Are you asking how to repair or solve the problem? Always need to look at flashing gutters and downs and roof penetrations to locate the leak.
I would also reccomend that you look at James Hardie webstie and look at their specs. In our market I have yet to see another contractor follow the specs (frankly not even close). By not following this the price can be quite a bit cheaper. That said it will void any waranty from James Hardie.
Also I would make sure it is a pur Hardie job. Again in our market many substitute James Hardie trim with a much cheaper(frankly much easier to install) miratek trim. They will still call it a Hardie job but it is not. They also will replace actul Haride siding with a chepaer version called Cemplank.
Just a few thoughts.
Tim Brown
RGS Exteriors and Construciton
What they said! Typically gutter installtion is its own trade.
You must have paid without inspecting the work. Building code requires a weather barrier under the siding and that it be taped at openings and all seams. Was there a permit obtained to do the work? If not, did your locality require one. If they did, report the contractor to the inspection department as having not pulled a permit and gotten the right inspections. They may be able to help you and it oculd be a license violation in your state. Although most will refuse if a permit was not obtained and the proper inspections performed. Maybe they will go after the contractor and have them make it right. Have you checked your ceiling insulation? Heat rises and if the attic is not properly insulated(This is where 2/3 of the heat escapes from a house. and the soffits(overhang)need to be vented. Heat will escape through the roof. How about your windows. Caulking around the j- channels where it meets the frame may stop some air and water infiltration.Do this with a clear caulking made for that purposed. A lot of heat escapes through windows if they are not properly sealed. You may be able to put some plastic film over the windows and inside casings like 3-M. This may also help you with heat loss. There are foam inserts that you could put in the electrical outlets by removing the cover screw ,,pulling the cover, putting them in place and then puttng the screw back in. Maybe the walls should have been insulated while you had the siding off. There are many things you havent't told us but these are ideas that may help your situation. It sounds like you do not have a foundation with blocks. But they are also a souce of heat loss. If you do, you could insulate the rim joists with a high density foam sheet and cut them to fit. and then use caulk or spray foam to seal around the edges. Hope this helps you.
1. to make sure all crawl space vents are close .
2. you can check all exterior doors and windows do not have air leak .
3. check attick insulation should be minimum 10'' or you can add more insulation .
4. you can cover large exterior window's glass with clear 3mil plastic .
5. you may check your heater system , and air filter need to repace every month .
You might also contact a couple of local realtors to see what people in your area are looking for in the home they want to purchase.
I would recommend that you look at remodeling magazine. They do an annual study of cost versus value For mini interior and exterior home improvements.
I agree with Chris. The Cost vs Value report is the "go to" guide and is impartial. Personally, I like to focus on first impressions and curb appeal. Exterior dressings like corwn mouldings and simple shrub pruning is a great low cost way to give the home a wow factor.
Direct added value to your home:
Finish out unfinished living areas
Upgrades to bathroom and kitchen
Add additional living area
All other items completed to home have negligible value added benifits in terms of Apprasial added value.
Same as others said, Remodeling magazine's Cost Vs. Value report is a great resource!
I agree with the first two comments, very good advice.
Here's some other things you might to consider:
You want to make sure that are able to make an apples to apples comparison with each of the estimates you receive. If one estimate is more detailed for example, ask the other contractor if their estimate includes these details that their competitor is offering & will they be willing to include it in writing?
Ask for 10 references instead of 3. The reason I say 10 is because this will give you a better sample size of the contractor's experience and track record. Anybody who has been in the business (especially siding which has many annual clients) should have no problem giving you 10 satisfied, recent clients. Granted you don't have to call all 10 but even the worst contractor can probably scrape together 1-2 "positive" references.
Go to their website. This day and age they should have a website. This should have pictures of their siding projects to view. They should also list their certifications and which products their install.
Go with your gut! If a deal seams too good to be true it probably is. After you do your due dilligence be honest with yourself and choose the contractor that you feel you can trust and will provide the best product. Don't just use price to make your decision.
As a roofing contractor, of course I am going to suggest an upgrade to your roofing system. And that's not just a biased opinion either. Working with a lot of realtors in our area it has been proven that the roof can be as much as 40% of your curb appeal. Especially when the system incudes things like the right color drip edge on the rakes and eaves, and high profile ridge caps. Both of those items are relatively inexpensive and can make a very noticibale difference compared to homes that don't have them. Selecting the proper type of shingle of course also plays a huge role. About 95% of re-roofs these days use a standard architectural tpye compositions shingle but picking something from the designer line can realy make your home stand apart. Then again, other rof covering options besides ashphalt shingles can make an even greater impact.
As a GAF Master Elite Copntractor, we are partial to their line of products and I have included a link below to their designer apshpalt series.
Good luck!
http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Shingles/Designer