Exterior work unfolds across the visible surface of your home, which makes it easier to monitor than plumbing or electrical work hidden in walls. But the details that matter most — house wrap integration, window flashing, soffit ventilation, eavestrough slope — aren’t always obvious to the untrained eye. The right questions, asked at the right moments, help you stay informed and catch deviations from the agreed scope while there’s still time to correct them.

“The homeowners who get the best exterior jobs are the ones who check in regularly without getting in the way. A walk around the perimeter at the end of each day, a few specific questions about what was done that day — that level of engagement is enough to catch problems early and signal to the crew that someone is paying attention.”

— Dorian Tabaku @ CityPro Aluminum, exterior contracting specialist and drainage consultant with 20 years of experience in residential eavestrough design and installation across Toronto

Before Work Starts Each Day

What’s the plan for today, and what will be visible progress?

A brief morning check-in orients you to the day’s scope — which elevation is being worked on, whether a specialty task (flashing, soffit ventilation) is being done today, and what to look for when you do your end-of-day walkthrough.

Has everything needed for today been delivered?

Material delivery delays are a common cause of work stoppages on exterior jobs. If material hasn’t arrived, ask when it’s expected and what the contingency is.

During Tear-Off and Substrate Inspection

Can I see what’s under the old cladding before you proceed?

When old siding, soffit, or fascia comes off, the condition of what’s underneath is revealed. This is your window to see the actual substrate — the sheathing, the existing house wrap, the fascia board — before anything new goes over it. Ask the contractor to notify you when tear-off is complete on any elevation so you can see the condition of the substrate firsthand.

What a good answer looks like: A call or visit when each elevation is exposed, before new materials are installed.

What substrate damage did you find, and how much will it cost to repair?

If rotted sheathing, deteriorated house wrap, or damaged fascia is found, ask to see it before repair begins. Confirm the quantity being replaced against the pre-agreed unit price in your quote. Ask for photographic documentation if you can’t be on site.

What a good answer looks like: Documentation of damage found, a specific quantity of repair work needed, confirmation of the unit price, and a written change order before any additional cost is incurred.

During Siding Installation

Is house wrap going on before the siding panels?

New house wrap should be installed before any siding panels go on. If you walk by and see siding going on without any visible house wrap installation having taken place, ask immediately. This is a critical step that cannot be added after the fact.

How are windows and doors being flashed?

At each window and door, ask the crew how the opening is being flashed. Self-adhering flashing tape should be applied at the sill and jambs, lapping over the house wrap, before any trim or siding panels are installed around the opening. Ask to see it before it’s covered.

Are expansion gaps being left in the siding panels?

Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature changes. Panels must be installed with appropriate clearance at end joints and around trim pieces to allow for this movement. Panels installed too tightly will buckle in summer heat. Ask the crew whether they’re leaving the manufacturer-specified expansion gaps.

During Soffit and Fascia Installation

Are the soffit panels vented, and are the ventilation slots unobstructed?

Ask specifically whether vented soffit panels are being installed and confirm that ventilation slots are clear and correctly positioned. Ask the crew to show you a completed soffit section up close before moving to the next elevation.

Is fascia sitting flat and true along the roofline?

A wavy or uneven fascia is one of the most visible signs of a sloppy installation. Check each elevation after fascia is installed — from across the street if needed — to confirm it’s sitting straight.

During Eavestrough Installation

Is the slope being measured, or eyeballed?

Ask the crew how they’re setting the slope on each eavestrough run. Slope should be measured and marked, not estimated by eye. A run that looks level may not be draining.

Where are the downspouts discharging?

Before downspouts are permanently connected, walk around and look at where each one will discharge. Confirm that water will be directed away from the foundation — not dumping against it.

End-of-Day Walkthrough Questions

At the end of each day, walk the perimeter with one question: does what I see match what was quoted and agreed? Specifically look for:

  • Is siding sitting flat, with consistent reveal and no buckling?
  • Are corners neat and plumb?
  • Are all window and door trim pieces properly seated and caulked?
  • Is soffit flat and uniform, with no gaps?
  • Are eavestroughs running true and not visibly sagging?
  • Is the site reasonably clean — old materials removed, no debris left in landscaping?

Raise anything that doesn’t look right the same day. It’s much easier to correct before the next elevation is underway.

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