How to Avoid Extra Costs During Your Chicago Area Exterior Remodel

1. Schedule for the Off-Season in Your Area

Scheduling your exterior remodel during the off-season in the Chicago area can lead to significant savings. Contractors often have more availability and may offer discounts during slower months. This strategy not only benefits your home exterior remodel cost but also ensures a more focused approach from your hired professionals. Additionally, off-season scheduling might provide a quicker project start date. Even if discounts aren't available, reducing the time of getting your remodel done sooner will give you peace of mind—an invaluable benefit!

 

2. Set Your Budget in Advance

Setting a clear budget in advance is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses. Factor in a contingency of around 10-20% for landscaping costs, purchases such as outdoor furnishings, and possible change orders if you decide to alter your design or make material changes. This foresight aids in managing the cost to remodel the exterior of your house effectively, preventing financial strain as the project progresses. Knowing your budget limits also helps in prioritizing your must-haves list over the nice-to-have list.

 

3. Do Your Research

Thorough research helps you understand the cost of various exterior remodeling projects, such as the siding costs per square foot and the average siding replacement cost, enabling you to set realistic expectations. Thorough research also allows you to identify the best siding company and exterior remodeling company in Naperville. This ensures that you get quality service that's worth every penny and avoid repairs to your exterior remodel that were done by a less experienced company. 

 

4. Hire a James Hardie Siding Professional to Ensure Proper Installation

Hiring a certified James Hardie siding professional guarantees your siding is installed correctly, which is crucial for its longevity and for protecting your home's structural integrity. This expertise not only protects your investment but also enhances your home's curb appeal and value. Certified installers also provide valuable warranties on both materials and labor.

 

5. Use Top of the Line Products

Investing in high-quality materials like James Hardie siding pays off in the long run by minimizing siding replacement costs due to their durability. Unlike the cheapest siding for a house, top-of-the-line products resist wear and tear, ensuring your home remains beautiful for many more years. Another monetary benefit is that higher-quality materials also contribute to your home's overall energy efficiency.

 

6. Don't Request Change Orders

Change orders can significantly inflate your project's cost. Sticking to your original plan helps keep your cost to replace siding and other exterior home updates within budget, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective remodeling process. Additionally, avoiding change orders maintains the project timeline, preventing delays. This is another reason why doing your homework to find an experienced and reputable exterior remodeler is crucial! Your initial design will reflect your vision from the start and result in a beautiful home remodeling project. 

 

7. Prepare Your Property for Access and Work

Preparing your property for the remodel can reduce labor costs and project time. Clearing the work area of obstacles ensures easy access for exterior remodeling and siding contractors, facilitating a quicker and more efficient installation process. This preparation also helps protect your landscaping and personal property from potential damage during the remodel, also saving costs.

This may seem counterintuitive, but the cheapest exterior home remodeler won't save you money. This is because, often, a cheaper bid on your remodel is based on only a surface view of your remodeling goals. This is why working with a reputable design-build team is your best bet. A design-build team will get down to the details right from the start, properly cost out your labor and materials, and stick to the cost you've signed off on (as long as you don't initiate any change orders).