Hi, I am in the process of getting estimates foro first, new siding ( but which kind is the best?) new guttering (again, which is best) and a new roof ( architechial or regular shingles?) How do I find a good contractor that will be fair and very good at the workmanship. I am a divorced woman for 20 years and I seem to always find someone that thinks that they can tell a woman anything. Also, after the outside I am going to have some interior work done. I bought my home 20 years ago and though I didn't think that I would be here this long, it is a good investment. What redoss are the best investment when doing major renovations? Any help is greatly appreciated.Thanks

Hi there! It sounds like you are taking on quite a project! To find a good contractor I suggest you start with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Ask them if they have had any work done and if they would recommend their contractors. A referral is always a great way to get started in the search. I do understand your problem (I am also a woman). Get three estimates. When the contractor is there really talk to him/her. (There are women out there too.) If it seems too good to be true - it probably is. Ask for references and then speak with those people. Also follow your gut. If you feel uneasy or pushed around - don't go with that person.
As for what types of siding roofing and gutters there are alot of considerations. What look do you want, what kind of maintenance etc. There are some great contractors with great ideas on these boards and I'm sure many will give you suggestions. (I do finish work so I will leave the technical stuff to them - they know more.)
As for interior work I can tell you the trends are kitchens and bathrooms. There are so many areas that can be updated - floors, opening up space, lighting... it can be daunting. You know what your house looks like and I suggest doing some research to decide where you want to put your money. Starting on the outside is very smart so you are on your way to wise choices.

Best of luck with your renovations and remember follow your instinct!

If you are contemplating the kind of remodeling or renovation work you speak of, then the single wisest choice you can make at this stage is to retain the services of a competent architect to advise you. His or her (yes, there are lots of women in architecture, too) fee will be money well spent, and could save you many times what you pay them in fees.

I agree, kitchens and bathrooms bring the best and quickest return on your investment

Roofers will all try to sell you "architectural" shingles. These are shingles that are "supposed" to look like someting else, maybe wood shingles, or slate. Take a close look at such roofs as you drive around, and compare them to simple, plain three-tab shingle roofs. Tell me, did any of them fool you? I didn't think so. To me, they are just overpriced sloppy shingle roofs, and I seldom if ever recommend them. The roof should be a matter-of-fact part of a building...it should seldom be the focal point.

Siding is another issue. To really answer your question, I'd have to know your definition of "best". Is it the highest-priced? Longest-lasting? Most attractive? (That last one depends enormously on the type and style of the house; there is no one single "most-attractive" siding). Most owners would like a low-maintenance siding. However, many want the look and feel of something genuine like wood, and are willing to pay the occasional maintenance bills to have it. Then there are sidings like red or white cedar shingles and shakes, which can last 100 years with little maintenance, or stucco, which also can last that long with little maintenance. Or brick.

The right siding answer will be a blend of your taste, the style of your house, and your budget. Knowing none of the three, it's not possible to give any advice.

Standard one-piece aluminum gutters work well for most applications. A step up is heavier-gauge somewhat bigger industrial gutters. Neither is very expensive.

I also agree with what "gr8grl99" posted about finding contractors, and architects for that matter...personal references are best, and get three proposals, and you don't necessarily have to take the lowest one. Choose the people you feel most comfortable working with. A few extra dollars may be money well spent, and by the end of the job, you may come out ahead anyway. And I hope you don't ever run into the unreturned calls, the unfinished jobs, the many requests for extra money, etc. etc. etc. The good ones won't do that to you. That's what you should ask about when checking references.

Richard I knew you would come through with some great advice!

Oh - and my screen name is g8r - as in gator - I attended the University of Florida which our mascot is the Gator. LOL. Just don't want you to think its gr8 like great.

One of my clients just bought a house and told me yesterday that he wanted to put one of those architectural roofs on it. I am going to talk to him about what you said because I think the money would be better spent in other places on his home. (He and his wife have become friends through the time and often ask my partner and I's advice.)

I have a question for ya and I'm sure the homeowner that started this thread would love to know too. How do you feel about gutter guards? All those gutters that are supposed to be maintenance free. I have always filed them under too good to be true - but I would like your take.

To ibpati32 - an architect would be very helpful in your situation. If you have only a certain amount to spend, it would be much more beneficial to spend it on an architect than on a designer. And Richard is right on that the lowest priced quote isn't always the best quote.

LOL, I liked gr8grl!! Oh well. Gutter guards...there is a system which uses brush-like guards rather than the rigid plastic guards, which is supposed to be more economical and better. Be right back, I'm going for a link...

pant...pant...pant...I got back as soon as I could, here's the link...this system comes highly recommended!

http://www.thegutterbrush.com/?gclid=CL67557UgY0CFQK_Xgod0WY9QA

With reference to "architectural" roof shingles, it IS possible that certain houses have a style which emphasizes the roof, and these shingles may be quite appropriate in those cases. Some houses in California appear to be all roof. If that's the case, then look very carefully at each individual shingle style...some are much better imitations than others. The ones with a black shadow line "painted" on are among the worst, and I don't like the ones where the sides of the tabs are cut at an angle. Go find me a real wood shingle roof where the shingles are cut in that fashion and I'll consider eating the shingles...either the fake ones or the real ones, depending on which homeowner isn't home at dinner time.

Thanks for the link. I've looked at the systems at home shows and never seen the brush one. I'll have to check it out.

The house that they are thinking of the roof on is a basic run of the mill Long Island house. Not a cape or mock victorian. It could use a master bath and kitchen remodel badly (which they plan to do) and I think the roof they have is fine. The front porch and landscaping need work and the house screams for shutters. When it comes to roofs I feel like if it ain't broke don't fix it. LOL.

Thanks for the link! Have a great weekend and great 4th!

One clue to the amount of life left in a roof is to look in the grooves between the shingle tabs to see if there is still the same stone aggregate present there that's on the top of the shingles. This can often be done from the ground with binoculars. If the little pebbles are all eroded away, it's a sign that the roof is nearing the end of its useful life. The key word is "sign"...other signs are cupped, broken or crumbling shingles, oh yes, and a pouring leak in the middle of the living room is often a "sign", too