Twin Cities Siding Professionals Knowledge Center

If you’re like many Americans, you may be considering home renovation in place of buying a new home. And if you’re like a lot of ‘do-it-yourselfers’ you think, “How hard can it be?” But then you start doing some research and some planning, and maybe even start making some holes in walls you no longer think are necessary, and suddenly reality begins to sink in. Home renovation is hard work! And it’s time consuming. And it’s dirty and messy. And it takes some expertise you don’t have. And now you’ve started the project and you don’t know where to go or how to move forward. So you’re left with a hole in your kitchen wall (or bathroom or bedroom) and no idea how to fix the electrical or put up drywall. Now you’re thinking, maybe I should have called a professional! 

In Favor of Home Renovation 

Home renovation is a popular type of home improvement project, especially when the real estate market is down. It’s a great alternative to selling your home or buying a new one. Your house gets a makeover and you get to live in a new, updated space. You can change the feel or layout of your home at the same time you add value. Your home is your biggest investment. Room remodeling can add value to the house, make it more appealing to potential buyers, and add resale value. Simple changes can be a quick fix for restless homeowners, but room remodeling can have a huge impact. Even if you have no plans to sell your house or any desire to move, changing the interior of your home by expanding rooms, updating appliances and reworking living spaces can make your old house feel brand new again.  

Home Renovation in a Nutshell 

Home renovation is an ambitious undertaking. It requires enough engineering and construction knowledge to be able to tear down walls without compromising the integrity of the structure of your home. It also requires knowledge of electrical and plumbing systems. And it can often involve simple room planning and design and an understanding of traffic flow patterns in a house. When taking on any significant home renovation, especially when doing room remodeling or construction remodeling, more than one person is usually needed to complete the work. And understanding different trades and the craftsmen that are masters in them is essential. But who has time to become a master carpenter/sider/roofer/window installer/plumber/electrician? Many of us like to think of ourselves as pretty handy and able to tackle some big projects but sometimes it’s best to leave the big projects to the experts.  

In Favor of a Home Improvement Contractor 

Most homeowners can take on small home improvement projects. We can paint and put up wallpaper, install new showerheads and change out our cabinet hardware. And, if we’re really ambitious, we may even attempt to lay our own flooring or retile our shower. Home renovation, however, requires a great deal of knowledge and experience to be done right. If a remodeling project is not done properly, a number of problems can arise including mishaps and unwanted and unexpected results. A home improvement contractor can help prevent those unwanted outcomes and can ensure the success of your project.  

A home improvement contractor can offer their knowledge and experience as well as their expertise. In addition to guiding you through the planning process including project design and layout, they can also help you determine the best choices for what changes will work and what won’t. A good contractor understands the structural makeup of buildings, including your home. Basically they’ll know what will happen if you make a hole in the wrong wall. Understanding how the walls interact with each other to support the rest of the structure is their job, so they have a unique understanding of what can and can’t be done. Because of this they can offer their expertise on your project and offer options and advice to enhance your results.  

Home improvement contractors know the people in the industry. They know architects, designers, and craftsman. They know the suppliers and who has what and for the best price. Imagine if you had to figure out what materials are available, what would work best for your project and then figure out where to buy them and how to get the best price. And then imagine trying to get the materials delivered and unloaded and then determine how to install them. Not to mention the permits you may or may not have remembered to get. And if you need help, how will you know who to hire that is reliable and capable? This is what your contractor will do; be your home renovation project manager.  

Home improvement contractors will save you time and money. By acting as your project manager they will be in charge of everything including contracts, budgets, laborers, and installers. They’ll take care of the purchase and delivery of your project materials. They will also obtain the building permits specific to your project. You won’t have to try to figure out what permits you need or where you need to go to get them or what it takes to get them issued. The contractor can do all of that for you.  

