Siding and window estimate reality check needed.

[Whoaru99]

Been trying to get some estimates/quotes on residing my small (24x38) single story rambler. Have had a heck of a time getting any local interest...well, at least it seems that way.

Anyway, an out of town outfit finally stopped by and worked up a quote to do the work and since I don't want to wait forever for these other folks to maybe get back to me, I need to move on if this is at all reasonable.

So, again, it's a single story rambler, 24x38, purely rectangular in shape.

The quote is to secure all permits, tear off and disposal of old siding and windows, install 3/8 foam underlay, USS "lifetime warranty" steel siding, and 10 new Marvin Integrity windows. For this they've quoted just under $15k. Since I have not had, despite calling three other outfits, any other quotes, I'm trying to get an idea if this is within expectation, high, or good deal.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

[cavalierowner]

First, I'm surprised you're having trouble getting estimates. Keep working on getting a couple more to be sure you're getting a good price.

My gut feeling is that you have a decent price. I had a duplex in Hopkins resided and new windows (including basement windows) in 2009. The duplex was a bit bigger than you have and included facias, soffits, and gutters and downspouts. It also included a 3 stall detached garage with the same siding and facias but no windows. The lowest price of 3 contractors was $21,000. The contractor I used was Craftsman's Choice and they did a good job.

[Tom7227]

If you are wrapping the windows consider going with a thicker insulation. I don't think the 3/8 foam does much. I had 1 inch dense foam put on the entire exterior of my 50 year old home and it made a lot of difference. They had to shim out the wrap on the widows and doors but it was worth the extra grand or so it cost me. I had at best 2 inches of kraft faced insulation in the walls on 2x4 construction so there wasn't much there. It was a lot cheaper to do it this way than to go with some sort of either interior or exterior cavity fill operation plus I got insulation in the areas where the studs were.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Been trying to get some estimates/quotes on residing my small (24x38) single story rambler. Have had a heck of a time getting any local interest...well, at least it seems that way.

Anyway, an out of town outfit finally stopped by and worked up a quote to do the work and since I don't want to wait forever for these other folks to maybe get back to me, I need to move on if this is at all reasonable.

So, again, it's a single story rambler, 24x38, purely rectangular in shape.

The quote is to secure all permits, tear off and disposal of old siding and windows, install 3/8 foam underlay, USS "lifetime warranty" steel siding, and 10 new Marvin Integrity windows. For this they've quoted just under $15k. Since I have not had, despite calling three other outfits, any other quotes, I'm trying to get an idea if this is within expectation, high, or good deal.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

This seems to be par for the course. It shocks me (given the state of the building industry) at how often we don't get return calls from contractors when we literally are handing them business.

I would agree that $15k sounds reasonable, but try to get another estimate or two to be certain.

[Gordie]

Another way to get estimates is to call your insurance company and ask them who they would recomend for estimates.

15k does sound reasonable windows can get on the spendy side of things also when I did siding Steel was a bit more to install than vinyl because of time to install.

[Whoaru99]

This seems to be par for the course. It shocks me (given the state of the building industry) at how often we don't get return calls from contractors when we literally are handing them business.

That's what bothers me. I understand people are busy and certainly don't expect them to stop current projects to start my place, but, when a week or two goes by and you don't even get a return phone call about scheduling a walk around or interest in providing a quote, do I really want those outfits doing the work? Are they going to forget to come work on my house half-way through or whatever?

The outfit that provided the quote I have didn't race right over to do it, but at least they called to set something up. It later ended up being delayed a couple days but, again, at least they called and communicated in advance there would be a delay.

[WallEYES]

I also second Craftsman's Choice...get an estimate from them for sure...Have had work done on my house and rental property by this company...great job!!...They have a north metro number and south metro number...google them.

[crothmeier]

where are you located at?

[Whoaru99]

Out by Benson, MN; if you're asking me.

[crothmeier]

That seems in line without knowing quantities/sizes of siding and windows. You're a little out of my area, I dont know anyone in that area to give you a reference for. Marvin Intergrity are great windows. Most of the steel siding I've dealt with is Edco, made down in Hopkins. Im not familiar with the brand they qouted you so I cant say either way about it.

In somewhat of contractors defense with all the storm damage in the area, guys are getting hundreds of phone calls a week, and most were full with work before the storm. to get to everyone in a timely manner, while keeping up with billing, construction, and estimating can run a person into the ground.

Not answering isnt a good practice, and I'm NOT a contractor. Its just what Im seeing from the material supplier end of the spectrum.

[8-Ball]

Eyes- does this company do roofs??

[WallEYES]

8-Ball

Yes they also do roofing....30 plus years

[cavalierowner]

I believe Craftsmans Choice subs out the roofing. They did windows, siding and roofing on my duplex and it appeared to me that the roofer was a sub. Keep an eye on the roofer... I was not very impressed with their roofer, but I was with their siding and window crew.

[dougger222]

8-Ball

Yes they also do roofing....30 plus years

Try 8 years! In business with current license for 8 years (2003). A far cry from 30 years...

Bensen, MN? That's way out West right?

$15K seems within reason but not knowing amount of squares of steel siding and the window specs it's hard to know for sure. We do mostly insurance replacement so get spoiled with getting paid a premium.

GOOD LUCK!!!