Tips to prepare yourself for a siding project

1. Get Inspired

• Drive around your neighborhood and town to find colors and styles you like. Take pictures so you can show your contractor.
• Go to websites like James Hardie's photo showcase webpage for ideas. Save the images you like.
  
• Put together a Pinterest board or some other easily accessible folder so you can refer back to your ideas.

2. Create a budget

• Go over your monthly finances to see how much you can afford to pay on a monthly basis, if you plan on financing.
• Talk to you bank about lending options.
  
• Determine a lump sum you are comfortable parting with for an entire project. Ask about cash discounts!
• Talk to your contractor about different options to determine what is best for you home and wallet.

3. Create a plan

With your budget set, you can start the next stage of the process.

• Request quotes from reputable contractors.
• Ask your neighbors, friends, family who they used. 
• Check for recommended contractors on manufacturer's websites.
• Search Google and contact the highest rated contractors you can find in your area.

4. Finalize the scope of work

• Make sure you know the material that will be used, the color of the siding, an estimated start date, how long the project will take, when materials will arrive, and if there be a dumpster on site.
• Ask about the payment process. Is it a lump sum at the end, 1/3 at signing, 1/3 at the beginning, and 1/3 at the end, or the terms if you are financing the project.
  

5. Choose your contractor

Determine which contractor is best for you. Ask yourself a few questions before making a decision. Going with the cheapest option is not always the best option. A lot of homeowners regret choosing the cheapest option because they have to do the project over again or hire someone else to resolve the issues.

• Will the contractor solve your issues?
• Are they within your budget?
• Do you like/want the product they offered you?
• Are the solutions they offered you a quick fix or will it resolve the problem for years to come?
• Do you trust the contractor?
  

6. Prepare for construction

A contractor has a different perspective than you do when it comes to your project. They do this every day. You may only do one or two siding projects in your entire life. Try not to stress yourself out too much. There are a few things you can do to stay informed while also staying relaxed.

• Talk to the foreman before the project starts. Discuss the details of the job before they start working.
• Refer back to your contract as the project moves along.
• Discuss any concerns or differences as they come up. Waiting until everything is done can only make the situation worse.
• Remember this is a construction project. There will be some debris on the ground throughout the project. The crew should clean up as they work and at the end of every day.
  

7. Enjoy your new siding

Now that the project is done, you can relax and enjoy how beautiful your home looks. Take pictures and send them to your friends. Have a BBQ and show off how beautiful your home looks!