The Pros & Cons of DIY Siding Vs. Hiring A Professional

When it comes to increasing value and curb appeal, replacing outdated, unattractive siding can go a long way in improving your home.

Not only that, new siding will make your home much more energy-efficient, as well. However, before jumping into this complex project, it’s critical to know the pros and cons of DIY siding vs. hiring a professional. 

Based on a recent report, Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value, replacing home siding consistently ranks as one of the top home improvement projects for adding value to your home and showing a direct return on investment. So, it seems like a great project to take on, right?

Not so fast – from removing old siding, getting the right permits, and purchasing materials at optimal prices – there’s a lot to consider before beginning a DIY siding project.

If you’re trying to refresh your home with new siding, here are a few pros and cons to determine whether or not you can take on the challenge of the installation yourself, or if you should reach out for professional help, instead.

A Brief Overview of Your Siding Options

When it comes to choosing the right siding for your house exterior, there are several options to consider, including vinyl siding, wood siding, and fiber cement. Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your budget, climate, and personal preferences.

For example, vinyl siding is a popular choice due to its durability, low maintenance, and affordability, making it a great option for those looking to save money. Vinyl siding is also DIY-friendly, as it can be installed with basic tools like a utility knife, tin snips, and a fine tooth saw. However, it’s essential to ensure proper installation to avoid issues like warping or gaps.

On the other hand, wood siding offers a natural, rustic look that many homeowners find appealing. However, it requires more maintenance than other options, such as regular painting or staining to protect it from the elements. Wood siding can also be more challenging to install, requiring precise cutting and fitting to achieve a finished look.

Fiber cement siding is another excellent option, offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to wood siding. It can mimic the appearance of wood but without the same level of upkeep. However, installing fiber cement siding can be more complex and may require specialized tools and skills.

Ultimately, the best siding material for your home will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you choose vinyl, wood, or fiber cement, make sure to consider factors like durability, maintenance, and cost to make an informed decision.

First Consideration: Are You an Experienced DIYer?

The first thing to take into account is the level of experience you have fixing your own stuff. If you have experience replacing old siding or dealing with deteriorating old stuff, then you probably have enough skill to take this project on by yourself and save on siding repair costs.

But being able to DIY a bathroom remodel or painting job on your home’s interior is one thing. Doing your own siding is a much more complex and risky maneuver when a poor installation can put your home at risk of leaks and damage. So be realistic when it comes to your level of experience on home projects before moving forward.

Second Consideration: Do You Have Enough Manpower?

While an experienced DIYer could take on a small siding project fairly easily, but it’s a different game when you take into account the size and requirements of the proposed project. If you need to make a few minor repairs to siding, that should be easy enough. However, if you need to replace the entirety of your exterior home siding, taking it on yourself may not be feasible. You may need to reach out to some friends for help, just like you would to replace a shingle roof.

Third Consideration: Do You Have the Time and Budget to Hire a Professional?

A DIY job will almost always save you money (note: if you’re inexperienced, you could end up paying more for mistakes made), but will also take more time to complete. If you think you can get a full siding system replaced over a long weekend, you may be in for a surprise. It can take professionals a few weeks to complete re-siding a home, depending upon its size and weather conditions, so it will most likely take you longer than that. Consider the cost/benefit to your time. While it may cost a little more to hire a team of a professional siding team, the time you save may be worth it.

Now, let’s compare the pros and cons that go into both DIY and hiring a professional siding contractor for your project to understand the impact that each has.

Choosing the DIY Route: How To Put Up Siding By Yourself

If you don’t have any experience with installing siding on a house, it’s probably best that you reach out to a trained contractor for the job. While it looks relatively straightforward, installing siding isn’t a job for beginner DIYers. It’s one thing to install siding on an open face on the exterior of your home, but when it comes to working around corners, eaves, soffits and fascia, along with trimming openings like windows and doors, it gets more tricky.

These are all technical aspects of the project that can be easy for a beginner to screw up, adding cost and time to your project. Additionally, installing soffit panels requires precision to ensure proper fit and support. Considering vinyl soffit as an option can also provide durability and ease of maintenance.

When choosing to take on the siding installation by yourself, you need to have a working knowledge of siding systems – for example, do you understand how to identify mold, water, or pest damage on your home and repair it? Or how to attach frieze board and sheathing for putting the siding up on the exterior? Or, simply how to remove old, worn-out siding and install the new material based on its unique installation method? Understanding the process of installing vinyl siding is crucial to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful project.