Things to Keep in Mind 

When planning your residential remodel, keep in mind a few things. First, decide what your renovation is going to encompass. Is it a siding remodel? A replacement window remodel? A replacement door remodel? If you’re going for resale value and want the biggest return on your investment, fiber-cement siding will give you the biggest bang for your buck. However, any renovation project that increases the size of the home and its square footage will add value. If your remodel is strictly to improve resale value, remember when you’re doing the planning that it’s important to make sure you don’t upgrade your house beyond what your neighborhood can support. The house must appeal to potential buyers that are interested in homes that fit the area.  

When taking on a big renovation project, think about energy efficiency and ways that you can improve it in your home. If you’re installing new windows, for example, pay attention to the energy ratings. New windows can dramatically increase the energy efficiency of your home. New entry doors can do the same. Finding doors with improved insulation and better weather stripping can decrease the amount of energy that escapes from your house and can significantly reduce your energy bills over time. Also consider upgrading your insulation on exterior walls when adding or expanding rooms. This will help your house hold in the heat in the winter and keep in the cool in the summer.  

Finding the Right Contractor 

Hiring a good home improvement contractor is a great choice when deciding on a room remodeling or construction remodeling project for your home. Just a few things to know before you sign on the dotted line…

• Make sure the contractor you hire is insured!
  • They should have general liability insurance as well as Workers Compensation to protect you from any incidents that may occur on your property over the course of your renovation.
• Never hire the lowest bidder just because they’re the lowest bidder!
  • A lot of inferior contractors know that homeowners are looking for the best price so they bid low knowing they’ll often get the job and then they perform substandard work and offer no guarantee.
• Once you’ve gotten some bids from reputable contractors, do some more research.
  •  Contact some of their previous clients. Take a look at some other work they’ve completed. And spend some time talking to them. Do they understand your vision? Are they willing to work within your budget? Are they experts in their field? Do you feel comfortable with them and do you trust them? The answer to all of these questions should be “yes” before you hire them.  

Once you’ve chosen a home improvement contractor, make sure the contract you sign includes every detail of your project. This includes a timeline and schedule of the project including completion date, payment details including whether or not a deposit is required, specifics of all materials that will be used and most important, a guarantee not only of the installation and completion, but of the quality of the workmanship. A good contractor will automatically include these in the contract or will be willing to add them at your request.  

Home Renovation: How Hard Can it Be When you Have a Good Contractor? 

Not hard at all! Taking the time to carefully decide on and plan your project and hire your contractor along with patience while the work is being done is essential to a successful home renovation. When you have the right contractor, it makes everything easier. Because your home renovations are important to you, you want the work done right. Making sure this happens is up to your home improvement contractor.  

Residential remodeling will help you to enjoy your existing home in ways you hadn’t imagined. You can expand rooms, upgrade appliances, create a more energy efficient environment, and create a new living space without having to buy a new house. A home renovation will let you keep the house you own and find new ways to enjoy your old home.   

While no one wants to spend money on a new roof, there are plenty of good reasons you may need to spend money on a new roof! And hiring a good roofing contractor is necessary when getting a new roof. 

A new roof is usually not on the wish list of most homeowners when it comes to home improvement projects. Your roof is what protects your home and its contents from the elements so when it’s time for a new roof, it’s a worthy investment. Roofing repairs and roof replacement are not do-it-yourself projects. Hiring a good roofing contractor is a necessity when it’s time for a new roof and when you’re ready for a roofing estimate. How do you know when it’s time to find a contractor? Here are some clues that your roof is ready to be replaced.  

Cupping or Curling Shingles 

Though most of us don’t make a habit of inspecting our roofs on a regular basis, cupped or curled shingles are a common indication of degradation of your roof materials and can often be a precursor to leaks. Sometimes cupped or curled shingles on residential roofing can be seen from the street. If you see either of these on your roof, it’s time to call a roofing contractor.  

Failed Flashing 

Flashing is the material used where the roof materials connect. It can be found around chimneys and where roof levels change. If you can see flashing from the ground and it appears to be pulling away from the other roof materials, it may be time to inspect the roof. If you don’t feel comfortable taking a look yourself, a roofing contractor will generally inspect your roof for free, as well as give you a roofing estimate if there is indeed damage to the flashing. If the flashing is failing it gives water a chance to seep under the roof material and into the home.  

