Note: In order to view documents in this website you must have the latest Free version of Adobe Reader.
Copyscape
Tip #1 Determine if Your Siding Need Replaced? If you see one or more of the list below chances are your siding needs repaired or replaced. Most companies will recommend that you replace all of your siding rather than just one section. Depending on how old your siding is; they might be right. Typically, the chances of matching your existing siding are slim to none. However, you can check with the manufacturer to see if your type/color are still offered. If they are then there should not be a problem with replacing the damaged sections; saving you money.
1. If you see the appearance of fungus 2. Siding is obviously seperating at the seams 3. Caulking is failing and you are seeing leaks 4. Panels are swelling 5. Board are no longer laying flat against your house 6. You see Moisture on the inside of your house 7. Your Paint is failing
Tip # 2 Measure Your Own house Reasons- 1. You can estimate the price of siding by calling contractors and asking for an average price per square foot. You can also look up our 'Average" siding costs; which are based on our own computations of data we have gathered from siding companies. Some companies will divulge this information if you ask, others may deem this information "private" and provide the price after a written estimate is provided. 2. You can tell if a company inflated the square feet on your estimates. However, most siding companies will bid by the square which is (10x10) or 100 Square Feet. So if they round up to the nearest Square that is normal inflation due to the fact that siding panels are sold at a minimum of 10' lengths. 3. You will be able to ask more questions; thus letting the contractor know you have done your homework.
Siding is sold by the Square. The number of Squares is determined by rounding up to the nearest 100 Square Feet. Therefore we must determine what a square foot is. A "square foot" is a unit of area measurement equal to a square measuring one foot on each side. See illustration to the left for an example For Example: You have a wall on your house that is 12 feet tall by 12 feet wide. ( 12' x 12' ) What is the square footage of this wall? Answer: 12' x 12' = 144 Square Feet. Now round that up to the nearest Square that would be 2 Squares. Now if a product costs $7.50 (per square foot) and you need 144 square feet, which would mean 200 square feet for two squares. Your cost would be $1500.00. ($7.50 per square foot x 200 square feet = $1500.00)
Tip #3 - Check out the Different Types/Brands of Siding Offered
1. You can use our Manufacturers link to find links to top brand names that most companies will offer. 2. Determine the type of Siding you want (vinyl, wood, aluminum, steel, masonry, brick, or stucco). Take into consideration your home style, desired effect, neighborhood restrictions, homeowner associations, and your budget before you determine the best solution for you. 3. Look at the Manufacturer's warranty on all products before you decide to use a particular brand. Some companies offer a much longer warranty than others. Typically, the longer the warranty the better the product. One can assume if a manufacturer only has a one year warranty on the product then that means that it will probably only last one year. 4. Educate yourself on the types and brands offered before calling contractors for estimates. The more prepared you are before you pick up the phone the better deal you will get.
Tip #4 - Choose 5-6 Siding Companies and Do Your Homework
1. Obtain a list of companies by using findasider.com, phonebooks, internet, etc...
Permits & Licensing
2. Check all Companies with your local Better Business Bureau. Even if they are not a member chances are they still have a file. Avoid companies with a negative report. If they have complaints check to see if they have resolved them.
3. Make sure they are Licensed (If Required) and Insured. Be sure to check out the companies don't just ask, you're not being a pest, just a smart consumer!
Homework- Homework-Homework
Tip #5 -Call The Companies to Set up Estimates
1. Tell them you are looking for either a replacement or repair (Which ever is needed) 2. Be specific, if you know the Brand and the type.. tell them. They will know you have done your homework and you will be less likely to be sold on a product you did not want. If you do not know what you want, do not worry most reputable siding companies will have samples for you to look at. 3. Schedule an appointment with the Siding Company when you are home. Then you will know who you are dealing with, if someone is afraid to meet you in person and is trying to tell you "Actually, it is better if your not home" usually there is a reason why. 4. Ask any questions you can come up with; again an educated consumer does not get ripped off. Use our handy printable checklist to help you out.
