How to prepare your home for a roof replacement
Last updated · Costs & the replacement process
Short answer: To prepare for a roof replacement, confirm the start date, permit, and scope in writing, then clear the driveway, move patio furniture and grills, cover items in the attic, take down wall hangings near the ceiling, and plan for pets and kids during noisy tear-off. Mark sprinkler heads and fragile plants so the crew can work around them.[1]
What should you confirm with the roofer before the start date?
Before the start date, confirm the details with the roofer in writing. The Federal Trade Commission recommends a written contract that lists the work, materials, price, payment schedule, and start and completion dates.[1] Also confirm who pulls the permit, where the dumpster or trailer will go, what time the crew starts, and how to reach the project lead. Ask how rotten decking will be handled and priced if the crew finds it.
How do you prepare the outside of the house?
To prepare the outside of the house, clear a path for the crew and protect what you can. Move cars out of the garage and driveway if the dumpster will go there. Move patio furniture, grills, planters, and yard decorations away from the house. Mark sprinkler heads, low-voltage lighting, and septic lids with flags. Cut grass short a day or two before, which makes the magnetic nail sweep at the end more effective.
How do you prepare the inside of the house?
To prepare the inside of the house, remember that tear-off and nailing shake the walls and roof framing. Take down pictures, mirrors, and shelves on upper floors and on walls that touch the roof. Cover items stored in the attic with plastic sheets or move them out, since dust and debris can fall through. Clear a path to the attic hatch in case the crew needs to check the deck from below.
What should you do about pets and kids?
For pets and kids, plan for loud noise and an active work zone. The banging of tear-off and nail guns can stress pets, so a day at a friend's house or daycare can help. Keep children away from the work area, the dumpster, and the drip line, where debris falls. Roofing crews are required under OSHA rules to use fall protection when working at heights of 6 feet or more on residential construction, and a clear work area helps them do that safely.[2]
How do you protect landscaping and siding?
To protect landscaping and siding, ask the roofer how they will cover shrubs and flower beds near the house. Many crews use tarps or plywood leaning against walls to catch debris. Point out any delicate plants or decorative features. If you have solar panels, satellite dishes, or antennas, ask who will remove and reinstall them, since that may require a separate contractor.
What will happen during the roof replacement?
During the roof replacement, the crew will tear off old roofing, inspect and repair the deck, install drip edge, underlayment, and ice barrier where required, then flashing, vents, shingles, and ridge cap. The building code sets minimum requirements for these steps, and some cities inspect partway through.[3] Most homes are finished in one to three days. Our guide on how long a roof replacement takes has a day-by-day outline.
What should you check after the roof is finished?
After the roof is finished, walk the property with the project lead. Check that gutters and downspouts are clean and attached, the yard and driveway are free of nails and debris, and vents and flashing look neat. Look at the roof from all sides. Ask for photos of the deck and underlayment, the final invoice, warranty details, and the permit's final inspection result.
What questions should you ask on the final walk-through?
On the final walk-through, ask whether any decking was replaced and how many sheets, which products were used, when the manufacturer warranty will be registered, and what the workmanship warranty covers. Ask who to call if a leak or problem appears. Keep all paperwork together with your homeowners insurance records.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be home during a roof replacement?
Not always, but stay reachable. The crew may need attic access or a decision about decking repairs.
Will my roof replacement be noisy?
Yes, especially during tear-off. Plan for pets and anyone working from home.
Should I empty my attic before the roof replacement?
Cover or move valuables. Dust and small debris can fall into the attic during tear-off.
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Sources
- FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam. consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam
- OSHA: Residential Fall Protection. www.osha.gov/residential-fall-protection
- 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 9: Roof Assemblies. codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P2/chapter-9-roof-assemblies
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Estimates are not quotes. Roofing, insurance, and legal details vary. Confirm with your contractor, insurer, or attorney.