How Long Do Exterior Remodeling Projects Take?
The short answer is: it depends on the scope, the materials, the crew size, and the weather. But here’s the straightforward breakdown — by trade — so you know what to expect when we’re working on your home.
Roof Replacement
Timeline: 1–2 Days
- Most asphalt shingle roofs take 1 full day to replace — tear-off, install, and cleanup.
- Larger homes, steep pitches, or complex valleys can push it to 2–3 days.
- If you’re doing ridge vent upgrades, decking repairs, or have multiple roof planes, we’ll add time accordingly.
Siding Replacement
Timeline: 5–10 Days
- Tear-off and replacement with fiber cement (Hardie) or vinyl siding usually takes 1–2 weeks depending on which day of the week your project starts.
- Prep includes: removing old siding, inspecting sheathing, installing house wrap, flashing windows/doors, setting starter strips.
- Once installed, we do trim work, caulking, and touch-ups.
Exterior Painting
Timeline: 3–5 Days
- Day 1: Pressure wash + dry time
- Day 2: Caulking, scraping, minor repairs
- Day 3–4: Primer (if needed), then paint application (spray, roll, or brush)
- Day 5–6: Trim, touch-ups, second coat if required, and final walkthrough
Factors that add time:
- Dark-to-light or light-to-dark color changes
- Multiple stories
- Poor previous prep
- Rough wood or damaged siding needing repair
Window Replacement
Timeline: 1–2 Days
- Replacing 10–15 standard-sized windows with no framing changes? We’ll knock that out in 1–2 days.
- Custom-sized, large picture windows, or bay/bow units add time, especially if structural reframing or rot repair is needed.
- Interior trim, caulk, and touch-up paint may be scheduled the day after install.
- If window replacements are tied in with siding work, we coordinate both trades so trim and flashing are seamless.
Entry Door & Patio Door Installation
Timeline: ½ Day to 2 Days
- Single entry door replacement (same size, no structural changes): about 2–4 hours.
- Larger doors usually take a full day to complete the installation
Gutter Installation
Timeline: 1 Day
- Standard gutters can be installed in 1 day
- If any fascia repairs need to be done then that would extend the job to to 2-3 days depending on how much fascia needs to be replaced and the material.
Conclusion
Every exterior remodeling project is different, but most follow the same general timeline: roofing takes a day or two, siding and windows take about a week, and painting and gutters usually follow. The more trades involved, the longer it takes — especially if weather or unexpected repairs come up.
Knowing what to expect helps you plan, avoid surprises, and keep the project on track.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What’s the fastest exterior project to complete?
Roofing and gutters. Most roofs are done in 1–2 days. Gutters usually take a day.
What exterior projects take the longest?
Siding and multi-trade projects. Full siding replacement can take 1–2 weeks. If you’re doing siding, windows, and paint together, plan for 2–3 weeks.
Can multiple trades work at the same time?
Sometimes, yes. But in most cases, trades go in a specific order — like roofing before siding, or windows before paint — to avoid rework or delays.
What causes delays?
Weather, added work, material delays, and unexpected repairs (like hidden wood rot) are the most common reasons for slowdowns.
Will someone be working at my house every single day?
Not always. Some days are for inspections, material deliveries, or waiting on the next trade to begin. There may be gaps, especially if you're using multiple trades.
