In today's rough economy, homeowners are trying harder than ever to save money on home improvements. One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to go the 'do it yourself' route. This is certainly a fine approach when it comes to simple jobs. But when it comes to siding installation, homeowners might want to think twice before throwing out that contractor estimate. Here are some things to keep in mind:


Siding installation isn't easy: Some home improvement projects are relatively straightforward, but siding installation is not one of those projects. Due to the intricate nature of the work and potential difficulty in handling the materials involved, it is wise to hire someone who has installed siding many times before. Every house structure is different and comes with its own unique set of measurements. Ruben Jeruco of Jeruco Exteriors has been installing siding throughout New Jersey for 14 years, and only through extensive experience does he know how to deal with unexpected circumstances. From protruding railings to uncertain weather conditions, surprises can easily pop up, and a regular homeowner might not know how to properly tackle an unusual situation.
Permits are a pain: Most cities and townships require that a homeowner obtain a permit prior to commencing a siding installation project. In some cases, this is a relatively smooth process, but certain places are notorious for making homeowners jump through hoops in order to obtain the proper paperwork. A contractor, on the other hand, will take care of the permit as part of the installation job, which can end up saving the homeowner time and aggravation.
You can't provide your own warranty: A first-rate siding company will stand behind the quality of its work in the form of a written, multiple-year warranty. Jeruco Exteriors actually offers up to a 20-year warranty on the siding it installs. This can end up saving the homeowner a significant amount of money in the long run if something does happen to go wrong. On the other hand, you, as a homeowner, cannot provide any sort of guarantee that the job you did will truly withstand the test of time and weather.
Contractors will get the job done quickly: A seasoned contractor who has worked on hundreds of siding installation jobs is bound to know what he's doing. Therefore, a professional is more likely to finish the job at a faster pace without compromising the quality of the work.
Self-installation comes with opportunity costs: Even if you are exceptionally handy and confident that you'll do a good job, installing siding on your own might not save you as much money as you think. Keep in mind that you might need to rent or buy certain tools in order to get the job done. Additionally, if you make a mistake in the process, then you, and only you, are on the hook for the damages. If your goal in self-installation is to save money on labor, then consider the value of your own time. What you'll save by not using a contractor, you'll spend in valuable vacation or personal days down the drain.

Of course, some people truly take pride in completing home improvement projects without the help of an outside source. If you're one of those people, then self-installation is the way to go. Because as helpful and efficient as a siding contractor might be, it's hard to put a price tag on personal satisfaction.