Here are a few tips to help you get started on your home re-siding project.

If you are a home owner in Boise, and you’ve decided that it’s time to replace the siding on your home, you’ve come to the right place!   This helpful guide will take you step by step through the home re-side process and help you create a plan that will ensure your project is a huge success.

Step 1: Search For Homes or Photos Of Home Exteriors That You Like.

Take a drive around the Boise area and check out home exteriors that catch your eye, do some Google searches, or grab a home improvement magazine or two – have some fun!   Siding Pros Of Idaho has an extensive list of homes that we have re-sided in Boise, and we’d be happy to give you some addresses to check out.  We also have a photo gallery on our website here, and also a nice gallery of the different styles of James Hardie siding that will also help.  Keep a file or some record of the styles and colors that you like.  We also have a very good resource on our website that details the differences between the different siding materials – click here to see the siding material comparison. 

Step 2:  Determine Your Budget

Once you’ve got a general idea of the siding materials, styles, and colors you like, its time to think about the costs related to your home siding project.  I doesn’t cost anything to get an estimate, but if you’d like to get a ballpark idea before you call for a bid,  here are a few guidelines.

• Measure wall square footage (length x height).  Measure the length times the height of each home exterior wall.  Measure through windows and doors, except for maybe garage doors and/or large sliding doors.   Once you know about how many sq ft of siding you will need, multiply that number by $11 to $17 per square foot.  Each home is unique, and the actual estimates will vary, some bids may come in lower or higher than that, but $11-$17 per sq ft is a good ballpark figure to help you get an idea.  If your home presents a high level of difficulty or other challenges, plan on the upper end of that scale.
• Factor in painting costs.   Don’t forget that after the new siding has been installed, it will need to be painted.  Again, with painting there are many different variables that determine the price, but for a ballpark figure, add $2.50 – $3.00 per sq foot for paint.  Keep in mind that not all paint products or install are equal.  For example, Siding Pros Of Idaho, has their own dedicated paint crew that do a thorough paint prep, and install two coats of high quality Sherwin Williams 100% acrylic SuperPaint.
• Consider the ROI (return on investment).  Each year, Remodeling Magazine does a cost vs. benefit analysis for all the different types of home improvement projects.   Almost every year, replacing home siding using a fiber cement product (aka James Hardie), yields one of the highest, returns on investment than any other type of home improvement project.   New fiber cement siding will add considerable value to your home.

Step 3:  Get Some Estimates, and Choose A Contractor

Getting estimates will introduce you several different siding companies in the area.   Of course we hope you give Siding Pros Of Idaho a chance to bid on your job, however regardless of who you call, here are some things you should consider.

• Ask for references.
• Verify insurance and license
• Look for a contractor who has the approval or recommendation of the manufacturer.
• Make sure the contractor is a professional who specializes in fiber cement siding.   When fiber cement siding is not installed properly, or according to industry specifications, it can void the warranty, and cause pre-mature siding failure.
• Explain your full expectations to the contractor.
• When reviewing the estimate, make sure it is a complete estimate.  Your bid should include everything needed to complete the project – no hidden costs or fees.

Step 4: Prepare For A Beautiful New Look & Feel 

A typical home reside project only takes about 1 to 2 weeks to complete, In that short time, you will be amazed to see how new siding & paint can transform the look of a home.  So relax, put your feet up, take a sip of lemonade, and enjoy the new curb appeal of your home.  If you chose James Hardie fiber cement siding, you’ll also be able to enjoy years of low maintenance and lower energy costs!

If you have any questions about adding new siding to your home, please feel free to contact us by calling 208-672-1697 or request a bid online.