You know that situation when you look at some part of the house that is not exactly to your liking and taste, and you think “Well, it can’t be that hard. I can do it myself.” Well, that’s usually where your problems start. Then “temporary solutions” usually start, then “I’ll just do it for a while”, then you know where this is going.

Let’s face it, DIY projects are not a bad idea, you just shouldn’t start any interventions if it’s a question of safety, stability, or similar if you don’t have enough experience.

Lack of experience or quality materials can lead to an even bigger problem, so let’s see when it’s necessary to call professionals to save the day.

Common DIY Disasters

Many homeowners and “do-it-yourselfers” actually dive into DIY projects without having a clue of what they’re getting into and how much money they’ll need. You know the one – what you pay the cheapest, costs you the most.

According to research, as many as 63% of homeowners have regretted at least one renovation project in their home that ended up requiring them to call in professionals for help.

Bad Material Choice

We can take the final finish on the house, i.e. installing the sidings, which at first seems like an extensive job, but at the second – “well, it can’t be that hard”. The first mistake usually occurs when choosing materials and that is to save money or due to insufficient understanding of durability and resistance to weather conditions. For example vinyl – a good choice that comes in different grades, so you need to know how to choose the right one because of cracking, bending, etc.

Improper Installation Techniques

Siding is not just about nailing boards to the wall. They need to be properly arranged and securely fastened to seal the “seams” and create a barrier that moisture cannot pass through. And above all, it is necessary to make a good preparation and base so that all the work is not in vain and leads to drafts, loss of energy, or water damage.

Lack of Basic Tools

Nails and a hammer are enough. They are. If you are putting a picture on the wall, but not if you are covering the whole house. However, you need to be a little more “armed” with tools – lining brakes, nail guns, and trim cutters are your best friends in this situation to keep everything aligned and well-protected.

Ignoring Local Building Codes

Before you do any work, this is your first step because bypassing it can lead to legal problems, fines or even requests to remove all that you have illegally done.

5 Things That Siding Contractors Wish You Knew Before Starting a Project

Preparation is Key

Successful installation of siding starts long before the first piece is nailed to the house. Make sure the space is safe, clean the walls, inspect for structural damage and, of course, repair it. This step actually takes a lot of time, but it is very necessary for everything to be fine later.

Quality Installation Saves Money in The Long Run

You can sense this yourself – it is better to do it well once than to repeat the same work or repair it several times. And improper placement of sidings can do more harm than good.

Siding Is More Complex Than It Seems

Sidings are much more than merely an aesthetic add-on to an interior house; in fact, it’s an essential component that acts as protection against weather conditions. When you’re your own handyman, things like resistance, ventilation, and insulation, which are so important, can often be neglected.

DIY May Void Warranty

Some manufacturers even cancel the warranty on their products if they were not installed by experts, because if something is installed incorrectly, it does not mean that the product is not working, but the way of use is at fault.

Time and Safety Matter

With any construction work, it is necessary to strictly follow the safety protocols without exception. Sometimes something seems like a “weekend project”, and due to disorganization or problems, it can drag on.

When to Call a Siding Contractor?

When you see that your project is not going exactly as you planned/imagined, it’s better to stop it before you commit to it too deeply and ask for expert assistance to prevent even more damage.

But before you even consider going the DIY route, or hiring a professional to do your sidings, you should also consider the legality of the matter. In some U.S. states you’re not strictly required to hire a contractor, you might do the project yourself, but there might be a caveat. 

For example, in the states of Florida and California, you need to have a state license for any projects that are 500 USD or more in value (sum of labor and material costs). The contractors must be both registered and certified by the state. If the value is less than 500 USD, then homeowners are allowed to opt for the DIY method. 

In Arizona, that number jumps to 1000 USD, plus if you decide to go DIY in AZ, you’ll need to adhere to local building codes and have a permit. In the states of New York and Pennsylvania, you’ll find that no state-level licenses are required for general contractors, so you might find more options, but local municipalities may still have their own licensing requirements (check local regulations). 

So DIYing in Pennsylvania is allowed, possibly without a license, depending on the area where your home is located. Just be sure to first consult the local building department to determine if a permit is necessary for your project (DIY or otherwise).

If this has opened your eyes a little or you would not otherwise engage in such extensive work, you can always do a quick “siding contractor near me” search on your phone or computer, look at the recommendations, and choose the right option for yourself, your wallet, and your health.

Conclusion

There is a lot of temptation and excitement around DIY projects, but they just sometimes become too much without us realizing it. It’s important that you are aware of this and that you are ready to call for help when necessary so that you do not cause yourself structural, but also financial damage.

It’s always better to do a job once so that it is of high quality and long-lasting than to repair one and the same thing over and over again that isn’t quite right.

Which still doesn’t mean that you can’t try – so whatever happens, happens.