Construction Roofing, Siding, and Windows Checklist for Home Projects

This checklist guides homeowners, contractors, and project managers through essential steps for roofing, siding, and window work, focusing on prep, materials, compliance, installation, and inspection to ensure durable, code-compliant results.

Category	Key Items
Pre-Construction	Permits, budget, site safety, inspection
Materials	Roof underlayment, shingles/metal, siding panels, flashing, windows
Installation	Ventilation, fastening, flashing details, sealants
Quality Control	Manufacturer specs, inspections, warranties

Planning And Permits

Obtain Required Permits And Plan Review before starting any roofing, siding, or window replacement; many U.S. jurisdictions require permits and plan submittals to verify structural changes, flashing details, egress windows, and energy-code compliance.

Verify Local Building Codes And HOA Rules for wind ratings, fire-resistance, historic district guidelines, and aesthetic controls; failure to comply can force costly rework or fines.

Budgeting And Project Scope

Define Clear Project Scope And Contingency including tear-off depth, sheathing replacement, insulation upgrades, trim work, and landscape protection; allocate 10–20% contingency for unseen issues like rot or structural damage.

Get Multiple Detailed Bids that list labor, materials, warranty terms, clean-up, and timelines; compare line-item pricing rather than lump sums to spot omissions.

Site Preparation And Safety

Protect Site And Surroundings by covering landscaping, sealing HVAC intakes, placing dumpsters, and installing scaffolding or roof anchors as needed to minimize property damage.

Enforce Safety Protocols including fall protection, personal protective equipment, and a site safety plan; verify contractor insurance (liability and workers’ compensation) and worker certifications.

Roofing Checklist

Roof Assessment

Inspect Decking, Flashing, And Ventilation for rot, nail pops, damaged flashing, and blocked vents; document pitch, layers, and existing underlayment to determine permit and tear-off needs.

Material Selection

Choose Materials Based On Climate And Budget: asphalt shingles for cost-effectiveness, metal for durability and wind resistance, or tile/slate for longevity; confirm wind-uplift and fire ratings suitable for the locale.

Underlayment, Flashing, And Ventilation

Use Proper Underlayment And Flashing Details—synthetic underlayment or ice-and-water shield where required; step flashing at walls, counter-flashing at chimneys, and head-wall flashings must follow manufacturer and code directions.

Provide Adequate Ventilation with balanced intake and exhaust (soffit vents plus ridge/box vents) sized to attic area to prevent moisture buildup and prolong roof life.

Fastening And Installation

Follow Manufacturer Fastening Patterns And Nailing Depths to ensure wind-resistance and warranty compliance; avoid overdriven nails and maintain proper shingle alignment and stagger.

Post-Installation Checks

Conduct Final Walk-Through And Leak Tests to verify flashing seals, ridge-cap installation, and clean gutters; document photos and install warranty paperwork for homeowner records.

Siding Checklist

Wall Inspection And Sheathing

Inspect Sheathing, House Wrap, And Framing for water damage and proper fastening; replace rotten sheathing and ensure continuous drainage plane behind siding.

Material Selection And Performance

Match Siding Type To Maintenance And Climate Needs: vinyl for low maintenance, fiber cement for fire and impact resistance, engineered wood for aesthetics; confirm freeze-thaw and UV performance.

Flashing, Trim, And Sealing

Integrate Flashing At All Openings And Transitions including windows, doors, corners, and rooflines; install through-wall flashings and proper drip edges to direct water out and away.

Installation Details

Allow Proper Expansion And Contraction using recommended gap allowances and fastener types; follow vertical and horizontal alignment practices to avoid buckling or waves.

Windows Checklist

Window Selection

Choose Windows For Energy Performance And Function considering U-factor, SHGC, air leakage, and appropriate NFRC ratings for the climate zone; balance operable types (casement, double-hung) with ventilation needs.

Rough Opening And Flashing

Prepare A Weather-Resistant Rough Opening with sloped sill, flashing tape, and back dam when required; maintain continuous air and water barriers tied into house wrap.

Installation Methods

Follow Manufacturer Installation Methods such as nail-fin, block-and-flash, or replacement pocket installations to preserve warranty and performance; use proper shims and sealants to maintain square, plumb, and level frames.

Sealing And Insulation

Insulate And Seal Around Frame Without Overfilling using low-expansion spray foam or fiberglass with backer rod and compatible exterior sealant; ensure interior vapor control per wall assembly design.

Quality Control And Inspections

Perform Progressive Inspections at sheathing, pre-siding, pre-roof-covering, and final stages; involve building inspectors, third-party consultants, or manufacturer representatives as required.

Document Work With Photos And Reports showing flashing details, fastener patterns, and thermal/air barrier continuity for warranty claims and future maintenance planning.

Energy, Moisture, And Air Barrier Considerations

Integrate Continuous Air And Moisture Control Systems by aligning window flashing, house wrap, and roof underlayment to reduce energy loss and prevent water intrusion into assemblies.

Consider Insulation Upgrades such as adding continuous exterior insulation under new siding or improving attic insulation and air sealing during roof work to meet energy-code improvements and lower utility costs.

Warranties, Manufacturer Requirements, And Maintenance

Understand Warranty Terms And Required Installer Certifications that can affect coverage; many manufacturers require certified installers and proof of proper installation for full warranty benefits.

Provide A Maintenance Plan To The Owner including gutter cleaning, periodic flashing inspections, sealant checks, and recommended replacement intervals to extend service life.

Common Problem Areas And How To Avoid Them

Address Transition Details Carefully where roof meets wall, window openings, and kick-outs; improper transitions are the leading cause of water intrusion in remodeling projects.

Watch For Incompatible Materials such as contacting dissimilar metals without isolation, or using sealants not rated for the substrate; compatibility prevents premature failure.

Checklist Summary Table

Phase	Essential Tasks
Pre-Construction	Permits, site protection, bids, insurance verification
Roofing	Deck inspection, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, fastening
Siding	Sheathing repair, WRB, flashing, expansion gaps
Windows	Selection, flashing, insulation, sealant
Final	Inspections, documentation, maintenance plan, warranties

Recommended Tools And Materials List

Keep A Standard Toolkit Onsite: chalk line, framing level, roofing nailer with proper depth settings, siding saw, flashing tape, compatible sealants, breathable house wrap, underlayment rolls, and PPE.

Stock Common Spare Materials like extra flashing pieces, shingles, siding trim, screws, and backer rod to avoid delays when on-the-job adjustments or repairs are necessary.

Final Documentation And Handover

Compile A Handover Packet with permits, inspection reports, product data sheets, warranty documents, maintenance instructions, and contact info for responsible contractors.

Schedule A Final Walk-Through With The Owner to review completed work, demonstrate operable elements, and note any punch-list items with clear timelines for correction.

Additional Resources And References

Consult Authoritative Sources such as local building departments, International Residential Code (IRC), NRCA roofing guidelines, AAMA window installation standards, and manufacturer technical bulletins for detailed requirements and testing protocols.

Consider Third-Party Inspections for high-value or complex projects to provide added assurance of code compliance and long-term performance.