Best Value Remodeling – Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Winners

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

Each year Remodeling Magazine releases it’s Cost vs. Value Report. The report compares year by year changes in job costs with Realtor’s perceptions of what those jobs bring to a home’s price at resale. The 2015 Report measured 36 projects nationally and by region. Three projects that exceeded 2014 values stood out in this year’s report, they are, steel entry doors, roofing, and vinyl siding replacement. The cost-value ratio expresses resale value as a percentage of construction cost. In the north central area, steel entry door replacement returned 86.3% of the replacement cost at the time the

It’s not surprising to see these three replacement jobs on the list of most return for your investment given the rising perception nationwide of the value of curb appeal. If you’re considering undertaking any of these remodeling projects in 2016, now is the time to start your research and here are a few things to consider as you make your decisions.

Upgrade the front door

Steel Door with Sidelites

Your entry door is a key element of design so use this opportunity to capture the look you’ve dreamed of. Modernize your home with a contemporary door, add architectural detail with a craftsman style, or replicate a historical period with a traditional door. In the report, steel entry doors return the greatest value on your investment and an insulated steel door will likely save on energy costs. Wood and fiberglass doors generally cost more than a steel door and so, rank below the lower cost steel in the Report, but we’d recommend comparing the performance of different materials when you do your research. Lastly, once you’ve decided on the type of entry door you want, make sure you get the perfect fit. The most reliable method is to remove any interior or exterior trim to expose the true opening and then measure the width, height, door thickness, hinge locations, hinge width and height and handle center. Better yet, let us help before you order your door.

Replace your old roof

Red Metal Porch Roof - Pinterest

Aesthetics, materials cost, weight and installation requirements are key considerations when researching replacement roofing. A square is the basic unit of measurement in roofing, you may win a Trivia game with this little known fact. One square is 100 square feet, making a square the equivalent of 10 feet x 10 feet. A typical two story house, 2,000 sq. ft. with gable roof will consist of less than 1,500 sq. ft. or 15 squares. The cost for your replacement roof will primarily depend on the condition of the existing roof and shape of the roof. Asphalt is the least expensive and slate (most durable) is the most expensive material, with wood, tile and cement, and metal somewhere in between. Asphalt is the most popular because it’s economical and easier to install. When choosing roofing material, the slope of your roof and the weight of the shingles are key factors to consider. Add flair to the look by adding a red metal roof over a porch like you see in the photo. When you’re ready, let us help you select the appropriate material and design for your roof style.

Add flair with new siding

Alside Prodigy Siding

Vinyl siding has been the siding of choice now for many years since technological advances made it both functional and stylish. Replace ugly or damaged siding and you’ll change the entire look of your home’s exterior. When replacing siding, consider adding a few architectural elements such as crown moldings, beaded soffits or decorative trim. Numerous vinyl siding styles and colors, including custom colors are available. When you’re ready for a change, visit our showroom to see and touch these beautiful products and learn about installation.

Which House Has Vinyl Siding?

Posted by: Ken Mariotti

Can you pick the home that does not have vinyl siding, from the photos below? Only one home from the line up does not have vinyl siding – the rest do.

Your brain is checking off all the things you've heard about vinyl siding. If Danny DeVito, in the movie Tin Man pops into your head, well that was aluminum siding, not vinyl.  What you think you know about vinyl siding. It only comes in white. It looks flimsy. It's for tract houses. It's inexpensive. It doesn't look like wood.

If that’s your criteria, you’ll be hard pressed to identify the house without vinyl siding. Everything you thought you knew about vinyl siding is about to be turned on its head, except perhaps for one thing, it’s less expensive than most other siding choices and that is still true.

Multiple colors

Premium vinyl products such as Prodigy® by Alside come in twenty-one classic and contemporary colors to choose from, like Coastal Sage, Tuscan Clay or Charcoal Smoke. Oh, and it comes in white as well – Glacier White. Like a custom painted home, you can match, blend or contrast your color palate.

Solid look and feel

Interlocking impact resistant panels and 1 ½” thick insulation provide the energy efficiency you find in modern materials available for home building today. These aren’t the hollow panels of yesteryear.

Clean look of wood

Today the finely milled products can extend up to 16’ 8” lengths yielding clean lines and an elegant modern style. You can have the look of natural wood without face nailing or caulking.

Stay true to your home’s style

Unlike the plain vinyl siding of the past, you home won’t look like a tract home; rather you can stay true to your home’s style when you replace the siding. Trim and decorative accents can be used at windows, doors, outside corners, gable ends or wherever you want to create a special look. You can choose colors to perfectly complement or contrast the trim with the siding.

Going green

It’s true, today Alside even offers siding products like Charter Oak® with thermal foam and reflective technologies recognized as green products by the industry.

When you’re ready to replace your home’s siding, considervinyl as the best alternative for affordability and style in the market today.

