If you're considering installing siding on your home, you may be weighing the options of doing it yourself or hiring a professional siding contractor. Even if you're handy with a hammer and slick with a saw, you may quickly find yourself on the wrong side of savings when installing your own siding. Answer these basic questions and find out if installing your own siding is the right thing to do, or if you should call in the pros.
Do you have the Skill?
This is the first answer you should honestly answer before you break out the tools. Do you have the skills needed to install siding? If you've never done siding work, then it's probably not a home improvement job you should get your feet wet with. Just because you know how to hammer a nail and cut siding, doesn't make you a pro either. It takes years of experience to keep siding straight all the way around a home. These little tricks of the trade are what make a professional job stand out among amateurish work.
Do you have the Tools?
Besides a hammer and saw, heavy tools like ladders and scaffolds are definitely necessary when installing siding. If you haven't got the equipment, buying or renting it all can take a serious chunk out your overall savings. Hiring a professional siding contractor is a great idea when you haven't got the tools to get the job done.
Do you have the License?
If you plan on installing your own siding, having someone with a professional license to pull permits is a must-have. Without permits and a proper license, you run the risk of incurring some heavy fines from local government officials or worse—a building code enforcement inspector could shut down your job. A professional siding installer will have the license and experience in dealing with permits and other red tape that can be the toughest challenge for any home owner to overcome when installing siding themselves.
Do you have the Insurance?
One of the most overlooked aspects of installing any home improvement project yourself is insurance. If your material is damaged or stolen, as a homeowner, you're out of luck. A professional siding contractor will possess the insurance needed to recoup costs in case of theft or damage, keeping you from paying for your project twice. But besides insurance for materials, professional siding contractors will have workers compensation, ensuring that you won't get stuck with any medical bills in case someone gets hurt on your job.
Do you have the Time?
Even if you've answered yes to all of the above questions, you may be overlooking time. If you're just a weekend warrior with a 9-5 job, it can be tough to get your homes siding installed before wet weather comes. Time is very critical when weather and the elements threaten the exterior and interior of your home. A professional siding contractor will have your siding job done quickly and efficiently in the timeframe that you request.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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