The Part Homeowners Never See

Before any roof, siding, deck, or basement project starts, most homeowners only see the surface, the shingle color, the siding style, or the pretty Pinterest deck they want.

What they don’t see are the layers underneath:

  • Structural framing
  • Fasteners, connectors, and hardware
  • Moisture barriers and ventilation
  • Code requirements
  • Labor complexities
  • Hidden damage from years of water, rot, or previous shortcuts

That gap, between what homeowners imagine and what actually happens, is the biggest reason remodeling budgets surprise people.

This guide exists to close that gap.


1. Budgets Fail When They’re Built on “Ideal Conditions”

Most homeowners (understandably) assume their home is in perfect shape underneath the surface. But in our industry, ideal conditions almost never exist, especially with older homes.

Common hidden issues we find during roof, siding, or deck projects include:

  • Soft or rotted roof decking
  • Truss or rafter damage
  • Improper flashing from previous installations
  • No water-resistive barrier behind siding (a violation of IRC/IBC standards; see Barricade Building Products, 2020)
  • Mold or moisture in basements
  • Unsafe deck ledgers or undersized joists (common safety hazard; see Hard Decks, n.d.)
  • Failed gutters causing hidden wood rot


These aren’t upsells, they’re safety issues.

And they affect project price because they affect project scope.


2. Why Contractor Estimates Don’t Match Each Other

Homeowners often ask why one contractor quotes $9,000 and another quotes $15,000 for “the same job.”

But here’s the truth:

They are not quoting the same job.

One is quoting minimum compliance.

One is quoting complete, durable, code-compliant work.

There’s a difference between:

  • “Cover it up and get out fast.”
  • “Protect this homeowner for the next 25 years.”


And it shows in the price.

Low bids often come from:

  • Using cheaper materials
  • Skipping ventilation
  • Not replacing hidden rot
  • No building permit
  • No insulation upgrades
  • Cutting corners where you’ll never look
  • Unlicensed or uninsured labor (illegal for roofing in Illinois; Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2024)

The cheapest contractor is often the most expensive mistake a homeowner can make.


3. Why Hidden Damage Matters So Much

Roofing, siding, and decks are protection systems — not décor.

When one part fails, the whole system fails.

Hidden damage we find most often:

  • Rotten sheathing under shingles
  • Missing WRB (water-resistive barrier) behind siding
  • Deck posts sitting on the dirt instead of below frost line (City of Wheaton, 2024)
  • Previous homeowner DIY “fixes”
  • Mold or moisture behind basement walls


The scary part?

Most of these issues aren’t visible during an estimate because we can’t legally or safely remove materials until the job starts.

That means budgets need to allow for what we may uncover.

This is why reputable contractors include contingency language — not because they want to charge more, but because they know what’s underneath 70% of older homes.


4. Why Remodeling Costs More Today (and Why It’s Not a Scam)

Homeowners are often shocked that roofing, siding, and decks cost more today. But it’s not greed — it’s reality.


Real cost drivers include:

• Material improvements

– Stronger shingles

– Better WRB

– Higher R-value insulation

– Improved fasteners, joist hangers, connectors

All required to meet modern code standards (International Code Council updates summarized by Barricade Building Products, 2020).

• Code updates

– Higher wind ratings

– Ice & water barrier requirements

– Deck safety rules

– Electrical upgrades for remodels

• Labor shortages

Skilled trades nationwide report shortages, increasing the cost of experienced labor.

• Inflation + transportation costs

Building materials are weight-based and fuel-based. Prices rise accordingly.


Insurance and licensing compliance

Illinois requires roofing contractors to be licensed (Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2024), insured, and compliant — which protects YOU but costs contractors more to maintain.

5. “But My Friend Paid Less!” — Why Comparisons Fail

Every home is different.

  • Different age
  • Different construction
  • Different hidden problems
  • Different material choices
  • Different code requirements
  • Different contractor ethics
  • Different time periods (prices shift year-to-year)

Comparing remodeling costs is like comparing medical bills:

Two knee surgeries cost differently depending on what’s inside the knee.

Same with roofs, siding, decks, and basements.


6. How Homeowners Can Protect Their Budget (Real Tips)

âś” Get a detailed scope of work

Ask contractors to list:

  • Materials
  • Installation steps
  • Tear-off requirements
  • Flashing
  • Ventilation
  • Deck connections
  • WRB details
  • Inspections included


âś” Ask what’s not included

A good contractor is transparent.

The bad ones hide surprises until the bill arrives.


âś” Ask how they handle hidden damage

Look for answers like:

  • “We photograph everything.”
  • “We’ll show you the issue before proceeding.”
  • “Here’s our price per sheet of decking.”


âś” Never hire the cheapest bid

Cheapest = cutting corners = higher long-term cost.


âś” Make sure your contractor is licensed (for roofing)

This is Illinois law (Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2024).


âś” Expect a contingency range

This is normal.

It’s honest.

It protects the homeowner.


Remodeling Isn’t About Pretty — It’s About Protection

When homeowners understand why things cost what they cost, they feel confident instead of suspicious.

This part of the series will help you see:

  • The real work
  • The real labor
  • The real safety issues
  • The real value
  • The real risks of cutting corners

We want to be your home advocate instead of “just another contractor.”



References

Barricade Building Products. (2020). House wrap code requirements: Understanding the IRC & IBC. https://barricadebp.com/news/house-wrap-code-requirements

City of Wheaton. (2024). 2024 International Residential Code amendments. https://www.wheaton.il.us/1203/2024-International-Residential-Code-Amen

Hard Decks. (n.d.). Illinois deck building codes: What homeowners should know. https://www.harddecks.com/deck-building-codes/

Illinois Compiled Statutes. (2024). Roofing Industry Licensing Act, 225 ILCS 335. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1360