8 Reasons to Choose a Siding Installation Contractor vs Doing it Yourself

Those DIYers that take on a siding project themselves are confident, there’s no question. But is that enough to install siding installation successfully? Let’s take a closer look – here are 8 reasons to choose a siding installation contractor vs. taking the task on alone.

1) Hiring a Contractor will Help Keep You Safe from Potential Safety Hazards

The first, and potentially most important, is the fact that replacing siding is not a very safe job. You could be climbing on ladders up two stories high and possibly exposed to things like mold or termites, depending on the health of the house. Siding installation isn’t as simple as it seems. You’ll need at the very least scaffolding, ladders and professional-grade tools. If you do it alone, you’ll be solely responsible for the cost of any property damage if an accident occurs. A contractor, on the other hand, is required to carry insurance, placing all liability on them and not yourself.

2) Hiring a Contractor Saves Time and Costs

One of the biggest disadvantages to installing siding yourself is that it drains your time and budget. The DIY route may save you money on other home improvement projects, but that’s not the case with siding. The amount of specialty tools you’ll need to buy or rent, coupled with the higher cost of materials will make your budget take a hit. Before starting your project, be aware of the costs associated with installing siding.

3) A Contractor Will Know the Right Materials to Use

Vinyl, wood, engineered wood, stucco, fiber cement – are you very familiar with any of these materials? Vinyl and wood are easier to install than the latter three, however, they still present their own unique challenges. Licensed contractors are required to undergo a number of hours of training in order to work, equipping them with the needed skills to take on a wide array of specialty home improvement projects like siding installation.

4) A Contractor Will Get Better Prices on Materials

Because a contractor deals with material providers on a daily basis, he develops relationships and partnerships that mean less cost to you. Because of bulk and discount pricing, you’ll get materials for much cheaper than buying it yourself.

5) A Contractor Will Know City Building Codes and Permit Requirements

Another major reason to choose a siding installation contractor, is that he’ll know the code and permit requirements of your city and state. The majority of cities require you to obtain a building permit before taking on any construction projects that modify the frame or exterior of your home. In most cases, you’ll have to submit building plans along with an application for a building permit. Working with a contractor solves this problem since they have a deep understanding of the licensing, coding and permitting requirements of the area you live in.

6) A Contractor Has the Necessary Skills

Before you break out the toolbelt, ask yourself if you have the appropriate skill to install siding professionally – and be honest. Siding installation isn’t the best place to start if you haven’t done many home improvement projects. Just because you know how to hammer a nail and cut siding, doesn’t make you an expert craftsman either. It takes years, sometimes decades of experience to keep siding consistently straight all the way around a home. These little tricks of the trade are what make a professional job stand out when compared to a DIY job.

7) A Contractor Can Handle Any Size Home

When contemplating your project, measure out the square footage of the home and try to estimate the amount of surface area you’ll need to cover. If it’s a large home, more than 1,000 square feet, you most likely won’t be able to do it yourself. Even if you could, it will take you exceptionally long. A contractor has a team that can get the job done in a fraction of the time that it’d take you.

8) A Contractor Will Dispose of Old Material

It’s your responsibility to properly dispose of the waste that is created by your project. Do you know how to get rid of bulk vinyl, wood or stucco affordably? This is an often under-looked aspect of the project, but one of the most essential. A contractor will help you avoid the hefty costs of specialized waste disposal.