When taking on a siding installation project by yourself, you need to have the skills as well as access to the right tools to be successful. Depending on which siding material you choose, you may need a combination of a few or all of the following tools:

Commonly used tools for new siding installation:

• Hammer: always have a trusty hammer by your side during a siding installation, you’ll use it for a variety of tasks.
• Measuring square: this keeps all of your angles straight and true for an even installation.
• Level: a level is extremely important to keep your siding even. If unevenness occurs, it can spell major problems later on in your project.
• Fine-toothed hand saw: especially important for vinyl, a fine-tooth saw will reduce the chance of tearing or splintering the siding
• Power saw: a circular, bench, or radial-arm saw are your best options. A power saw helps speed up the cutting process and produces cleaner cuts.
• Power drill: a drill will come in handy for a number of different tasks throughout the project.
• Tin snips: tin snips will help you cut and shape siding for specific areas of the home.
• Snap lock punch: these are used to punch lugs or holes in the cut edges of siding to be used for the finishing course at the top of a wall, or underneath a window.
• Nail hole slot punch: you may need to elongate a nail hem slot, which is where a nail hole slot punch comes in handy. The hole is elongated to allow for expansion and contraction.
• Unlocking tool: this special tool allows for the removal or replacement of a siding panel without the risk of damaging the material.
• Fasteners: the type of fasteners you choose is almost as crucial as the tools.  It is important that all fasteners be able to penetrate no less than 3/4” into framing or furring and always nail in the center of the slot to allow for slight movement during the natural expansion and contraction of the panel.
• Safety equipment: scaffolding, a sturdy ladder, gloves, protective eyeglasses, and other safety equipment is essential for protecting yourself from the dangers of the job.

So if you have the skills, the tools – and most importantly, the motivation – you could take on a siding project by yourself. Just weigh the following pros and cons to help determine your decision.

Pros of DIY Siding Installation

• The best option for experienced DIYers who want to perform quick and easy repairs, replacements, or repainting for smaller sections of the home’s exterior. It is also ideal for those needing affordable siding materials to cover a structure.
• Save money on doing it yourself, unless you drastically mess something up.
• Work on your own time schedule, with no annoying construction crews or material deliveries.
• Don’t have to rely on other people, only yourself.
• You gain a lot of satisfaction by taking on and completing a siding project on your own.

Cons of DIY Siding Installation

• With little knowledge or experience, you can end up paying more for mistakes, or hit a wall and end up hiring a professional anyways.
• You need quite a few special tools for cutting, fitting and installing siding, as well as safety equipment for working at height.
• Working knowledge of the specific type of material you’re using – vinyl siding is installed differently than wood, metal, etc.
• You must purchase all materials on your own and won’t receive a supplier’s discount.
• You could uncover more damage to your house once you begin the project, and not know how to identify or fix it.
• Mistakes are easier to make than they are to fix. Proper alignment at the lower edge is crucial to avoid potential damage from moisture.

Professional Siding Installation Process

Hiring a professional to install your siding can ensure a proper installation and save time. A professional siding contractor will have the necessary tools and equipment to complete the project successfully, including a nail gun, plywood, and metal flashing. They will also be able to provide guidance on the best materials to use, such as Hardie board or LP SmartSide, and ensure that the siding is installed at the proper angle to prevent water damage.

The professional installation process typically begins with a thorough inspection of your existing siding to identify any underlying issues that need to be addressed. This may include repairing or replacing damaged sheathing, installing a house wrap for added insulation, and ensuring that the surface is clean and level.

Next, the contractor will install the starter strip and J-channel, which are essential for securing the siding panels and ensuring a clean, finished look. They will then begin installing the siding panels, starting from the bottom and working their way up, ensuring that each panel is properly aligned and nailed in place.

In addition to installing the siding, a professional will handle complex tasks such as installing window trim, ensuring a watertight seal around windows and doors, and replacing any damaged or rotted fascia boards. They will also take care of any necessary permits and ensure that the installation complies with local building codes.

By hiring a professional, you can have peace of mind knowing that your siding will be installed correctly and efficiently, protecting your home from the elements and enhancing its curb appeal.

Choosing to Hire and Work With a Professional Siding Contractor

When it comes to installing exterior home siding, there’s a ton of things that go into the process. From finding the proper tools, the best gutter guards, the best materials at fair prices, as well as understanding the finer details that come from experience, a professional will know what to do. Before deciding on a contractor, first, do some research and determine your ideal material and method of installation. The more detailed you can be, the more accurate estimate you’ll receive from potential candidates

Use sites like Houzz, Angie’s List, Yelp, and social media to read reviews, find examples of past work and understand their specialties. Once you find some certified local contractors with solid reputations, reach out to at least three of them. While hiring a professional is safer than doing it yourself, your project can quickly turn ugly if you don’t do your due diligence in finding the best siding contractor for your needs.

So if you don’t have the skills, tools, and motivation, you can always reach out for professional help. Just weigh the following pros and cons to help decide whether or not hiring a professional siding contractor is the right choice. 

