The siding of your house is an important component of the exterior design of your home. There are many options, and a professional can help you select the best one for your home. Consider the design of your home as well as the cost. Your home's appearance will also depend on what type of siding it uses.
Vinyl siding is popular because it is affordable and easy to maintain. There are many types of vinyl available, including a variety of color choices. Vinyl is used for insulation as it is lightweight and does NOT degrade rapidly.
Another option is aluminum siding. It is lighter than wooden siding and is often painted. It is available in a variety of colors as well as coated finishes, making it an attractive choice. Although it is not as durable and cost-effective as natural stone, it is also less expensive. It is also much easier to install. It is also corrosion-resistant making it perfect for garages or pool sides.
Engineered wood or composite wood is a cheaper alternative to natural wood. It is made up of scrap wood that has been bonded to resins and other chemicals. It can withstand fire, but it needs to be maintained in good condition.
The most prominent type of lap siding, the horizontal lap, is available. It's a four-foot wide board with eight to ten foot length. It can be smoothed, or stucco trimmed. This is an excellent option for homes that prefer a more traditional look.
For homes in more arid climates, a split log can be a perfect choice. A log that has been cut in quarters is approximately 2 inches thick. The resultant "D"-shaped panel is simple to work with. This siding is perfect for traditional ranch homes. It can be installed by itself or mixed with other styles of house siding.
A faux stone veneer is another option. Although it looks convincing, it does not last nearly as long as real stone. It does come in a variety shapes, and it is more affordable than natural rock. It is usually gold in color, and will change to a patina green as it weathers.
Plywood is a good option for those on a budget. However, it is not as strong or waterproof as the other siding options. It can be hard to paint.
Mixing siding from different styles is a recent trend. One example of this is shiplap with cedarshingles in the same colour. This is an easy way to enhance the value of your home. You can create your own look by mixing and matching different widths of siding, depending on the design.
It's important to remember that there are advantages and disadvantages to each of the types of house siding you select. It is a large investment so be sure to choose the best siding for you.
FAQ
What is the average time it takes to renovate a house?
It depends on how large the project is, and how long you spend on it each day. On average, homeowners spend between three and six hours per week working on their project.
Do I have to renovate my entire house?
Do it yourself - you'll save time and money.
You may love DIY but there will come a time when you can't do it all by yourself. You may not be able to control all the variables.
For example, if you live in an old home, you might find that the wiring is outdated and you would need to hire a qualified electrician to make sure that your electrical system is safe and reliable.
It is possible that your renovations might cause structural damage.
It is possible that you don't have the right tools or the knowledge to do the job correctly. You will need a special tool called the plumber's snake to clean clogged pipes if you plan to install a kitchen sink.
Plumbing codes also require that you have a licensed plumber work on your project.
You need to be able to do the job before you take on any large tasks.
If you are unsure if it is possible to do the job on your own, ask friends or family members who have worked on similar projects.
They can help you determine the right steps and where you can find out more.
How many times should I change my furnace's filter?
This depends on how often your family will use their home heating system. If you plan to leave your house for long periods of time during cold weather months, you may consider changing your filter more frequently. If you're not often out of your home, however, you may be more able to wait for the filter to change.
The average furnace filter will last approximately three months. You should replace your furnace filters every three months.
You can also check the manufacturer's recommendations for when to change your filter. Some manufacturers suggest changing your filter every heating season. Others recommend waiting until you see dirt buildup.
Is it more cost-effective to hire a subcontractor or a general contractor?
A general contractor will usually cost more than a subcontractor. General contractors have many employees so often charge their clients a high amount for labor costs. A subcontractor on the other side only employs one person, so he/she charges less per-hour.
How do you choose a good contractor to work with?
Ask friends and family for recommendations when selecting a contractor. Also, look at online reviews. Check to make sure the contractor has experience with the type of construction you are looking for. Refer to previous clients and verify their references.
Do I need permits to renovate my house?
Yes. Before you start any home improvements project, permits are necessary. In most cases you will need to have a building permit along with a plumber's permit. A zoning permit may be required depending on what type of construction you are doing.
How much does it cost for a house to be renovated?
Renovations can cost from $5,000 to $50,000. Renovations typically cost homeowners between $10,000 and $20,000
Statistics
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
- Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
- The average fixed rate for a home-equity loan was recently 5.27%, and the average variable rate for a HELOC was 5.49%, according to Bankrate.com. (kiplinger.com)
- Rather, allot 10% to 15% for a contingency fund to pay for unexpected construction issues. (kiplinger.com)
- A final payment of, say, 5% to 10% will be due when the space is livable and usable (your contract probably will say "substantial completion"). (kiplinger.com)
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How To
Do you prefer to renovate the interior or exterior?
Which one should I do first?
There are many factors you need to consider when choosing which project you want to work on. The most common factor is whether the building is old or new. The condition of the roof, windows and doors, flooring, wiring, and other aspects are all important. The location, style, number of rooms and size of a new building are all important aspects.
If the building has an older roof, it is worth looking at the roof first. You should start the renovation if you feel the roof is at risk of falling apart. You can proceed to the next step if the roof is in good condition. Next, inspect the windows. If they are broken or dirty, then you might want them replaced before doing much else. After that, you can go through all the doors to make sure they are clear of any debris. Next, check that everything seems to be in order before you begin work on the floors. Make sure that the flooring is solid and sturdy so that no matter how hard you walk on it, nothing breaks. These steps will be completed before you can proceed to the walls. Take a look at the walls to see if any cracks or damage are present. If the wall appears to be in good shape, you can continue to the next steps. Finally, once the walls are inspected, you can work on the ceiling. The ceiling should be inspected to make sure it can support any weight that you might place on it. If all is well, then you are ready to move on to the next phase of your renovation.
If the building was new, you will want to inspect the exterior. Take a look at the outside of your house. Is the house well-maintained? Are there cracks around? Does it look great? If it doesn't look good, you need to fix it. You don't want to let your home look bad. Next, you need to inspect the foundation. You should repair any foundation that appears weak. You should also inspect the driveway. It should be straight and level. If it isn't, then you should probably fix it. Check the sidewalk as well. It should be replaced if it is uneven.
Once you've checked all these areas, it is time to move on the inside. Start by looking at the kitchen. Are you satisfied with the cleanliness and maintenance of your kitchen? It should be cleaned up if it's messy. Next, examine the appliances. You should make sure that they are in working order and in good condition. If they aren't, then you should either buy new ones or fix them. You can then inspect the cabinets. Paint them if they're stained or scratched. If they are in good shape, then you can move to the bathroom. Here, check the toilet. You should replace it if it leaks. If it's just dirty, then you should probably wash it. Next, examine all the fixtures. Make sure they are clean. You should clean them if they are stained. Finally, make sure to inspect the countertops. If they are chipped or cracked, then you should probably repaint them. If they are smooth and shiny, then you should probably use some kind of sealant.
Final step: Check your furniture. You should make sure nothing is broken or missing. If something is missing, then you should probably find it. If it is damaged, you should probably fix it. Once everything is in order, you can then move on to the next step.