Planning a complete exterior renovation for your Chicagoland home? Whether you're upgrading for curb appeal, preparing to sell, or fixing years of deferred maintenance, here's the smart order to tackle exterior projects and what to expect at each stage.
The Right Order for Exterior Renovations
Step 1: Roof first. Always start with the roof. If your roof is leaking or near end of life, new windows and siding below it will be at risk of water damage. A new roof also establishes the visual tone for everything below it — color, style, and profile. Budget: $8,000-$25,000 depending on material.
Step 2: Windows second. Windows are installed through the wall, so they need to go in before new siding covers the exterior. This also lets your window crew properly flash and seal each opening for maximum weather protection. Budget: $5,000-$15,000 for a whole house.
Step 3: Entry and patio doors. Same logic as windows — doors penetrate the wall and need proper flashing before siding goes over them. This is also the stage to add or relocate doors if your renovation includes layout changes. Budget: $1,500-$8,000 per door.
Step 4: Siding. With the roof protecting from above and all wall penetrations (windows, doors) properly installed and flashed, siding goes on as the final weather barrier. New siding also covers any wall patching from window/door work. Budget: $8,000-$22,000 whole house.
Step 5: Gutters last. Gutters attach to the fascia at the roofline and direct water away from your new siding and foundation. They should be the last exterior element installed. Budget: $1,500-$5,000.
Timeline and Logistics
A complete exterior renovation (roof + windows + doors + siding + gutters) typically takes 2-4 weeks of actual work time, spread across 3-6 weeks to account for material lead times and weather. Working with a single contractor for all five systems — like us — eliminates coordination headaches and ensures everything is done in the right sequence with proper integration between systems.
The Financial Advantage of Doing It All at Once
Bundling exterior projects saves significantly on labor because crews are already mobilized, scaffolding is already set up, and material deliveries are consolidated. Many homeowners find that their energy savings from new windows, siding, and roofing offset a significant portion of their monthly payment.
Ready to plan your exterior renovation? Call (331) 250-3726 for a free whole-house consultation.