Unexpected benefits of replacing your siding this summer

People rush to get home improvements done in the spring and fall. However, replacing your siding in the summer has some big benefits.

Unexpected benefits of replacing your siding this summer

That mint green siding on your house has been there since someone thought it was stylish 50 years ago.

Unfortunately, it's not so stylish anymore. And if you're looking to update your home's exterior, the summer season is your best option.

"Summer time is a great time to replace your siding," says Brandon Erdmann, president of HomeSealed Exteriors in West Allis, Wis. "Summer blends many of the attributes of each season together (such as warmer weather and less hectic contractors) that allows you to update the look of your home, possibly save money, and get the process done on time without too many delays."

Here are some more reasons to call a home contractor now…

Contractors are Less Busy during the Summer

Traditionally, siding contractors have two busy seasons - spring and fall.

"For some reason, everybody has a pent up demand for siding projects to get done during these seasons," Erdmann says. "If they don't do it in the spring, they try to hurry up and do it in the fall before winter falls."

As a result, Erdmann say jobs are scheduled back-to-back during the spring and fall, which makes quality control a challenge.

During the summer months, however, siding contractors are readily available and will have more time to ensure things go smoothly with your project, Erdmann says.

"You can get it done when you want it done, and there won't be any delays associated with material back orders and schedules because the company is too busy," he says.

Erdmann adds that "The crews will be able to finish your siding on time without having so many other jobs that they have to deal with. In the summer, they aren't subjected to such pressures that they usually are in the spring and fall. You will be their focus for the days that they are at your home."

[Click to find a contractor to help with your siding replacement this summer.]

Summer Weather is the Best for Siding Replacement

Have you ever tried to work on any hands-on projects outside, in the middle of winter? Or in the spring, when it's raining cats and dogs? It's not a picnic in the park.

Just ask any siding contractor who's tried to complete a house in freezing temperatures or when the snow is so high that workers can't even get close to the house to work.

So, for the health of your contractors - and the efficiency of getting the siding replacement done in a timely manner - summer may have the most ideal weather for the project.

"Summer is the best of all worlds. It's the best weather. Sure, some days are hotter, but contractors and their crews can move around the house to be in the shaded side as the sun moves through the day," Erdmann says.

[Think now is the best time to replace your siding? Click to find a contractor in your area now.]

Contractors are Willing to Offer a Better Deal During the Summer

It's just something in your personality. You always go for the best deals, whether it's finding promotional codes online or clipping coupons. Luckily, when it comes to getting the best deal on siding replacement, it may just be a matter of picking the right time of year.

"Summer time might just be the best time to find the best deals," Erdmann says. "Some siding companies just aren't that busy, and they want to keep their crews working. Ask them the best price they can give. There's always negotiation."

And if you can score a good deal, the bargain hunter in you can revel in the fact that you're getting a low rate for the same product you would have paid so much more for during other seasons.

How much of discount you can score, however, is up to the contractor and your negotiation skills.

Erdmann says vinyl siding, in most areas of the country, is probably the most economical. His customers pay on average $12,000 to $15,000 to redo their homes in vinyl. Brick costs double, and cement fiber costs somewhere in between. Just some price points to keep in mind when you're shopping rates and discounts.

[Do you want to replace your siding? Click to compare rates from contractors in your area now.]

Siding Replacement can add Value Instantly

We all know that replacing that outdated and scruffy-looking siding will up your curb appeal. But, did you know that you could recoup the cost of this project if you decide to sell your home.

Of course, how much you'll recoup depends on the material you choose.

For example, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2013 Remodeling Cost Vs. Value Report, if you spend about $11,192 on vinyl siding, you could get back nearly 73 percent of your costs when you sell your home.

For those who want to spend a little more money, fiber-cement siding costs around $13,089, but you can recoup over 79 percent of the cost if you decide to sell your home.

Foam-backed insulated vinyl is another good choice that can cost even more, at $13,818. However, with this material you'll get back almost 72 percent of the cost when you sell your house, according to Remodeling Magazine.

[Think it's time to update your siding? Click to find a contractor in your area now.]

What Kind of Siding Should You Choose?

The type of siding that you decide to go with should really depend on the look you're going for, and budget, among other things. To help you decide which material is best for your home, we've highlighted a few popular options…

Vinyl: It's low maintenance, has a lower price than most other choices, is available in a variety of colors, and is the number one choice in exterior cladding for most homeowners, remodelers, and builders, according to a publication from the Vinyl Siding Institute, a trade association dedicated to supporting vinyl siding manufacturers and related companies.

Plastic: These planks could be a good choice if you like the look of cedar as they can resemble cedar, according to a siding buying guide by Consumer Reports. Plus, you don't have to do much to keep it looking new, since it requires minimal maintenance and has good resistance during cold weather.

Fiber Cement: You might like the fact that it's made up of natural ingredients, which according to Consumer Reports, includes cement, sand, and cellulose. This insect-proof siding, however, can become damaged  when water freezes and thaws on it. Periodically, you'll have to refinish fiber cement siding, adds the Consumer Reports' buying guide.