When you look at the average cost of new siding and professional siding installation, you’ll find that most Americans pay between $5,000 and $15,000 when all is said and done. A lot of people see these numbers and wonder: What’s with the wide range? Isn’t there a more dependable estimate for the cost of new siding?
The key, of course, are the different siding materials on the market. Some popular examples include fiber cement, vinyl, wood, stucco, brick, and various engineered stone and wood products. There truly is a wide range of siding materials on the market, and the discrepancy in costs is equally wide-ranging.
Everybody wants to make an informed and intelligent decision when it comes to buying and installing new siding – not doing so can have a negative impact on the market value of your home, long-term finances, and lifestyle while you live in the home. So what are some of the common mistakes people make during this important process?
- Choosing the cheapest contractor you can find
The contractor you choose for siding installation will also affect your total cost – and not always in the way you’d expect. For instance, hiring a cut-rate contractor to maximize your savings on installation could come back to haunt you in the long-run, as installation mistakes can raise your costs over time. Most of the money you spend on this project will be on the materials themselves – that’s why it’s so important to choose a reputable contractor who knows siding backward and forward. Many people find it useful to contact a siding specialist before they choose what type of material to use, in order to benefit from the experience and perspective of the contractor.
- Not researching the materials
As mentioned earlier in this post, there is a long list of siding materials to choose from – and the list will probably get longer. New composite and synthetic materials are now available, in addition to the time-honored classics like wood and stucco. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. The local climate, the type of home you live in, your budget, and the type of lifespan/maintenance regimen you want for your siding – these factors will all play a vital role in making the right decision.
- Glancing over the paperwork
When you purchase siding and hire a professional to install it, you have to consider warranties on both sides of the equations. Most siding manufacturers will guarantee their products against defects, but the timespan and nature of the guarantee will vary. Likewise, reputable contractors will always guarantee their work in writing – but not all of these guarantees are equal. Knowing where you stand on guarantees is an important step toward protecting this important and sizeable investment.
Getting it right the first time
Siding is one of those investments that you want to get right the first time. Making any of these common mistakes, and having to rectify the situation later, inevitably leads to frustration and extra costs. By choosing a reputable contractor, researching materials carefully, and double-checking the paperwork before you sign any deals, you’ll put yourself in position for a successful siding investment.