Questions-Questions-Questions
Tip #6 Sorting Through the Estimates 1. This process may seem tedious however, this is probably the most important process. Due to the various types of siding and all of the accessories offered you have to make sure you are comparing "Apples to Apples". If there is a large variance in price it could be that one company is giving you more than another.
2. Call the companies and ask that they be more specific on their estimate listing all accessories and brands used. Tell them of the price variance if there is one. Several Companies will price match so make sure to ask; especially if you liked one salesman better or if you had a company that came highly recommended by a family or friends. It is not uncommon for companies to have you give them a copy of the other company's estimate to prove it is a valid "Price Match"
3. We have found that the average price per foot for Siding is between $6.00-$9.00 per Square Foot. Now remember that this is an average and price does depend on the products and brands that you choose. Fill out the form to the left and let us know what you paid. We will update the average every 100 comments that we have.
Tip #7 Choosing a Contractor
1. Once you have sorted through the estimate now it is time to choose the contractor. 2.Ask for a reference list with several names and addresses of completed projects in your area. Be careful of companies that do not wish to provide you with at least 5 references. Check them out.. there is no since in asking for them if you are not going to check them out.
3.Ask to be given a Certificate of Insurance and a copy of their license (If Applicable). If they are leery about providing this information move on to the next one, because you probably did not want to hire them anyway. Terms used: LICENSED - says a company is registered to perform certain types of work and only those types of work; for example, siding - waterproofing, roofing, etc. You as a consumer can call your State Agencies or City you live in to find out if your City/State requires a license for siding. Make sure they are current & legal. INSURED - Should something happen you need to make sure that the contractor is insured. In certain instances, if the company has no insurance, you as a home owner could be held liable. 4. Determine which company has all of the above, uses the brand you want, has the payment options you want, and can fit into YOUR schedule. Usually, your gut feeling is the way to go!
Tip #8 - Preparing for the Siding Process
1. Expect for the Siding Company to be on your property for 7-14 days depending on the size of the project & weather conditions. 2. Anytime you are working on the exterior of your home expect for your walls to rattle when the siding is being removed and when your new siding is being installed. We suggest that you remove any pictures or paintings from your interior walls because they may fall during the remove and replace process. 3. You may also see small cracks in your drywall or nail marks poking through. These side effects are normal and unavoidable and the cost of fixing them is usually minimal. Discuss these items with your contractor to find out if they are responsible for fixing these items or if you are responsible for fixing these items.
4. If the weather is bad expect for there to be delays as a good installer will only remove what they can replace in the same day. 5. Typically contractors will need a power source. On occasion the contractor may have their own generator but do not expect it. 6. We suggest that you remove all portable planters and tie back any shrubs, plants, or trees that may be in the way of the installers. Most Siders are careful however, sometimes damage to your landscaping may occur. Again, discuss these items with your contractor to find out if they are responsible for fixing these items or if you are responsible for fixing these items.
Tip #9 Check the Work and Pay the Contractor
1. Check to make sure all work that was in the contract has been completed 2. If your City requires an inspection; make sure the contractor has called the inspection in 3. Once your project passes inspection either by you or a State Agency pay your contractor 4. Obtain a receipt as the improvements may be tax deductible (Check with the IRS)
Tip #10 - Enjoy the Renewed Curb Appeal of Your Home
1. Fill out all warranty cards that are given to you from the contractor. If you do not fill them out they are useless. 2. If you are selling you home find out if your warranty is transferable to the new owner. 3. Tell your friends and family about findasider.com
Determine if Your Siding Need Replaced? If you see one or more of the list below chances are your siding needs repaired or replaced. Most companies will recommend that you replace all of your siding rather than just one section. Depending on how old your siding is; they might be right. Typically, the chances of matching your existing siding are slim to none. However, you can check with the manufacturer to see if your type/color are still offered. If they are then there should not be a problem with replacing the damaged sections; saving you money. 
Measure Your Own house
- Check out the Different Types/Brands of Siding Offered 
-Call The Companies to Set up Estimates
Sorting Through the Estimates 
- Preparing for the Siding Process
- Enjoy the Renewed Curb Appeal of Your Home