The Benefits and Value of Replacement Siding in Chicago

The exterior of your home is very important. Everyone feels more comfortable living in a well-cared for home and getting replacement siding can help maximize your home’s exterior appeal. Old siding can become unattractive, and worst of all, it may allow the elements to slowly bring your home to complete ruin. The good news, however, is that installing or replacing aging siding can increase your home’s curb appeal, repair any hidden structural flaws, and improve your home's energy efficiency.
 

Curb appeal
 

Aged siding is often faded with a less pulsating color than it initially had. It usually has a generally dirty and unpleasant appearance which makes it nearly impossible to keep looking sparkling clean. This doesn’t always means it’s neglected by the homeowners, but it is a problem that affects almost all homes. New siding can dramatically improve the external appearance of your home. Passersby and neighbors will spend a lot of time admiring your home. New siding comes in many different styles, materials, and colors.
 

Prevent structural damage
 

Timeworn siding can frequently allow leaks around your home’s windows, possibly causing serious structural damage to your house. At times, the signs of this damage becomes easily visible, and it even may include you spotting actual water flowing along the windowsill. However, sometimes the damage is not quite so obvious, and you may only notice small cracks in the drywall. Structural damage can occur in the form of floor rot, deteriorated studs, or weakening plywood. Installing new siding will help restore the original state of your home. Replacing your old, deteriorated siding will ensure you do not spend a fortune in home repairs later on down the road.
 

Maintenance
 

Another benefit with replacement siding is that is doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Whether you choose vinyl, wood, or shake and shingles siding, you won’t need to worry about maintenance issues. What you will need to keep an eye on is wood siding as you will want to repaint or treat it to keep away termites and other wood-destroying pests. Vinyl is arguably the best siding material since it needs zero maintenance. Vinyl is energy efficient and it is very durable.
 

Energy efficiency
 

Do you care about energy efficiency? Almost every homeowner in Chicago will tell you yes. Siding can offer you a great opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency. New siding is often insulated and insulated siding increases the R-Value of a home; the higher the R-value, the better.

Why Install Replacement Siding on Your Chicago Home

Buying replacement siding for your home is an excellent decision, both functionally and aesthetically. Unlike a new decorating scheme or fresh paint, new siding is something that will serve you for many years. By choosing the right material and color, your siding will add significant value to your home. If you are currently thinking of reselling your house, then it is important to consider installing new siding as it will contribute in attracting buyers. Also, if you are planning to renovate your home, siding can make your home appear more beautiful and welcoming. Here is some advice on what to consider when shopping for siding.
 

If you are thinking of replacing your existing siding, conduct a simple inspection to determine whether your existing siding needs replacement. Using appropriate tools, such as a screwdriver, push below the curved siding to determine how strong the layer beneath it is. Several signs may indicate damaged siding. If the paint is peeling, or the siding is sagging, it may be because the material is getting old. This may allow moisture to leak underneath it. This can ruin the interior walls of your house, so it is something you should check out as often as possible.
 

Mildew and mold formation on your siding walls can also be the cause of moisture problems. While mold and mildew presence may not always indicate signs of failing siding, they should be a cause for concern. Problems in siding may not be visible to the naked eye. You may need different tools or a professional to come and investigate the situation for you. The specialist will expose areas that need attention, if the damage is not big, you may only need to repair the siding. However, if the damage is significant, you will have no other option but to replace all of it.
 

When purchasing siding materials, be sure to pick the right colors. Bright colors such as yellow are good for attracting attention in the neighborhood. Sometimes your homeowner’s association or neighborhood may have their own regulations regarding color choices. Lighter shades often do not absorb light, hence they are appropriate for areas with hot weather. This way you’ll be able to save a significant amount of money on cooling costs during the summer. Wood siding can be repainted into any color. Vinyl siding may not allow for painting as it usually comes with a permanent color from the manufacturer, but it is extremely durable.
 

Material is another important factor to consider. There are many options to choose from. However, your choice will depend on your budget, preference, and what you want to get out of it. If you have a limited budgeted, you will probably want to go for vinyl. Again, if you don’t want to spend a lot of time and effort maintaining the siding, vinyl would be the right choice, as well.
 

Siding is usually the first thing people tend to notice more than anything else about your home. With a good selection and a qualified installation contractor, you can make sure that the siding of your home is firm, aesthetically appealing, and inviting.

Why Should You Choose Vinyl Siding for Your Chicago Home?

Siding can help to maintain the structural integrity of your home, as well as add significant curb appeal. With proper siding, you can protect the foundation of your home and walls against water damage. Also, with siding, pests such as termites would have a hard time getting their way through cracks in the wall in order to invade your home. Perfect siding can help to prevent these issues, and keep your home strong and inviting.
 

Why Vinyl Siding?
 

Vinyl siding is probably the most popular siding option available. Vinyl has many benefits, and that’s why more and more homeowners are considering it when thinking of getting replacement siding their homes. To begin with, vinyl siding is cheaper than other siding materials. But the cost of vinyl siding is determined by several factors, such as size of the home, manufacturer of the material, warranty, quantity, and the installer. Another factor affecting the price of vinyl siding is the cost of installation. And speaking of installation, it’s a bit easier to install vinyl siding than installing other types of siding like wood or aluminum. Vinyl is also energy efficient and can save homeowners a great deal of money on utility bills.

