Siding and Roofing

[Lonewolf]

I realize the size of my house will play a big factor, but just trying to save up money for re-doing the siding and putting a new roof (over top current) for my house, as my house just about hit the 20 year mark.

Again, just looking for feedback from people that have done one or both of these items to get a sense what they paid for this work. In addition, trying to get perspective if there is alot of benefit to doing both with the same company.

Thanks for any feedback.

Lonewolf

[Slug]

I won't be much help here, but you need to determine the kind of roof you want. Asphalt, metal, or something else. The life expectancy on these types differ markedly.

[b4freedom]

Make sure you get lots of quotes. Especially from local companies.

[swanson719]

We have a 1300 sq foot house, split entry. We just had a roof completely replaced, tore off to the plywood and new put on, paid for by the insurance. With a $1,000 deductable, the insurance wrote for $4,500 for the roof, so a total of $5,500. That was for standard asphalt shingles.

[cicy33]

I realize the size of my house will play a big factor, but just trying to save up money for re-doing the siding and putting a new roof (over top current) for my house, as my house just about hit the 20 year mark.

Again, just looking for feedback from people that have done one or both of these items to get a sense what they paid for this work. In addition, trying to get perspective if there is alot of benefit to doing both with the same company.

Thanks for any feedback.

Lonewolf

I was married to a guy who did siding and roofing for a living for years. it is not just the size of your house that will matter. Height, angles, etc will also play a part. For example, if your house is really short and there is little scaffolding work the time and cost will be less. If there are a lot of gables or really tall walls that will increase the cost. If you have sides that don't have many windows that will actually cut the cost a little cuz it will take less time. won't require as much j channel. the cost will vary dramatically depending on the type of siding you purchase. siding is not created equal. roofing is another whole ball game. first and foremost, most states require that your people are licensed. if family does it that is okay but if you hire they must be licensed. go figure! You didn't mention the square footage of your house but it is fairly easy to get a quote if you call and give the company that information.

[snafu]

There is no point in re-roofing if the current roofing is still in reasonable condition, no leaks. Prices vary considerably by region and product weight. Make sure you have a written contract that covers details like start date, completion date, product description, who actually does the work [summer help/tradesman, licensing etc. Before giving any money, call your Better Business Bureau to check for disputes. Check every reference and ask if they would hire this guy again.

Some guys ask for $$$ up front to buy materials. It's a clue they are not well financed. Check with at least three suppliers to get an estimate of how much product will be needed and the cost. Hold back 20% of the fee to make sure there is no problem with the work. After a serious rain/windstorm...you'll know by checking the attic.

[cicy33]

There is no point in re-roofing if the current roofing is still in reasonable condition, no leaks. Prices vary considerably by region and product weight. Make sure you have a written contract that covers details like start date, completion date, product description, who actually does the work [summer help/tradesman, licensing etc. Before giving any money, call your Better Business Bureau to check for disputes. Check every reference and ask if they would hire this guy again.

Some guys ask for $$$ up front to buy materials. It's a clue they are not well financed. Check with at least three suppliers to get an estimate of how much product will be needed and the cost. Hold back 20% of the fee to make sure there is no problem with the work. After a serious rain/windstorm...you'll know by checking the attic.

It is not totally true on the up front money sometimes. For example, we almost always required a percentage down to do the job. that was partly for the materials as we were a small company but we also charged about half what the "big" ones did cuz we did not have the high overhead. but most of the time it was because these jobs are expensive and it is best to get a down payment. it is a safety measure for the company in case a customer changes their mind or doesn't pay the rest. at least the materials are paid for. I believe most companies require a percentage down. If it is more than 25% however, that is way to much. Definitely agree though check references.

[bjl584]

Go price that material at a hardware/home improvement store. Take that number and multiply it by 3. That's about the going rate for most contractors to do a job. If the estimate that the contractor gives you is way out of whack, then find someone else.

I've done roofing and siding on multiple houses myself. It really isn't as hard as you may think. If you have the ability or know someone that does who can help you, then you will save a ton. Just buy your materials in the winter time and store then until the spring if you have the ability to do so. Shingles and siding are seasonal items (at least here in the Northeast) and prices always fall in the winter. Their prices are also tied to oil prices, and oil usually drops off a bit in the winter.