Devices and methods for device fabrication include forming a gate structure with a sacrificial material. Silicided regions are formed on source/drain regions adjacent to the gate structure or formed at the bottom of trench contacts within source/drain areas. The source/drain regions or the silicided regions are processed to build resistance to subsequent thermal processing and adjust Schottky barrier height and thus reduce contact resistance. Metal contacts are formed in contact with the silicided regions. The sacrificial material is removed and replaced with a replacement conductor.