Siding replacement is a significant investment for most homeowners. It will enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and increase its energy efficiency capabilities. However, before the siding project can begin, it’s best that you first ensure you and your home is adequately prepared for the work a qualified and experienced siding contractor will do.

Before Your Siding Contractor Arrives

Any home improvement project like new siding installation requires ample preparation on the part of the homeowner. Aside from inquiring about the cost and materials to be used in the project, also ask about the timeline so you can manage your expectations and adequately prepare before the work starts. Here are the steps you should take while waiting for your siding installation project to begin.

1. Trim Trees and Shrubs

You might have trees or shrubs near your home’s exterior that might get in the way of the siding installation. Trim or tie them back and cut the grass short. This will make it easier for the installers to use a magnetic nail finder to pick up stray nails or staples. If you have a flower bed or garden, make sure to cover it with a drop cloth or tarp so it doesn’t collect debris.

2. Clear the Outdoor Area

If you have items like potted plants, outdoor furniture, or gardening equipment, these can obstruct the workers installing the siding. It will expedite the installation process if you move them to another area like your garage that’s out of the installers’ way.

3. Remove Items on Walls

During siding removal and installation, the walls inside your home may vibrate. Remove any items you have hanging on the walls like art pieces or framed photos.

Fragile items could fall from shelves and tables because of all the shaking. Store these items in a safe place where they will be protected from harm.

4. Park Your Car Elsewhere

You can anticipate a dumpster and your new siding to be delivered, most likely a day or two before the installation crew arrives. To make way for the dumpster, clear the driveway and garage. Workers will also need access to haul away old siding materials.

You might want to relocate your car somewhere in your neighborhood for the duration of the siding project.  It helps minimize the chance of getting your car damaged by loose debris.

5. No Pets or Children

Siding installation is a noisy project. Ensure that your children and pets are away from the work area. If you work from home, you may want to make alternate arrangements.

6. Cut Off Exterior Power

Siding replacement experts recommend turning off the electricity for your exterior lights to prevent the risk of shock.

7. Maintain Effective Communication

It’s important to have a conversation before the work gets started. Talk to your siding contractor about start and stop times, which yard features to look out for, parking preferences, and weekend working hour options. A good relationship with your project manager and crew will help ensure you have a better siding replacement experience.

Time to Replace Your Siding

If the siding on your home is deteriorating, it can jeopardize the protective covering for your house and ruin its curb appeal. If you have any of the following indicators, you should consider replacing the siding.

Cracks and Rotting

Siding can get damaged in storms or from objects hitting it. Compromised siding lets moisture into the home, which will eventually cause rot and mold. If you notice cracks, chips, dents, or rotting, you need to consider siding replacement.

Bubbling Wallpaper

Bubbling wallpaper inside the house means that water has likely entered from outside and is trapped in the walls. You likely have a siding issue that needs to be looked at immediately for vulnerable areas.

High Electric Bill

Drafts near electrical outlets and windows are often produced by compromised siding on the home’s exterior.  Poorly performing siding is a leading cause of high heating and cooling bills. New quality siding will seal your home from moisture and drafts, reducing your electricity bill.

Frequent Maintenance

If you find that your siding needs to be repaired or painted regularly because of cracking or chipping, replacing it may be the way to go. Siding that needs serious maintenance every year means it’s worn out and needs to be replaced.

Planning to Sell Home

New siding can increase a home’s value which is good news if you plan to sell. A home buyer is far more likely to put an offer on your property if they see new, attractive, modern siding.

Hiring a Reputable Siding Contractor

Siding protects your home from the elements and greatly affects your home’s curb appeal. Improper siding installation can affect its performance, so it’s important to hire an experienced and dependable siding contractor. Here are a few tips to help you hire the right contractor.

Get Referrals

If you have friends or neighbors who have recently had siding installed, ask them who their contractor was and whether they would recommend them. Questions to ask include:

• How was your experience with the contractor?
• Did you get what you were promised?
• Was the project completed on time and within budget?
• How was your customer service experience?

Research the company

Take time to look online for reviews from your potential contractor’s past customers. Look the company up to learn about their ratings on Angie’s List, Better Business Bureau, and HomeAdvisor.

Go Local

A local siding contractor lives and works in your area. They understand the challenges your home faces because they know the weather and other important criteria. A local contractor can recommend the best siding for your home.

Siding Materials

One of the most trusted siding products on the market today comes from James Hardie. They make fiber cement siding products in a variety of styles and colors. However, make sure the contractor you choose is qualified to install it.

Check Out Several Contractors

It’s always advisable to get more than one bid or estimate on your siding project. Most reputable contractors will provide a free estimate. Have them come to your home and review the requirements and specifications to come up with a bid. They should be able to answer all your questions and explain the process to your satisfaction.

Check References and Reviews

Ask the contractors for contact information of other customers they’ve done jobs for. They should be able to provide at least three references. If they provide you with actual addresses, do a drive-by and check out their work for yourself. When you contact their references, ask questions regarding:

• Meeting deadlines
• Completing the job to your satisfaction and specifications
• Staying in budget
• Responsiveness to questions and concerns during and after the project

Get a Written Estimate

Don’t hire a siding installer without a written contract. The contract should include all terms, exceptions, details of the job, and the price. It should also include a guarantee of workmanship.

Specialization

A siding contractor that’s a master of one is better than a jack of all trades. Each material and product has unique installation requirements. To ensure flawless work, choose a siding company that specializes in one or two siding solutions.

Warranty

Choose a siding contractor that stands behind their work and honors their warranties. The ultimate differentiator of reliable siding companies is a good workmanship guarantee.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Siding Contractor

There are many advantages to hiring a professional to replace the siding on your home. A siding contractor who fully understands the siding installation procedure can minimize the risk of damage to both the siding and your home, allowing it to stay intact and energy-efficient for as long as possible. Additional benefits include:

Professionals are licensed and insured: A contractor’s license is your assurance that the installation will comply with local building codes. This also allows the contractor to expedite the paperwork involving building permits, which would involve a lot of legwork if you decided to tackle siding installation on your own.

General liability insurance and workers’ comp will ensure that you’re protected against liability for accidental property damage or injuries.

Signed contracts offer legal protection: A signed contract is a legally binding guarantee from the siding contractor. This means the siding replacement project will be finished on a specific date, with the installation quality as promised.

Expert recommendations: DIY siding installation can result in a lot of waste. Professionals, on the other hand, know their products inside and out and can help you get the siding that truly matches your needs.

More extensive warranty coverage: If you’re installing your siding DIY, your warranties would likely extend to just the materials. Correcting problems that arise from installation errors will have to come out of your pocket. Most professionals offer workmanship warranties for a few years.

It’s much easier: Professional siding contractors take care of the process from initial planning to final cleanup. You don’t have to worry about heavy lifting or using dangerous tools, You’ll have more time to spend on other projects.

Trusted Siding Installation Professionals

If your siding needs to be replaced, Banner Construction is the one to call. Our experienced team can transform the exterior of your home, giving it an improved appearance. Contact us today for a free consultation.