Being the most technical part of the siding replacement process, it’s not rare for both homeowners and the siding specialists to make some kind of mistakes. We’re focusing on key mistakes made by homeowners that could actually cause the pros to make their own mistakes.
Mistake #1 – Too busy doing something else
Perhaps the most crucial mistake homeowners make when having their siding replaced or installed is to leave all the work unsupervised. Homeowners automatically assume that the pros will be capable of taking care of all the work. While it’s the contractor’s responsibility to do the task the best they can, supervising the entire project can help keep some contractors on edge, making them less likely to make mistakes.
Mistake #2 – Too focused on the task
While giving the project some attention is good, butting in too much can also distract the contractor during work. In some cases, a homeowner notices something that might seem off at first and will insist on making changes on the fly. The contractor obliges and the end result turns out looking subpar or disappointing.
Mistake #3 – Paying no attention to the inventory
It’s important to make sure that all the necessary materials for installation are there. Ran out of nails or caulking? The entire project can be delayed for hours or even a full day. As the deadline looms, every single delay caused by poor inventory can cause the entire project to get rushed, potentially sacrificing build quality.
Mistake #4 – A change of heart in the middle of the siding process
You wouldn’t believe how often this happens during siding installation. Every time a homeowner asks for a “slight change” in the original plan, readjustments must be made not just in the measurements, but also in the amount of required materials. This increases the risk of having the wrong measurements and unexpected delays. It’s always better to stick to the original plan than adjusting as the project goes. As the old saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Doing good so far? Find out in Part 3 of The Biggest Siding Mistakes Made by Homeowners, coming soon, if you’re guilty of some of the common mistakes after the installation phase!