Lost Granules 

On asphalt shingles there are granules that coat the shingles and add to its protective quality. When the granules start to come loose and fall away, the shingles become weak making your roof more vulnerable to leaks and further damage. You can sometimes see granules on the ground below the eaves of your home after a heavy rain. If this is the case, a new roof, or roofing repairs at the minimum, may be in order.  

Missing Shingles

If your roof is missing shingles, this is the perfect entry for water to find its way into your home. A roofing contractor can give you an estimate on repair or replacement of these shingles. Once water gets into your home it can damage not only insulation, but also your personal belongings. In addition it can create mold which can be very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.  

If you feel like your roof may be suffering from any of these issues, calling a roofing contractor is a great place to start. They can inspect your roof and let you know if there is damage, how extensive and if it can be taken care of through roofing repairs or if a replacement roof.

There are so many choices when it comes to replacement windows. Read on for information on a few of the more common window types. 

Many people finally choose to replace old, drafty windows because they get tired of looking at old ugly windows. Having new energy efficient windows is a bonus! While energy efficiency is important, deciding on what types of replacement windows is the first step. When focusing primarily on improving the appearance of your home and windows, there are a number of different choices to consider.

Five common types of windows you may consider: 

Awning Window 

Awning windows open out with a hinge at the top. Screens are generally on the inside of these windows and since they open from the bottom, are a great option in rainy climates since water will run down the window.  

Bay Window 

A bay window juts out from the exterior wall and is usually comprised of at least three window panels. They enhance the view, increasing the amount of window space available. They are also available with either stationary glass or functional, opening windows. Bay windows are a great addition to a room as they give the room a more open and spacious feel while allowing a greater view of the outdoors. If you’re considering expanding your room when you decide to install replacement windows, a bay window is a great option. 

Casement Window 

Like an awning window, a casement window is on a hinge rather than a slide. A casement window, however, hangs on a side hinge. The screens are on the inside and this type of window allows for better room ventilation than sliding windows.  

Double Hung Window 

A double hung window is what most people would consider a standard window. They are made up of two panels which hang one above the other with the bottom window sliding up either a small amount or to halfway up the total space of the window. The double pane window now also comes in a tilt model that allows ease in cleaning the outside of the window as the pane unhooks and tilts into the interior of the house.  

Gliding Window 

Gliding windows are similar to double hung windows in that they slide, however gliding windows slide horizontally and double hung windows slide vertically. 

These are some of the most common types of window styles. It’s a matter of personal taste which one you’ll choose for your home improvement project.

Some projects are too big for a do-it-yourselfer. Here are some important things to consider when ”tackling” your home remodeling project.  

The average homeowner can do a variety of small home improvement projects. When you decide to take on home renovations, however, it’s a good idea to go to a professional. Home renovations, especially siding and window installations, are projects that require experience and expertise. If they’re not installed correctly, they can cause a number of problems to just plain unattractive results. Hiring a home improvement contractor for your project can help prevent any unwanted outcomes and can ensure the success of your remodeling.  

Home improvement contractors can give you direction when planning your project. They can help you determine the best design and layout choices for both you and your home. They can offer options and advice on materials to enhance the final product and they can help you create a realistic budget. And once the planning is done and you’re ready for the work to begin, not only do they employ experts in the industry or direct employees, but they are insured which will protect you from any liability issues while the project is in progress.  

Home improvement contractors will save you time. They act as a project manager for your home renovations. They manage everything from contracts and budgets to laborers and installers to purchasing and delivery of all the project materials. Imagine doing all of that yourself! In addition to being project manager, your contractor will obtain the building permits you need. You won’t have to try to figure out what permits are required or where you need to go to get them or what it takes to get them issued. The contractor can do all of that for you. They’ll also be able to get the best materials from the best manufacturers for the best prices. You won’t have to shop around and try to wheel and deal with suppliers.  

