with more than a few bumps and bangs, which can cause items in the house to fall. Remove any pictures or other hanging wall decor. It's also a good idea to make sure items in cabinets are secure.
Talk to your roof contractor for more information on what they need you to do ahead of the installation. For more information about new roof installations, contact a professional.
