Planning a full exterior renovation in Lockport? Order of operations, bundling savings, and how one contractor handles your entire project in Will County.
If your Lockport home needs more than one exterior project, the order you do them in saves money and rework. This guide covers what to do first, what homes in different parts of Lockport tend to need, and how to plan it over one season or several years.
Lockport homes at a glance
Lockport was laid out in the 1830s as the headquarters of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and its downtown historic district still has limestone buildings from that era. Around it are older frame houses, postwar ranches and newer subdivisions on the east side.
Several of Lockport's oldest houses have had two or more roof layers put on over the years. Building codes limit how many layers a roof can carry, so these are full tear-offs down to the deck.
Old Lockport houses rarely have two openings the same size, and few of them are square. Every window gets its own measurements, and we plan on trim work inside and out.
Original wood clapboard is still under a lot of Lockport's older homes. When it is sound it makes a flat base for new siding; when it is not, we replace sheathing before anything goes on.
What Lockport homes usually need first
In the historic district and the older streets off State Street, start with water. Roof, flashing and gutters come first, then rotted trim and siding, then windows. Old houses hide damage under layers of later material, so set aside part of the budget for repairs that cannot be seen until the old siding or shingles come off.
In the ranches and Cape Cods built after the war, the bones are simple and sound. The usual priorities are a roof if it is due, then windows and the entry door for comfort, then siding and gutters to finish the look. These homes are small enough that doing two projects in one season is realistic.
In the newer subdivisions on the east side, everything was installed in the same year, so everything wears out together. Roofs and windows usually go first. Get the roof inspected for hail before paying for one yourself, then plan windows in phases, and finish with siding on the three non-brick sides.
Where we would start in Lockport
With a Lockport house from the 1800s or early 1900s, budget for discovery. Multiple roof layers, old box gutters, clapboard under later siding and windows of many sizes are all normal. We open one area first to see what is there before pricing the rest. Homes in the historic district may need design review, so start that early.
The right order for exterior work
- Roof. Everything below it depends on it. Roofing crews also drop debris, so the roof goes before new siding and gutters.
- Windows and doors. They are flashed into the wall, and that flashing sits behind the siding.
- Siding and trim. Installed after the openings so it can be fitted and sealed around them.
- Gutters, soffit and fascia. Hung last, on the finished roof edge.
If you can only do one thing this year, do the one that is letting water in. Water damage grows; faded siding does not.
One season or several years
Doing everything at once has advantages: one crew schedule, one set of colors chosen together, flashing details done once and often a better price. Phasing spreads the cost. If you phase, tell your contractor the full plan up front so this year's work is built to accept next year's. We keep measurements and color selections on file for that reason, and 0% financing for 12 months is available on approved credit.
Choosing colors that work together
Start with what is not changing: brick, stone and, if it is staying, the roof. Pick siding to sit comfortably with those, then trim, then the front door as the accent. Our exterior designer lets you try combinations on three house styles before you commit.
Permits in Lockport
Permit rules are set by the City of Lockport. We check what your project needs and pull the permit when one is required. Homes in a designated historic district may also need design review for exterior changes. See everything we do in Lockport, or read the guide for Joliet.
Common questions
Call (331) 250-3726 or request a free consultation in Lockport.