How to Plan a Home Renovation: Roofing, Siding, and Solar

Always start a renovation project with professional inspections of the existing roof, siding, and electrical systems.

Roofing: The age and condition of your roof help determine repairs that need immediate attention, the roof’s expected lifespan, and whether to replace or repair the roof..   

Siding: Visual inspection by a siding professional will determine the siding’s condition, age, material, expected lifespan, and signs of damage like rot, moss and algae growth, cracks, peeling paint, and signs of moisture.

Electrical system: A qualified electrician will identify potential hazards like faulty wiring, damage, or improper connections. Inspection and testing will ensure the integrity, safety, and code compliance of all electrical elements.

Ensure that your contractors know the municipal, local, and state regulations and zoning laws that affect roofing, siding, solar panel installations, and requirements for historic homes. Your contractors should also handle all required building permits, including:

• Roofing
• Solar panels
• Structural changes
• Home additions, new porches, or decks
• Windows and door replacements
• Internal renovations, including re-wiring, plumbing updates, HVAC replacement, and exterior work including siding and painting

In planning a home renovation in Mass., the roof must handle snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Your roofer will recommend asphalt shing, slate, or other appropriate materials that suit your budget while providing durability, energy efficiency, aesthetics and other renovation goals. 

• Siding protects against wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Your roofer will recommend high-performing vinyl, fiber cement, composite, or other weather-resistant material to prevent moisture damage, optimize energy efficiency, and ensure durability.

Energy-efficiency: Solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering energy bills, even in New England’s variable climate.   

Long-term savings: Protect yourself against rising energy costs. Solar panels have an average payback period of eight years, with the average US homeowner saving about $22,361 over 20 years.

Tax incentives: Save an average of $7,570 with federal and substantial Mass. solar incentives, including income tax credits, exemptions on Mass. usage and sales tax, and net metering enhanced by SMART Program savings and  Renewable energy credits (RECs).

Carefully consider all elements of roofing, siding, and solar installation when preparing your budget. Set clear priorities, collaborate and clarify project details with your contractor, and accurately identify all costs, including materials, labor, waste management, and permitting—plus the costs of insurance and warranties, and a contingency budget.

Also consider the impact of financing options like home improvement loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOC), home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, grants (such as those for veterans), and other incentives.

One time-tested tip for choosing reliable contractors is getting recommendations from neighbors. You can also check out reviews on Angi’s list (Find Golden Group’s 5-star reviews here), identify red flags from the Better Business Bureau, and visit the contractor’s website for awards, certifications, and other signs of quality and knowledge. Always verify each contractor’s state license and registration status.  

We recommend interviewing several roofing, siding, and solar contractors. For greater efficiency, consider Golden Group for expert guidance and quality installation of all three components.

It’s natural to have concerns about what the home renovation process will look like and how long it will take. Ease your worries by communicating clearly with your contractors to create a detailed plan, establish a timeframe, and identify how they will protect your property during construction, minimize noise and disruption, and ensure the safety of your family and work crews.  While unforeseen issues and weather challenges can happen, here are some general timeframes:  

Roof replacement: Count on one or two days for installation, with factors including roof materials and design, house size, steepness of the roof, weather conditions, roof accessibility, and structural considerations.

Siding installation: An average installation time is four to seven days, depending on the home’s size and complexity, type of siding and trim, repair needs, pest infestations, significant mold issues, and removing toxic materials for homes constructed in the 1970s or earlier.

Solar panel installation: Actual installation typically takes only a day or two. However, design work, permitting, final connections to the grid, and inspections extend the timeframe to 60-90 days. Golden Group’s integrating roofing and solar process offers greater efficiency while improving results.