Question about siding . . .

[sbj405]

I have a small brick ranch house that has a small amount of siding on the end gables. When I say small, I mean the whole house is 900 sq ft. I recently got an estimate for replacing gutters, covering the trim, and that siding. First question, the trim is wood and 57 years old, is there a danger of covering it and then it rotting? Second, I recieved an estimate of $2000 for the gutters, trim, siding. I have nothing to compare, but does that seem reasonable?

[Jersey Devil]

1. Seems kinda high to me but

Last year I had front and rear gutters and leaders put on, seamless, total of 80 feet of gutter (40 front and rear), plus leader front and rear, on a colonial. Cost = $650.00. Of course, where you live can make a big difference.

As for the trim, if it is in good shape it shouldn't rot because the aluminum will protect it from moisture. If it is partially rotted now it should be replaced.

Sounds like you are getting hosed on the cost of the siding. Go to this link for an estimate of what your siding costs should be based on square footage. I found it pretty accurate when I priced for siding on my home last year.

http://www.costestimator.com:8080/contractor-consumer/index.jsp

[sbj405]

2. Thanks . . .

I'm inside the Beltway which seems to add a premium to everything. Though in having other jobs done (windows, AC) I realized that the range of estimates is huge.

Price breakdown for the gutters was $475 for I'd guess roughly 80 feet.

Guess it's time to get another estimate. Ugggh. That's the worst part. Either these guys are in for the hard sell or they don't want to be bothered returning calls.

[Lisa0825]

4. wow! That's a great link!!!

Thanks!:-)

[Stinky The Clown]

3. Is that your only estimate?

I'm just outside the Beltway (Howard County, actually) .... not a lot different here. I got a rough, unofficial, guesstimate to re-side my entire house. 40 x 30 (approx) with attached 2-car garage. $5,000 to $6,000. The estimate was from my son, who does home improvements, but not siding-type stuff. He said that's what he thinks a friend of his would charge.

I'd get a second estimate. There's no shortage of people who do that work.