Thinking about a big home improvement project, like putting on new cement siding? It can feel pretty overwhelming, I get it. It’s a real investment, and you want everything done right, on time, and without any nasty surprises popping up. Here at Absolute Siding Inc., we’ve helped tons of folks in Sandy upgrade their homes. I've seen firsthand what makes a project run smoothly and what just causes headaches. So, let’s chat about how to plan your cement siding project.
Figuring Out the Project Timeline
One of the first things homeowners always ask me is, “How long will this actually take?” That’s a totally fair question, and the answer isn’t always super simple, but I can give you a pretty good idea. For an average-sized home here in Sandy—picture a 2,000 to 2,500 square foot rambler, or maybe a two-story place over in the Willow Creek area—a full cement siding replacement usually takes somewhere between 2 to 4 weeks. That’s from the very start to the final cleanup, not just the time we’re swinging hammers.
Why the range, you ask? Well, it really depends on a few things. The size and complexity of your home, for starters. Lots of gables, intricate trim work, or a bunch of windows will definitely add time. Then there's the weather; those sudden spring snowstorms or scorching summer days can really slow us down. And sometimes, we find unexpected things once the old siding comes off. Occasionally, we uncover dry rot or structural issues that need fixing before the new siding goes up. That’s going to add a few days, obviously.
What Happens During Installation
When we kick things off, your place will look a bit like a construction zone. We’ll need room for materials, a dumpster for the old siding, and all our equipment. We always try our best to keep things tidy, but expect some disruption. We usually start by pulling off the old siding, which can get a little noisy. After that, we’ll check the sheathing, fix any necessary repairs, and then put up a weather-resistant barrier. This step is super important for protecting your home from our wild Utah weather.
Next, the cement boards go on. This is a really precise job; each board has to be cut, fitted, and fastened just right. We’ll also be installing trim, soffits, and fascia. Then, if your siding isn’t pre-finished, we’ll paint or stain it. Expect some dust, definitely some noise, and people working around your house during daylight hours. We’ll always keep you in the loop about our progress and any issues that pop up.
How to Get Your Home Ready
You can do a couple of things to make the whole process easier for everyone involved. First off, clear out the perimeter of your house. Move patio furniture, grills, planters, and anything else that’s within about 10-15 feet of the walls. If you have delicate landscaping or valuable plants really close to the house, please let us know. That way, we can take extra precautions, maybe covering them with tarps. We certainly don’t want to damage your prize-winning roses.
Second, secure anything inside that might rattle or fall. The vibrations from removing old siding and putting on new can be surprisingly strong. So, take down pictures, mirrors, or shelves that aren’t firmly anchored, especially on walls where we’re working. Also, please make sure your pets are kept safely inside or away from the work area. For your own safety, try to keep the kids away from the immediate construction zone too.
Finally, think about access. We’ll need a clear path to the work areas and often to an exterior power outlet. If you have sprinklers, mark their locations if they’re close to the house so we don’t accidentally hit them. Nobody wants a geyser in their yard!
Important Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Before you commit to any contractor, you really need to ask some pointed questions. Don’t be shy; it’s your home and your money, after all. Here are a few I always recommend:
- What’s your exact plan for protecting my property? I’m talking about landscaping, driveways, windows, everything. You want to know they’ve actually thought this through.
- Who will be on site, and are they your employees or subcontractors? This matters a lot for accountability and quality control. Here at Absolute Siding Inc., we use our own trained crews.
- How do you deal with unexpected problems, like finding rot or structural damage? Get a clear understanding of how they communicate these issues and how they’ll be priced. You absolutely don’t want a surprise bill at the very end.
- What’s the payment schedule look like? A reputable contractor won’t ask for 50% upfront. Expect a reasonable deposit and payments tied to project milestones.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your workmanship, on top of the material warranty? A good contractor stands behind their work, plain and simple.
- Can I see proof of your licensing and insurance? This is non-negotiable. You need to know they’re properly covered for liability and worker’s compensation.
Asking these questions upfront will save you so many headaches down the road. A good contractor will be more than happy to answer them thoroughly. We want you to feel confident and informed throughout the entire process. Cement siding is a fantastic upgrade for homes in Sandy, offering awesome durability and a beautiful finish, and with proper planning, your project can be a smooth success.