Is It a Good Idea to Use the Same Contractor for Residential Roofing and Exteriors?
Using the same contractor for both residential roofing and exteriors can be a good idea for several reasons, but it ultimately depends on the specific contractor and their qualifications. It's important to thoroughly research any contractor you are considering, regardless of whether they specialize in one area or multiple areas of home improvement.
Basic Attributes to Look For
A good contractor should have a significant amount of experience in the roofing and exteriors industry. They should have the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your area. This will help ensure that they comply with local regulations and construction codes, and that you are protected in case of any accidents or damage. Lastly, a reputable contractor should provide high-quality workmanship and use quality materials. This will help ensure that your roof and exteriors are durable, long-lasting, and able to withstand the elements.
You Know What to Expect
Using the same contractor for both roofing and exterior work can help ensure that the overall design and aesthetic of your home's exterior is cohesive and consistent. Becoming familiar with the routines of your contractors can make the project progress more smoothly, so maintaining consistency is often the best idea. Some contractors show up on time every time, and others take a more leisurely approach. When you find the former, you won't be in a hurry to hire the latter.
Single Contractors are Convenient
Working with a single contractor for multiple projects can be more convenient than hiring multiple contractors, as it simplifies communication and coordination. Instead of describing your expectations multiple times, a single contractor can help coordinate the work, often leading to more expedient construction completion.
Combo Deals and DiscountsSome contractors may offer package deals or discounts for customers who hire them for multiple projects, potentially resulting in cost savings. You probably won't be able to knock a huge portion of the bill, but any discount amounts to less out-of-pocket cost.
Property Awareness
A contractor who has worked on both the roof and exterior of your home may have a better understanding of the property and any unique considerations that need to be taken into account. If there are special instructions-- a keycode at the gate, for instance-- keeping the information as closely restricted as possible is in your benefit. Similarly, it saves you a lot of time to be able to show a contractor around once than to have to do it multiple times when both contractors will be using the same property resources.
Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a contractor who is qualified, trustworthy, and able to deliver the results you are looking for, whether they specialize in one area or multiple areas of home improvement. Friends, family, and coworkers are often the easiest way to get information about great contractors, and you may be warned away from noteworthy shysters as well. You may occasionally come across spiteful reviews online that should be taken with a grain of salt, but recommendations from those you associate with on a regular basis are fairly reliable in most situations.
Installing New Roofing and Exteriors is Like Investing in Your Home
New roofing and exteriors will transform your home. Whether you try out a new roofing material or a different type of siding, you may be surprised how much of a positive difference the change will be. And since the roof and siding form the outer protective shell of your home, renovations are an investment in your home as well.
Replace Aging Siding
Age is a leading cause of deteriorating roofing and exteriors. As siding ages, it begins to lose its luster, starts to decay around the edges, and often pulls the fasteners loose because of years of winds subtly prying the siding away from the home. These minor damages can be corrected with regular maintenance for several years, but eventually the movement of one item against another will wear down the siding and replacement will be the final solution.
3 Great Siding Options
Home siding comes in many different materials and styles. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages in relation to longevity, energy conservation, and cost, among other factors. Here are 3 popular siding materials, and why they are at the top of the list.
T-111 Siding - Perhaps the most economical siding material, this wood siding comes in sheets that are applied vertically. It can last for up to 20 years but requires periodic maintenance, including painting every few years.
Fiber Composite - Sometimes referred to by its most-familiar commercial name Hardee Board, this siding may be applied in sheets or planks. Because it is a composite covering, it has a longevity of around 30 years and provides exceptional insulation when compared to other sidings. The downside is that this long-lasting home exterior is relatively expensive to install.
Vinyl Siding - Vinyl siding is low-cost and durable, offering up to 30 years of exterior protection. Vinyl is available in many colors, allowing it to be matched with your roofing color without painting.
How a Roof Affects Value
As the upper covering of your home, the roof plays a big part in maintaining your property value. Roof materials include asphalt shingles, metal, and clay tile, to name only a few. As with siding, the material you select will determine the longevity of the roof, the amount of maintenance it requires, and more. In general, metal and tile are the longest-lasting materials, with asphalt being the shortest, at around 20-30 years.
Renovation is a Great Investment
Putting money back into your home is a great way to invest in the future. Remodeling adds equity to the home, reduces energy consumption, and reinforces the protection that the home provides for its occupants. As for the investment, research shows that installing a new asphalt roof -- the least expensive option-- will increase the home value by around 68 percent of the installation cost. The remaining cost is recouped over time through reductions in energy use, maintenance, and repeated repairs.
You can completely re-cover the exterior of your home in about a week with professional roof replacement services. And the work isn't just for beautification or investment. A lot of a home's energy loss is through the siding and roof, so the replacement will even pay for itself over the years, further increasing the financial benefits of investing in renovation.
Revitalize Your Home in 2023 With New Roofing and Exteriors
A home is one of the largest investments the average person makes, and taking care of the roofing and exteriors will extend the life of your home by many years. If you have been putting off some necessary home maintenance for a while, this could be the right time to revitalize your home with a brand new look. From conserving energy to boosting the resale value, exterior renovations have a lot to offer.
Reduce Energy Loss
A home's roofing and exteriors play a major role in protecting the residents from rain and variations in temperature. As the home ages, shingles break, siding decays, and it becomes more and more expensive to keep the home interior at a comfortable temperature.
Improve Curb Appeal
Your roof and siding are the first thing every visitor sees, and the lawn and exterior are always there for people passing by. If you plan on putting the property on the market in a few years, roofing and exteriors are a certain way to draw people's attention to the house in a positive way.
An Exterior Makeover
A majority of houses will always look the same as the day they were built, but that doesn't have to be the case. Replacing your roof and siding at the same time allows you to customize the appearance of your home as a unit. There are enough options available for you to redesign your home to look exactly the way you've always wanted, including mimicking traditional architectural styles such as Victorian.
Roofing Options
It might surprise you to discover how many types and styles of roofing materials are available for residential properties. From sheeting to ceramic tiles, you can choose between many popular colors and designs. There are quite a few roofing materials worth considering, each with benefits like durability, longevity, and cost efficiency. A few popular types include:
Asphalt Shingles
Cedar Shake Shingles
Metal Roofing
Ceramic Tiles
Siding Options
Just as you can choose from an assortment of colors and designs for your roof, exterior siding allows you to select the features that suit you best. Wood has always been a favorite, and is available in sheets, planks, and tiles. Vinyl siding is available in many colors, and can be applied as planks, sheets, or tiles. If durability is your primary goal, fiber composite planks come in many colors, and are rot and insect resistant, along with providing an exceptional seal against the elements.
Replacing your roofing and siding at the same time protects everything inside for 20 years or more, often with little or no annual maintenance. Modern materials are more insect resistant and fire retardant than they were a couple of decades ago, and that means your home will be better able to face the challenges of the future.