When Choosing Exterior Building Materials For Your Home, Consider First Impressions


 

When selling a home, appearances matter a great deal. For example, it’s not uncommon for a homeowner to make small changes such as fresh paint, maybe a new door installation or two, and perhaps sprucing up the front flower beds. But sometimes a new door installation is too small of a change. Sometimes a house needs a bigger project, such as a new roof or new siding.

Take Care When Hiring a Roofing or Siding Contractor Because Everyone Will See the Results.

Many home remodels take place in the interior spaces, such as a new door installation in the entryway. People love to remodel their kitchens to reflect the times, such as an open floor plan or granite countertops. Bathrooms are another popular option, as picking out new plumbing fixtures and tiles is an easier way to modernize a small space. However, if you make a bad choice during the renovations the number of people who will notice is limited. When the siding or roofing is poorly replaced anyone who passes the house will notice.

What Homeowners Must Know Before Installing New Siding.

In case you didn’t know, siding is used to protect the exterior of a home. It can act as an extra layer of protection against snow or excessive sunlight. The three most common materials used for home siding projects are aluminum, vinyl, and engineered wood. It is important to note that some materials are more suitable than others for certain regions.

The most commonly chosen siding material is vinyl. It is a durable material that can last up to 40 years, is easy to maintain, and fairly inexpensive. It works well as extra insulation in the cold months. While vinyl siding does come in a range of options, some homeowners do prefer the rustic appearance of engineered wood. It is a bit more expensive than vinyl, however it is considered eco-friendly.

What Homeowners Must Know Before Installing a New Roof.

Unlike siding, roofing materials come in many options. There’s tile, asphalt shingles, tin, and even rubber options. Homeowners often make their choice based on appearance, but it is wiser to make a selection based on longevity and care. A properly installed, well-maintained roof can last up to 50 years in some cases.

When making a selection, remember that there is no need to go as expensive as possible to build a good roof. Of course, it is also unwise to cut corners and choose the most inexpensive option possible. A good guideline is to research the building codes in the home’s area, which will give some guidance. A trustworthy contractor can also be helpful in narrowing down options.

Did you know that the longevity of a newly installed roof can be reduced by nearly 20% if the existing roof was not removed? It’s surprising to consider that a contractor might not bother removing an outdated roof before building one on top. This actually highlights the importance of hiring a reliable, knowledgeable contractor for the job.

What Will Your Return On Investment Be?

Homeowners often find themselves looking to the future during a remodeling. A new roof needs to look good not just to them, but to the potential future owners as well. This is one point to consider when making a change to the exterior of the home.

Adding new building components on a home usually results in a good return on investment. While a new door installation in the interior probably won’t add much to the home’s value, an exterior change certainly would effect the asking price. For example, new siding is estimated to have at least a 70% return on investment on average. A new roof ROI can be even greater. This is another good reason to choose quality materials that are proven to last.

Renovations can be notoriously stressful. It is helpful to have a solid plan in place for any updates to a home, but it goes doubly so for changes to the exterior. Homeowners who do plan to sell eventually should consider the impression their home makes from the street. First impressions are difficult to alter.