Understanding Remodeling Estimates
Before you start your exterior home improvement project you have to find a contractor, and before that, you have to collect bids in order to find the “right” contractor.
Homeowners don’t always know how to correctly install siding or the appropriate materials to use in doing so — that’s precisely why you are hiring a professional — so why would we expect you to be an expert at comparing quotes! Our team here at Perdue is always happy to help you understand the varying terms and “lingo” that contractors may use.
Here are a few things to look out for on job quotes and estimates in order to find the best fit contractor for you.
Missing brands or specific material types = red flag!
If a company says they will install something, confirm that it spells out the make or brand they will be using. There’s cheaper material options for almost everything and it’s important to know that the contractor is going to use the best option.
A few examples of this would be: “paint” without specifying the quality or brand, “trim” without saying exactly what type of trim it is, or “nails” without telling you what kind. Every item that goes on your house is critical in the long-term investment, so it is always worth checking.
Make sure the full job scope is very clearly stated.
Some contractors, like Perdue, are going to handle every detail so that the customer doesn’t have to lift a finger once the job is done. Other contractors may leave things out… make sure everything is accounted for just so that you know what is included.
If it’s a single-family exterior remodel, go look around your house and make a checklist to confirm that everything is accounted for in the bid. One thing you might not think of but is important to the overall finished look is that non-siding items are painted to match your new siding. Here are a few of the exterior areas that Perdue includes in the estimate for painting to match house:: soffit, gutters/downspouts, fascia, vents, conduits, etc. You will definitely want to confirm that this is included!
Watch for the add-ons
The grand total might look really good, but make sure there aren’t any sneaky add-ons. Some contractors will handle non-siding finishes as extras or add-ons. A few of these things might be: repairs, miscellaneous painting, door painting or anything that isn’t the siding itself.
It doesn’t mean that the contractor is trying to be sneaky, but if you don’t read it carefully you might not see that it isn’t included in the total price.
Also consider a contractor’s workmanship warranty. Perdue Builders offers a LIFETIME workmanship warranty. This means that the contractor stands behind their work and is very important.
All in all, we recommend reading over quotes and estimates carefully since it is a big decision. Always feel free to reach out to our team with questions or concerns!
Call today for a no-obligation and free siding estimate at (425) 398-8609 or reach out to us here.