The only Siding Estimate Information you will ever Need

Getting new siding on your home is an exciting time. It improves your home’s curb appeal and can lower your utility bills. Your first step, of course, is getting a siding estimate.

Before you call a professional and ask for a siding estimate there are some things that you need to consider. There are some decisions that you should make before you call a contractor to inquire about siding. When you ask for and receive an estimate, you will notice there are many different components that are involved in this document.

Answers to some basic questions will give you a sense of whether or not you could work comfortably with a particular siding professional.

Source: HomeAdvisor.com

Some of the top things to consider when repairing or replacing your siding are:

• Does your siding actually need to be repaired or replaced, or does it just need to be cleaned and spruced up a little?
• What type of materials do you want to use when you replace the old siding? There are many options from which to choose.
• What color do you plan to use, and what colors are dominant in your neighborhood?
• How much are you able to budget for this project? Everyone will have a specific amount that can be used for this type of home improvement.
• Do you want to have extra insulation placed behind the siding, whether this is blown in or rolled out?
• How much maintenance are you willing to do each year in order to keep the new siding looking beautiful?

Do You Really Need a Siding Estimate?

The very first thing you need to decide is whether you actually need a siding estimate or not. Some older homes may have damaged materials. However, other homes may just need to have the siding power washed and scrubbed. Inspect the materials on the home and determine whether they are still functional and effective or not.

A competent and trustworthy siding company will be completely honest with you about whether you need new siding or if repairs will do the trick.

What Siding Materials are You Looking For?

Any siding estimate will be based on the material type that you choose. You will find these construction materials in a variety of types that include:

• Aluminum
• Wood
• Fiber cement
• Vinyl
• Cedar

Each of these types will have certain benefits but also some disadvantages. Make sure that you compare the types and choose the right one for your home and situation.

What Color and Manufacturer Will You Choose?

Another factor with a siding estimate is the color and the manufacturer of the siding that you have chosen. This information should be included in any estimate so that the color and brand are clearly identified before materials are purchased. Look carefully at actual siding samples before you make your final decision.

What is Your Budget for this Project?

Before you start searching for a siding estimate you need to determine what your can budget for this home improvement. Some material types or brands will be more expensive, others less so. Some will have longer warranties or other variables. Once you understand what the budget is you can tweak the options chosen to fit the budget.

Don’t be swayed by disreputable companies that try to up-sell you to a product you can’t afford.

Do you Want Extra Insulation Placed Into the Space Behind the Siding?

If you want to add insulation when you have siding repaired or replaced then this should be reflected in the siding estimate that you get. Insulation can be either rolled in or blown in, depending on many things, and it may be more cost effective to do this when you have your siding replaced because the area is opened up and can be easily accessed during the work.

Replacing siding and upgrading insulation should increase your home’s energy efficiency.

Source: DoItYourself.com

How Much Maintenance are You Prepared to Do?

Each type of material will require a certain amount of maintenance, and this needs to be considered before you get a siding estimate. Decide how much time and effort you are willing to put towards maintenance so you make the right choices.

Have you ever requested a siding estimate, and what happened once you looked over this document?