When it’s time for a major home exterior project, getting quotes is the first logical step. You’ll likely get a few, and one will almost certainly be much, much cheaper than the others. It’s tempting. You think, “It’s just siding, how different can it be?” or “A roof is a roof, right? I’ll save thousands.”
This is, unfortunately, the most expensive trap a homeowner can fall into.
In the exterior remodeling world, “cheap” is a warning sign. A rock-bottom price isn’t a “deal”—it’s a guarantee that major corners are being cut. At Prime Home Remod, we’ve built our business on being “solution-oriented,” and we’ve seen the expensive, heartbreaking aftermath of jobs done by the cheapest contractor.
That’s why we have a “Happiness Guarantee.” It’s not just a slogan; it’s our promise that we protect you from the very risks that cheap contractors build their businesses on.
The “Price” vs. “Cost” of a Cheap Job
The “price” is the number on the quote. The “cost” is what you’ll actually pay over the next five years. The cheapest quote almost always has the highest long-term cost. Here’s why.
1. The Low-Quality Materials Nightmare
The easiest way for a contractor to lower a price is to use substandard materials. They might promise you a “30-year architectural shingle,” but they’ll use a thinner, cheaper brand that will look faded, streaky, and begin to fail in 7-10 years. They’ll use non-insulated, low-grade vinyl siding that will warp and crack after its first Michigan winter.
The “Happiness Guarantee” Difference: We are “solution-oriented,” which means we start with the right materials for the job. We only install products from trusted manufacturers that we know will stand up to Michigan’s weather. Our guarantee is based on quality materials, ensuring your home is protected for decades, not just a few years.
2. Improper Installation and Voided Warranties
This is the most dangerous hidden cost. A new roof or window system comes with a powerful manufacturer’s warranty (e.g., 25, 30, or 50 years). But these warranties have a critical requirement: they must be installed 100% according to the manufacturer’s exact specifications.
The cheapest contractor has to work fast.
- They won’t use the required number of nails per shingle.
- They won’t install the mandatory ice and water shield.
- They won’t properly flash your windows or siding.
The second you have a problem, the manufacturer will void your warranty due to improper installation. The cheap contractor is long gone, and you are left paying for a second full replacement out of your own pocket.
The “Happiness Guarantee” Difference: Our guarantee is a promise of professional, certified installation. We install every product to the letter of the manufacturer’s requirements. This ensures your manufacturer warranty is valid, and our own workmanship guarantee backs it up.
3. The Unlicensed and Uninsured Risk
How does a contractor get so cheap? By skipping the most basic costs of doing business: licensing and insurance.
- No License: In Michigan, a licensed builder is accountable. An unlicensed contractor is not. If they disappear or do a terrible job, you have almost no legal recourse.
- No Insurance: This is where it gets terrifying. If a worker gets injured on your property and the contractor has no worker’s comp insurance, you can be held liable. If they damage your home (or your neighbor’s), and they don’t have general liability insurance, you have to pay for the repairs.
The “Happiness Guarantee” Difference: We are fully licensed and insured, and we say so proudly. This is non-negotiable. Our “Happiness Guarantee” is our promise that your home, your family, and your finances are protected from the moment we set foot on your property.
4. The “Solution-Oriented” vs. “Change-Order” Model
The cheapest contractor gives you a low price to get the job, knowing they will make their profit on “unforeseen” problems.
- “Oh, we tore off the siding and found some rotted wood. That’s going to be an extra $2,000.”
- “This roof needs all new decking. That wasn’t in the contract.”
This is the “change-order” business model. They lure you in and then bleed you with extra charges.
The “Happiness Guarantee” Difference: We are “solution-oriented.” This means our initial inspection is thorough. We anticipate problems before we give you a quote. We look in the attic, we measure properly, and we create a plan. Our quote is for the whole solution. We won’t hit you with surprise fees. We believe in honest, transparent pricing from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the Prime Home “Happiness Guarantee”?
It’s our promise that we will use high-quality materials, install them correctly, protect your home and finances with proper licensing and insurance, and communicate with you honestly from start to finish. We aren’t done until you are 100% happy with the result.
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Why is one contractor’s quote so much lower than the others?
It’s a red flag. It almost always means they are using inferior materials, using an uninsured or untrained crew, or skipping critical installation steps (like proper underlayment or flashing) that you won’t see until it’s too late.
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What happens if I have a problem with my new roof or siding?
If you hired the cheapest contractor, they may have already changed their phone number. If you hire Prime Home Remod, you call us. We stand behind our work. Our guarantee means we come back and fix it, ensuring your home is protected.
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How can I trust a contractor?
Look for a company that is local, has a long list of reviews, and is willing to show you their license and insurance. A quality contractor is proud of their work and their reputation. They won’t just give you a price; they will explain the solution and the value you are receiving.
Don’t Gamble With Your Home. Choose a Guarantee.
Your home is your biggest investment. Choosing a contractor based on price alone is a gamble you are almost guaranteed to lose.
A cheap job will cost you in repairs, in stress, and in the resale value of your home.
When you work with Prime Home Remod, you’re not just buying a roof or siding; you’re investing in a guaranteed solution from a partner you can trust. Our “Happiness Guarantee” is our commitment to doing the job right, the first time.
Don’t settle for “cheap.” Get the long-term value and peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today for a free, solution-oriented consultation.
