When most people think of outside home improvements, they picture a project such as landscaping, a patio, or an outdoor living space. While those are all great improvements, one that is often overlooked is fascia and soffit replacement.
The roof of your home is the first line of defense in protecting your valuable investment. It is important to note that shingles are only part of the overall protection needed for your home.
Gutters, soffits, and fascias keep moisture away from your home and out of your attic or crawl space. They are also a barrier against insects and pests getting inside.
When replacing soffits and fascias, you need to make sure the installers are experienced with this type of work. Here are 5 questions you need to ask.
Can I See Your References?
Not every home improvement company can handle the replacement of soffits and fascias. It can be a tedious process and should only be done by installers trained in this type of work.
Ask not only to see references from previous jobs but also photos of the finished homes. If they are unable to provide either, you need to keep searching.
Is This a Fixed Quote for the Fascia and Soffit Replacement?
Make sure when you ask for a quote that you read it thoroughly, and understand what all of it means. Is the contractor providing fixed pricing, meaning no hidden or surprising extra costs? Or is it just an estimate and open for add ons as the job progresses.
When getting more than one quote, compare the two closely. Just because one is cheaper upfront, doesn't mean it is the better deal. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting.
Do You Have Proper Insurance?
The contractor that you hire to replace the soffits and fascias should have the right kind of insurance.
They should have liability insurance to cover any damage that might occur to your home as well as personal injury coverage for any accidents.
Here is information on when you could be responsible if a contractor is hurt on your property.
If they are not insured, or you do not feel comfortable with their answers, you should keep looking.
Do I Also Need New Gutters?
Soffits and guttering go hand in hand. They don't necessarily have to be replaced at the same time, but if the guttering on your home is of a certain age or condition, it may be worth it to take care of both at the same time. You should also look into the right guttering colors for your home.
Make sure you ask more than one contractor this question to make sure you are getting an honest answer.
Do You Handle the Work Yourself?
This is an important question to ask. Some contractors are so busy they use sub-contractors to finish certain jobs. Even if the contractor answered all the previous 4 questions correctly, a sub-contractor might not.
The company you hire to do the work should be the ones to come out and complete the task.
Don't Cut Corners
Protecting your home and the valuables inside should be a priority. Put in the time to locate the best contractor for your fascia and soffit replacement.
Don't cut corners on the quality or the service. For more information on exterior home improvements, visit our website.