Because your home renovations are important to you, you want a guarantee of the work. Making sure the job is done right is up to your home improvement contractor.  You can include in the contract a guarantee of the materials, the workmanship and the completion of the project.  In fact, I recommend it!

Hello World!  This is Terry Stamman, President of Twin Cities Siding Professionals based in St. Paul, Minnesota.   This is my first Blog.  See pic below of me and my wife. 

 
Terry and Kristen Stamman

 The purpose of this Blog is to share with you my thoughts, concerns, my victories, my challenges about my business and the home improvement industry.    And maybe sometimes I may write about something unrelated like why the Vikings can’t win a Super Bowl!

Below is my first blog post.  I hope you like it!
 
What Your Contractor Should Know!

Because if you actually take the time to ask the questions it suggests, you can almost assure yourself of having a very positive contractor experience. And after all, isn’t that what every homeowner wants out of their home improvement project? As a matter of fact, our entire website is dedicated to informing homeowners about what we do and things you should know before you make such a big investment. We try to cover all of the details because we want you, the homeowner to understand that paying attention to all of those details makes for a good project because the product you pick only contributes 20% of your ultimate satisfaction, the contractor you choose contributes 80%.

But then it occurred to us…

…rarely do you hear a contractor share with a homeowner some things that he, the contractor, must know when giving an estimate and installing a roof.

With this said…We would like to offer…

The Four Things Your Contractor Must Know BEFORE Giving You an Estimate.

1) The contractor should know how important it is to protect the property of the homeowner and properly clean up after each day and especially after the job is done. The contractor should know that this is extremely important to a homeowner. Do they make sure that the landscaping doesn’t get damaged or destroyed? Is he picking up every nail and piece of debris at the end of each day?  A contractor should know that if they take care of your property and clean up so that it is almost impossible for you to know they were there…you will almost surely recommend that contractor if all else goes well.

2) A contractor should know that you are going to ask for references. A reputable contractor should have a book of references and many happy customers in hand when he gives you an estimate. A contractor should know that it is very important for a homeowner to check these references so you should be able to pick and choose any ones you wish. It is not enough to just ask for references. Pick at least 5 and then you need to actually call them. Every time we don’t check references on people we hire, we always regret it! It takes a little time but if you really want to make sure you’re covering all the bases, then make the phone calls and make sure the contactor you are considering is the real deal. Ask the referred homeowner if they would hire the contractor again. That is the #1 thing you need to know. If the homeowner says yes than you have got yourself a potential winner.

3) Your contractor must know the importance of proper communications between them and you. Ask about what “proper communication” means to any contractor you might want to hire. How will you find out about your warranty, what’s covered and how to maintain it? Does the contractor inform you at the end of each day what was accomplished, what’s happening next and when? Delays in your project can happen. How will you learn about such delays and when to expect them to return? Will they tell you as soon as they find something outside the original scope of work or will they just do it and tell you about it when they present a higher final bill?

4,) Your contractor must know that you’ll appreciate “Good – Better – Best” solution options, along with the benefits and any drawbacks of each, so that you can easily determine your best deal for price AND value. And once an option is selected, your contractor should know that you would like several options on how to pay. If your credit is good you may want a no interest payment plan. At least you’ll want the option to pay by credit card and want your deposit amount to be no more than 33%. If your contractor needs more than 33% than that tells you he may be having financial problems. And if the contractor is having financial troubles, that could spell big potential trouble for you at some point. What if he can’t finish your job because he can’t pay his crew or buy the materials called for in your contract? What if he isn’t around to make repairs on items covered by your warranty? What if there is a leak? Who do you call if the contractor goes out of business? Sometimes you can tell a lot by a little information.

CONCLUSION:

The above covers the things we believe a contractor should know when working with a homeowner.   Some of these seem obvious but you would be surprised how many contractors will show up to perform a project, or even conduct an estimate, and not take the time to make sure that you are protected and informed. We hope this Blog helps you to make sure that you have a very successful contracting experience, soon or in the future.

If you have any questions of comments please feel free to
Contact me:

(James Hardie Siding, Roofing, Windows, Doors)