Understanding What You’re Getting: A Guide to Choosing the Right Exterior Remodeling Contractor
In the world of exterior remodeling, choosing the right contractor can make all the difference. It’s not just about getting the lowest price; it’s about knowing what you’re getting FOR that price. Comparing estimates from various contractors can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to look beyond the numbers and understand the value of the materials being used and what each contractor brings to the table. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you evaluate contractors for different exterior remodeling projects.
Roofing
PROPOSED MATERIALS & WARRANTY PROMISES: Inquire about the type and quality of materials the contractor intends to use, and ask questions to test the contractor’s knowledge of warranty requirements. Ensure the materials being used will qualify for the manufacture’s warranty, and most importantly, are installed correctly in order to receive those warranties. Your contractor should be specifically itemizing what materials they are using. Estimates with loose & vague explanations of the work that is going to be performed should raise a red flag.
INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES: A skilled contractor should adhere to industry best practices and standards to ensure the longevity and integrity of your roof. Understanding the proper ventilation in order to meet local building code requirements is something roofers often miss. All rotten wood & old flashings must be properly replaced, as well.
INSURANCE & LICENSING: Verify that the contractor is properly licensed and insured. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages during the project.
REFERENCES & REPUTATION: Review past projects and ask for references. A reputable contractor will gladly provide examples of their work and connect you with satisfied customers.
We at New Look Exteriors are Owens Corning Preferred Contractors, and Top of The House Certified with Owens Corning, meaning we have a higher understanding of roofing ventilation and attic insulation than the common contractor. We are also quality checked by OC themselves multiple times a year, ensuring that we continue to meet / exceed their standards.
Siding
MATERIAL OPTIONS: Understand the different siding materials available and discuss which one best suits your needs in terms of durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. You want your contractor to actually show you each siding panel in person before making an informed decision. Different siding has different levels of thickness and panel lengths. The type of house wrap is also incredibly important. Low level house wrap can affect the quality of your siding as the years go on.
INSTALLATION EXPERTISE: Look for a contractor with experience installing the specific type of siding you’ve chosen. Proper installation is crucial for the siding’s performance and longevity. Are they fully replacing your materials or only installing over top of the old? Are they reusing your old window trim? These questions matter and will also affect quality over time.
ENERGY EFFICENCY: Consider options that improve insulation and energy efficiency, potentially lowering your utility bills over time. We offer siding options with built in insulation.
WARRANTY & GUARANTEES: Inquire about warranties on both materials and workmanship. A reliable contractor should stand behind their work and offer guarantees for your peace of mind.
Windows & Doors:
QUALITY & WEATHERPROOFING: Investigate the quality and energy efficiency ratings of the windows offered by the contractor. Energy-efficient windows can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling costs. Inquire about weatherproofing techniques to prevent drafts, moisture intrusion, and damage from the elements.
FIT & INSTALLATION: Ensure the contractor follows proper installation techniques to prevent air leaks and water infiltration, which can compromise energy efficiency and structural integrity. Proper fit and installation are especially crucial for security when installing doors.
CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS: Discuss customization options to match your home’s architectural style and personal preferences.
CERTIFICATIONS: Look for contractors certified by manufacturers, indicating they have undergone specialized training in installing specific brands. New Look Exteriors are certified Andersen & Provia installers.
MATERIAL & SECURITY FEATURES: Consider the material, security features, and insulation properties of the doors being proposed. A high-quality door enhances curb appeal while improving energy efficiency and security.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS: Discuss maintenance requirements and lifespan expectations for different door & window materials to make an informed decision.
Attic Insulation:
INSULATION TYPE: Understand the different types of insulation available (e.g., fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam) and their respective benefits in terms of energy efficiency and insulation performance.
INSTALLATION QUALITY: Proper installation is critical for insulation effectiveness. Ensure the contractor follows industry standards and codes.
VENTILATION CONSIDERATIONS: Discuss ventilation requirements to prevent moisture buildup and maintain indoor air quality.
ENERGY SAVINGS: Evaluate the potential energy savings and return on investment associated with upgrading attic insulation. A knowledgeable contractor can help you understand the long-term benefits.
NOW PICTURE THIS…
Contractor A (your cheapest roofing bid) does not have proper ventilation requirements listed in their estimate nor do they provide an itemized break down of the amount of materials being used. Therefore, you automatically don’t qualify for a warranty no matter who the manufacturer is. You’re also going to have an improper installation or surprise incurred costs after installation.
Contractor B (your highest siding bid) provides expensive fiber-cement siding, but because they’re the highest, they’re ultra focused on high pressure sales, and fail to make you knowledgeable of the safety hazards and upkeep of the material, leading to disappointment years to come after install.
To help with a understanding what you’re getting here’s a common list of disadvantages when going with your cheapest or most expensive bids:
For a better understanding what you’re getting New Look Exteriors’s pricing is based off of years of industry experience and comprehensive understanding of our market. We pride ourselves on providing the best value to our homeowners and being fair to our employees.