Pros of Hiring a Professional Siding Contractor

• Gain peace of mind with a professional who has insurance, licenses, certificates, and bonds that will protect you in the case of an emergency.
• A good contractor should have a singular point of contact for you to ask questions so you can stay informed throughout the process.
• Warrantied work provides you backup should the work suffer.
• Full service from preparation to cleanup
• Set schedule and budget regarding to your terms and contractor’s availability
• A professional will obtain necessary permits and abide by building codes
• Increase your home’s value by doing it right

Cons of Hiring a Professional Siding Contractor

• High labor costs can rise should extra work need to be added.
• Availability can be unpredictable.
• In the case of an unprofessional contractor, you may have to dismiss them.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional

When deciding whether to install siding yourself or hire a professional, it’s essential to consider the cost comparison. While doing it yourself can save money, it may also require a significant amount of time and effort. On the other hand, hiring a professional can be more expensive, but it can also provide peace of mind and ensure a professional-looking finish.

The cost of materials, such as vinyl siding panels, will be similar whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. However, the cost of labor can vary significantly. For example, the cost of hiring a professional to install vinyl siding can range from $3 to $10 per square foot, while doing it yourself can cost between $1 and $3 per square foot.

In addition to labor costs, there are other factors to consider, such as the cost of tools and equipment. If you choose to do it yourself, you may need to invest in specialized tools like a utility knife, tin snips, and a fine tooth saw, which can add to the overall cost.

While DIY installation can save money upfront, it’s important to consider the potential risks and challenges. Mistakes made during installation can lead to costly repairs down the line, and the time and effort required can be significant. On the other hand, hiring a professional can ensure a high-quality installation and save you time and stress.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your budget, skills, and preferences. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure to weigh the costs and benefits carefully to make the best choice for your home.

Siding Materials and Installation

There are several types of siding materials to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and installation requirements. Vinyl siding, for example, is a popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance. It can be installed using a starter strip and J-channel, which help secure the panels and provide a clean, finished look. Vinyl siding is also relatively easy to install, making it a good option for DIY enthusiasts.

Wood siding, on the other hand, offers a natural, rustic appearance that many homeowners find appealing. However, it requires more maintenance, such as regular painting or staining, to protect it from the elements. Wood siding can be installed using a variety of methods, including nailing and screwing, and it requires precise cutting and fitting to achieve a professional finish.

Fiber cement siding is another option, offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to wood siding. It can mimic the appearance of wood but without the same level of upkeep. Installing fiber cement siding can be more complex and may require specialized tools and skills, such as cutting the panels with a fine-tooth saw and securing them with corrosion-resistant nails.

When installing siding, it’s essential to consider factors such as square footage, climate, and budget. For example, vinyl siding is a cost-effective option that can withstand various weather conditions, while wood siding may be better suited for drier climates. Additionally, the installation process can vary depending on the material, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use the appropriate tools and techniques.

By choosing the right siding material and following proper installation practices, you can enhance the appearance and durability of your home’s exterior.

Siding Maintenance and Repair

Once your siding is installed, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and repairs to ensure it continues to look its best and provide protection for your home. This can include tasks such as cleaning the siding, replacing damaged panels, and ensuring that the siding is properly sealed around windows and doors.

Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, and mildew, which can damage the siding over time. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface, and avoid using high-pressure washers, which can cause damage.

Inspect the siding regularly for signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, gaps, or rot. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage. For example, replace any damaged panels and reapply caulking around windows and doors to maintain a watertight seal.

In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to perform periodic repairs to keep your siding in good condition. This may include tasks such as repainting wood siding, replacing damaged vinyl panels, or repairing loose or missing nails. By staying on top of maintenance and repairs, you can help extend the life of your siding and keep your home looking its best.

Regular maintenance can also help prevent costly repairs down the line, saving you money in the long run. By taking care of your siding, you can ensure that it continues to protect your home and enhance its curb appeal for years to come.

Best of Luck with your Siding Installation Project!

Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, a siding project is an investment that will add value and beauty to any home. Just remember that repairing and replacing siding can be a challenging job, and is not for the faint of heart! Whether you’re just replacing a few strips of vinyl, removing rotten shingles, or installing all-new fiber cement siding, if you want it done quickly, affordably, and correctly, a professional may be your best choice. And that’s what Northface Consutrciotin is here for! 

If you are interested in other types of siding options, check out our cedar shake vs cedar shingle post, and read our complete roofing checklist for more tips!

When you decide to work with us for your next siding project, contact us for a free estimate, and to determine the best possible plan for your home, reach out to us right away!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of installing your own siding?

The main reason homeowners choose to install their own siding is to save money. Some enjoy doing the work themselves or want peace of mind knowing they installed each panel. The main purpose of installing your own siding is to protect your wallet.

What are the dangers of installing your own siding?

The biggest risk with installing your own siding is an improper installation which can lead to damage to your home over time. There is also a risk of personal injury if you are not comfortable working on high ladders, or with using power tools.

Why would I pay so much more money to hire a professional?

Homeowners choose to pay a siding contractor because they recognize their home is a large investment in itself. Trying to save a few bucks installing siding on your own could compromise the well-being of the rest of your home, costing you much more in the long run.