Can You Install Siding Without A Contractor?

If you're a skilled Do-It-Yourselfer, you can install siding on your own without assistance from a contractor. You would need to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, plus review and understand the terms of the siding warranty.

But before you tackle a siding job on your own, consider this:

• In a recent survey, ImproveNet discovered that about one-third of Do-It-Yourselfers are forced to call a remodeling pro to fix their flawed work. More than half of the respondents said that their DIY project took longer than anticipated – and 50 percent felt that the job was physically harder than they'd expected.

• A re-siding job also involves code-compliant flashing and edging to prevent water intrusion. If done incorrectly, your home could experience mold and rot. The cost of having pros fix those problems would far exceed what you saved from doing the job solo.

• In the ImproveNet survey, 55 percent of those who had finished a disappointing DIY job felt that it flat-out "didn't look good." That's a phrase you should never hear about siding, which has a huge impact on your home's curb appeal.

It's easy to see why most homeowners call an experienced pro to install siding. There are plenty out there who have advanced training (like those who are members of the LP® BuildSmart™ Program). That way you'll avoid warranty-voiding mistakes – and your siding will be durable and beautiful for years to come.