Durability
 

Vinyl is made of PVC or polyvinyl chloride resins and acrylic resins to improve flexibility. Vinyl siding is very durable, which means you can keep it for decades without needing to spend more money to re-side your house over again. Vinyl contains Titanium dioxide to repel UV-rays from the sun, protecting the siding against degradation and fading. Moreover, it can endure extreme weather conditions without causing any serious structural damage to your home.
 

Appearance
 

Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and grains to choose from. Generally, vinyl siding comes with a permanent color that won’t scratch or fade. The color stays intact for many years and won’t show any signs of imperfections. This type of siding can improve the overall appearance of your home.
 

Maintenance
 

Unlike wood and aluminum siding which call for a lot of maintenance, vinyl is almost maintenance free. Because the siding never fades, there is absolutely no need to paint it. The only small maintenance you will give your vinyl siding is a thorough wash with a pressure washer at least once a year. Vinyl siding can maintain its new look for a long period of time.
 

 

Benefits of Vinyl Siding for Your Chicago Home

The right siding can enhance the look and durability of your entire home. Remodeling your home's exterior is never an easy task. Many people wonder about what type of siding material would be the best to install on their properties. In a few words, siding can be defined as a wall covering the exterior of your home to prevent or reduce effects of weather and outdoor elements. There are a wide variety of siding options available to choose from, which give many homeowners a difficult time to make the final decision. Keep reading and discover why vinyl siding is one of the best choices.
 

Vinyl siding provides a practical solution. Vinyl siding is gaining in popularity day by day. Builders started to use it in the 1950s after it was discovered that vinyl was better than aluminum. Today, vinyl siding is considered the most popular due to its vast benefits. For example, vinyl is maintenance-free, strong and inexpensive when compared to aluminum and other siding materials. Realtors, builders and investors all agree that vinyl siding is the best choice. Here are reasons to choose vinyl siding for your home.
 

1. Durability: Vinyl is known to be a very durable material. That’s why many homeowners prefer vinyl replacement windows over other frame materials. But like any other product on the market, you get what you pay for. Pay some extra cash for higher quality siding that is strong and will last for many years. Additionally, unlike aluminum and other siding options that are prone to fade, vinyl won’t fade or rot.
 

2. Easy to install: You don’t need to spend a fortune to hire a professional to install the siding.
 

3. Ease of maintenance: Vinyl materials are nearly maintenance free. Vinyl siding never requires any expensive maintenance like painting and sealing. It will only need to be washed with soap and water once in awhile. It is recommended to use a soft rag when washing it.
 

4. Energy saving: One of the greatest benefits to installing vinyl siding is its ability to save energy. Vinyl is a good insulator that can lower your heating and cooling bills. So, when shopping for vinyl siding, be sure to choose one with a higher R-Value.
 

5. Beautiful appearance: When it comes to attractiveness, vinyl is the most attractive siding material. It comes in a wide variety of colors that can add curb appeal to your home. 

Different Types of Home Siding

Installing a new siding is a great way to remodel the outside of your home. It not only beautifies your home, but also protects it from rain, snow, wind and other elements. Siding is easy to install, but before that step, you need to select which type is best for your home. Since there are a wide variety of siding materials available on the market today, choosing one can be confusing and difficult. Regardless of which type you choose, always remember that it will stay there for many years to come. Therefore, be sure to do your research before purchasing one.

Vinyl Siding
 

Vinyl siding typically has strips joined together by a zip tool. There are many benefits to installing vinyl siding. It reduces upkeep and monthly maintenance costs, improves energy efficiency, and it can increase the value of your property. One of the major advantages of vinyl siding would be the wide varieties of color options and styles there are to choose from. Vinyl is completely maintenance free and does not need repainting or sealing. Also, it is more affordable than stucco, aluminum, wood, and brick.   
 

Composite Wood Siding
 

Composite wood siding is typically crafted using wood or other products that mimic wood. Different types of wood siding are available, such as plywood, horizontal lap siding, clapboard, shingles and hardwood sheet. It is available in different grains and colors that can be used to redecorate the exterior of the house. Composite wood siding is quite cheaper than siding products made of natural wood, and is long lasting, moisture proof, and weather resistant.
 

Cement Fiber
 

Cement fiber is one of the more recent innovations in the residential siding industry. It emulates wood texture, being almost identical to some wood siding materials. It comes in different styles, such as shingle and stucco panels. The cement fiber siding is recyclable and highly durable. It is quite affordable and doesn’t rot or gets damaged by pests. Thus, it requires very little maintenance.
 

Aluminum Siding
 

Aluminum siding has advanced over the years and has become a favorite choice for new homes. It is available in a wide variety of styles, grains, and colors, such as vertical and horizontal panels.
 

Bottom Line
 

Look for siding materials that fit your spending budget and suits the style of your home. Important aspects like cost, availability, durability, and maintenance should be considered first before making a final decision.