Replacing your siding is one of the most visible and valuable upgrades you can make to your Twin Cities home. But successful results start with smart preparation. Whether you’re upgrading to new siding after decades of wear or addressing damage to your existing siding, how you prepare your property can affect the timeline, cost, and long-term performance of the project.
Minnesota’s unpredictable weather, tight urban lots, and local building styles add layers of complexity to any siding project. That’s why we recommend a focused, step-by-step approach tailored to homes across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips to prepare your home for siding replacement—plus what to do after the prep work is done.
Key Takeaways
- A clean and clear exterior space helps protect your home and keeps siding crews working efficiently and without delays.
- Good preparation includes moving vehicles, removing indoor items, and clearing paths around walls, landscaping, and work zones.
- A quick update to your neighbors avoids disruptions during construction and shows respect in tightly packed neighborhoods.
- A solid project plan includes schedule checks, material deliveries, trim updates, and ways to manage daily family routines.
Move or Cover Outdoor Furniture and Landscaping
In Minneapolis neighborhoods like Linden Hills or St. Paul‘s Highland Park, many homes feature thoughtful landscaping and outdoor furniture tailored to each family’s lifestyle. Before the siding replacement process begins, protect your significant investment by moving or covering these items to avoid damage from dust, debris, or falling materials.
In metro areas or neighborhoods near popular destinations like the mall or hospitals, wind patterns and traffic can affect your property during construction.
These small, practical steps help ensure your siding project proceeds without unexpected delays or added cost—delivering better long-term results and less maintenance down the road.
Clear Access to Exterior Walls
Whether you’re in a historic home near the Twin Cities campus or a more modern build in central Minnesota, your contractor will need full access to your home’s exterior.
Clearing landscaping tools, hoses, mounted shelves, or picture frames helps avoid damage and speeds up the siding installation. It also allows crews to check for rot or wear behind your existing siding. These areas often include hidden risks that affect sheathing, framing, or other essential components of your walls.
A clear work area promotes better practices and ensures that the installation team can handle even stone veneer or durable trim elements without obstruction.
Remove Wall Hangings Inside the Home
In suburbs like White Bear Lake, it’s common to find cherished art or memorabilia decorating interior walls. But during construction, vibrations can shake these items loose.
As one of the essential tips to prepare your home for a siding replacement, removing items such as shelves, mirrors, or décor protects your home’s interior during installation.
This step is especially important in older houses where plaster walls may be more fragile after decades of life. A few minutes of preparation can protect your home—and the money you’ve invested in your belongings.
Secure or Relocate Vehicles
In busy city areas with limited parking or neighborhoods affected by ongoing construction, finding space for vehicle access can be tricky.
Whether you’re near a university, mall, or residential block with lots of traffic, it’s smart to move vehicles away from the work zone. This allows siding materials and tools to be delivered safely and reduces the risk of accidental damage.
It also shows respect for your contractor’s process and helps them complete the siding project on schedule. In regions across the country, this simple adjustment is often recommended by siding experts as a best practice.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Living in densely populated regions of the Twin Cities or areas with frequent events—like games hosted by professional sports teams—makes communication even more important.
Letting neighbors know about your upcoming siding replacement shows consideration and helps avoid misunderstandings. Construction often brings noise, dust, and temporary disruptions to nearby driveways or sidewalks.
Giving neighbors a heads-up creates a stronger community connection and aligns with good neighbor practices. It’s part of a homeowner’s responsibility when embarking on major exterior upgrades that may affect the rest of the block.
Know What to Do After Your Home Is Prepared
After your home is fully prepped for siding installation, here are a few more essential steps to take to ensure the project runs smoothly and stays on track.
Confirm the Siding Contractor’s Timeline and Scope
Once your home is prepped, verify the construction schedule and scope with your siding contractor. Reputable companies will always provide an accurate estimate detailing the siding replacement process, materials, labor, and cost.
This helps you budget, avoid surprises, and plan around other aspects of life, such as family schedules or upcoming events.
Whether you live near Minneapolis music venues or in a quieter area of the region, clarity on timing makes it easier to coordinate with work, school, and other essential parts of your daily routine.
Review the Material Delivery Schedule
Your contractor should provide details about when siding materials—including insulation, trim, and fasteners—will be delivered. Knowing this helps you prepare your driveway or garage for storage.
If you live in high-traffic areas or close to local businesses, coordinating delivery can also prevent delays. Some homeowners decide to relocate temporary furniture or secure side doors to streamline access for the crew.
Understanding how and when materials arrive is part of a well-managed siding replacement project—and it reduces the risk of disruption during installation.
Inspect Your Sheathing and Framing for Hidden Issues
Once existing siding is removed, underlying problems like rot, moisture damage, or deteriorated sheathing may appear. If you’ve lived in your house for many years, these issues may have quietly developed behind your walls. This inspection is essential to protect your home and ensure your new siding will last for decades.
Twin Cities homes—especially those exposed to tough winters and dramatic seasonal shifts—are vulnerable to weather-related damage.
Whether you’re in a suburban community or a more rural part of the country, this check is crucial for structural durability and long-term performance.
Reassess Window and Door Trim
If your siding project includes upgrading windows or doors, this is the ideal time to evaluate your current trim. Consider replacing older components with Marvin windows or ProVia doors for better performance, insulation, and long-term value. Many homeowners decide to do both at once, as it minimizes labor costs and installation overlap.
Making this decision now also aligns your exterior design more seamlessly and secures energy-efficient upgrades in one streamlined process.
Even experienced architects recommend coordinating upgrades during exterior renovations to preserve aesthetic cohesion and maximize value.
Plan for Noise and Limited Access
Construction can be loud—especially in areas near music venues, campus zones, or where residential streets are tight. Make sure your family knows when to expect disruption, and if you’re relocating temporarily or adjusting access points, notify your contractor.
If you have pets or young children, plan around nap times or routines. This level of planning reduces stress and ensures your siding replacement stays on course.
It also reflects a broader industry understanding: siding installation is a partnership between contractor and homeowner. And, good planning protects everyone’s interests—including your financial investment in the rest of your property.
Trust the Twin Cities Siding and Roofing Experts
At Twin Cities Siding and Roofing, we bring over 30 years of experience to every job, with more than 6,000 completed projects across the region.
As a trusted contractor rooted in the heart of Minnesota, our focus is always on long-term durability, premium materials, and customer-centered practices. Whether you’re replacing siding, completing siding repairs, or updating your home for resale, our team understands the connection between performance, design, and peace of mind.
We’re proud to be part of an industry that supports homeowners across the nation. From Minneapolis to surrounding communities, we serve clients who demand quality and expect results that stand the test of time in America’s harshest climates.
Request a free estimate today or call (651) 571-9557 to get started with a team that puts your goals—and your home—first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my siding project in White Bear Lake reveals hidden damage beneath the old materials?
We assess any damage uncovered during your siding project and provide repair options that protect your investment without compromising craftsmanship, safety, or structural integrity.
Can a siding project improve my home’s value in the current real estate market?
A professionally installed siding project enhances curb appeal, energy efficiency, and protection—three factors that add measurable value in today’s Minnesota housing market.
What support do you offer if I have a dream exterior look in mind?
We match your dream exterior to siding styles, materials, and colors from trusted brands like James Hardie, ensuring long-term performance and design continuity.
Can I change my siding materials after the project has started?
Material changes during a siding project are possible, but early notice is key. We’ll review the impact on cost, timeline, and product compatibility.
