Although most people think that their house siding will last forever, the reality is that it sometimes needs to be replaced. Whether you've had a terrible storm, it wasn't installed correctly or extreme weather conditions have caused wear and tear on your home, you may find that you need to replace it during the lifespan of your house. It's common to hire a professional for the job, but is there a benefit to trying to complete this project yourself?
Benefits Of DIY
If you're a homeowner, you've probably done a number of DYI projects. From painting, to plumbing, to small electrical work, it's not uncommon for homeowners to handling small remodeling projects themselves. If you're extremely handy, it's possible to install house siding yourself, but there are things that you must know before you tackle a project this large.
You will need at least one person to help because hanging house siding isn't a one-person job. You'll both need a ladder so you can be at the same level, but a scaffolding system will be more efficient. Although the exact steps depend on the type you're installing, vinyl siding for instance, must be cut to exactly the right size so it has a little space to expand in warmer weather. James Hardie Fiber Cement siding is a complicated product that requires specific flashing, certain clearances from other surface materials and demands a precise nailing pattern Before you try to complete this siding project, read up on the type you're installing and make sure you know exactly what you're doing. If it's done incorrectly, it can cause problems with moisture, mold and eventually structural damage to your house.
Benefits Of Hiring Siding Contractors
On the other hand, hiring a contractor can be a simple process. You simply decide which type of product you would like to install and hire a professional to come and do it for you. One major benefit of this is professionals know exactly what they're doing and can also recommend the type of house siding that's best for your home and your area.
Another benefit is that a professional will have all the necessary tools, certifications, credentials and licenses needed. They'll also carry insurance, which means if something does happen to go wrong, your home will be covered. In addition to insurance, check to make sure any potential contractors have a service warranty and that they're willing to provide references so you can contact past customers. An installer should be happy to provide these references - if they refuse to send you the name of satisfied customers, consider that a red flag.
While homeowners may feel the money saved on professional labor is a plus when deciding to install the siding themselves...TIME savings should be considered as well. A professional can install your home's siding in a week's time because they have the manpower and all proper tools and materials on site. A homeowner may find themselves spending several weeks to install the same project.
What To Do If You Have A Bad Installation
If your home's exterior was installed incorrectly, you can have major problems. Water can seep underneath the panels, causing serious damage to the house's structure. If you're experiencing warping, cracking, peeling or any other problems with your home's exterior, it's important to call experienced siding contractors. They'll be able to tell you if everything needs to be redone or if it can be salvaged. Either way, the earlier you find the problem, the less serious it will be.
Unfortunately Opal Enterprises takes too many calls from homeowners in Oak Brook that have had their new siding installed incorrectly. These homeowners then are faced with a complicated and painful issue of trying to recoup monies or sue the contractor that provided the shoddy workmanship to begin with and then to find the right contractor the 2nd time around.
Like any other type of home improvement project, it's best to weigh the pros and cons of hiring a contractor or completing a do-it-yourself job. Be sure to research both choices thoroughly as you could end up with a great finished result with either option.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_A._Harmen
Benefits Of DIY
If you're a homeowner, you've probably done a number of DYI projects. From painting, to plumbing, to small electrical work, it's not uncommon for homeowners to handling small remodeling projects themselves. If you're extremely handy, it's possible to install house siding yourself, but there are things that you must know before you tackle a project this large.
You will need at least one person to help because hanging house siding isn't a one-person job. You'll both need a ladder so you can be at the same level, but a scaffolding system will be more efficient. Although the exact steps depend on the type you're installing, vinyl siding for instance, must be cut to exactly the right size so it has a little space to expand in warmer weather. James Hardie Fiber Cement siding is a complicated product that requires specific flashing, certain clearances from other surface materials and demands a precise nailing pattern Before you try to complete this siding project, read up on the type you're installing and make sure you know exactly what you're doing. If it's done incorrectly, it can cause problems with moisture, mold and eventually structural damage to your house.
Benefits Of Hiring Siding Contractors
On the other hand, hiring a contractor can be a simple process. You simply decide which type of product you would like to install and hire a professional to come and do it for you. One major benefit of this is professionals know exactly what they're doing and can also recommend the type of house siding that's best for your home and your area.
Another benefit is that a professional will have all the necessary tools, certifications, credentials and licenses needed. They'll also carry insurance, which means if something does happen to go wrong, your home will be covered. In addition to insurance, check to make sure any potential contractors have a service warranty and that they're willing to provide references so you can contact past customers. An installer should be happy to provide these references - if they refuse to send you the name of satisfied customers, consider that a red flag.
While homeowners may feel the money saved on professional labor is a plus when deciding to install the siding themselves...TIME savings should be considered as well. A professional can install your home's siding in a week's time because they have the manpower and all proper tools and materials on site. A homeowner may find themselves spending several weeks to install the same project.
What To Do If You Have A Bad Installation
If your home's exterior was installed incorrectly, you can have major problems. Water can seep underneath the panels, causing serious damage to the house's structure. If you're experiencing warping, cracking, peeling or any other problems with your home's exterior, it's important to call experienced siding contractors. They'll be able to tell you if everything needs to be redone or if it can be salvaged. Either way, the earlier you find the problem, the less serious it will be.
Unfortunately Opal Enterprises takes too many calls from homeowners in Oak Brook that have had their new siding installed incorrectly. These homeowners then are faced with a complicated and painful issue of trying to recoup monies or sue the contractor that provided the shoddy workmanship to begin with and then to find the right contractor the 2nd time around.
Like any other type of home improvement project, it's best to weigh the pros and cons of hiring a contractor or completing a do-it-yourself job. Be sure to research both choices thoroughly as you could end up with a great finished result with either option.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_A._Harmen
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