Materials Have Changed Dramatically
Today’s exterior materials are designed to perform better than many products available years ago.
Modern roofing systems often include:
- Advanced synthetic underlayments
- Improved ice and water barriers
- Better algae-resistant shingles
- Impact-resistant roofing options
- Higher wind-rated installation systems
Siding products have also evolved with stronger finishes, improved color retention, better moisture resistance, and longer expected service lives. The materials may look similar from the street—but what’s built into them has changed significantly.
A Roof Is No Longer “Just Shingles”
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that they’re simply buying shingles.
In reality, today’s roofing systems are made up of many components working together.
A quality roof may include:
- Roof deck inspection
- Ice & water shield
- Synthetic underlayment
- Starter shingles
- Drip edge
- Painted valley metal
- Color-matched flashings
- Ridge vent systems
- Intake ventilation
- New pipe boots and exhaust vents
Each component plays a role in protecting your home.
When homeowners compare estimates based only on the shingle brand or total price, they’re often missing much of what they’re actually purchasing.
Labor Has Become More Specialized
Installing an exterior system today requires far more than simply putting materials on a house.
Professional contractors invest in:
- Ongoing training
- Safety equipment
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Liability insurance
- Project management
- Manufacturer installation requirements
- Skilled installers
Exterior remodeling is one of the most physically demanding trades in construction. Experienced crews don’t simply work faster—they work with the knowledge needed to recognize issues before they become expensive problems.
Building Codes Continue to Improve
Homes built 20 or 30 years ago were often constructed under very different building standards.
Today’s projects may include updated requirements for:
- Ice barrier protection
- Flashing details
- Roof ventilation
- Fastener placement
- Wind resistance
- Manufacturer installation methods
These improvements aren’t simply about meeting code. They’re about helping homes perform better through Minnesota’s snow, wind, rain, hail, and freeze-thaw cycles.
The Hidden Costs Homeowners Never See
When homeowners receive an estimate, they naturally focus on the finished project.
But every exterior job also includes work happening behind the scenes.
That often includes:
- Material deliveries
- Dumpster rental and disposal
- Building permits
- Equipment and trailers
- Property protection
- Magnetic nail cleanup
- Fuel and transportation
- Office support
- Scheduling and project coordination
Those details aren’t glamorous—but they’re essential to completing a project professionally.
Homeowners Expect More Today
The expectations placed on contractors have changed just as much as the materials. Today, homeowners reasonably expect:
- Better communication
- Detailed estimates
- Photo documentation
- Strong warranties
- Clean jobsites
- Financing options
- Professional scheduling
- Respect for landscaping and property
Those services create a better experience—but they also require time, people, and systems that didn’t exist to the same extent years ago.
25 Years Has Given Us Perspective
One of the biggest advantages of being in business for 25 years isn’t simply longevity. It’s perspective.
We’ve watched products improve. We’ve seen building practices evolve. We’ve adapted as insurance requirements changed. We’ve learned which materials perform well in Minnesota—and which don’t.
Most importantly, we’ve learned that homeowners deserve more than a price. They deserve to understand what they’re paying for.
The Lowest Estimate Isn’t Always the Same Project
This is one of the most important things homeowners can learn. Two estimates may both say “new roof.” But they may include very different scopes of work.
Questions worth asking include:
- Does the estimate include synthetic underlayment?
- Will flashing be replaced?
- Are painted valley metals included?
- Are color-matched accessories used?
- Is ventilation being addressed?
- Are permits included?
- What workmanship warranty is provided?
- What happens if damaged decking is discovered?
Comparing only the final number often overlooks the details that determine how well your home will perform for decades.
Financing Has Changed Too
Years ago, many homeowners delayed necessary exterior work simply because they had to save for the entire project upfront. Today, financing options like GoodLeap can give homeowners more flexibility.
That doesn’t make a project less expensive. But it can make it possible to:
- Address problems before they become larger
- Preserve savings for emergencies
- Complete related projects together
- Choose the products that best fit long-term goals
For many families, financing has become another planning tool—not simply a payment option.
Knowledge Is the Best Investment
Exterior remodeling has changed dramatically over the past 25 years.
Costs have increased. But so have the products, installation methods, warranties, safety standards, and overall quality of many exterior systems.
The most important question isn’t: “Why does it cost more?”
It’s: “What am I getting for that investment?”
Understanding the answer helps homeowners compare estimates more confidently and choose the solution that best protects their home for years to come.
Planning an Exterior Project?
Whether you’re replacing your roof, updating siding, installing new windows, or improving your gutter system, understanding the scope of the project is just as important as understanding the price.
At BD Exteriors, we’ve spent the past 25 years helping Central Minnesota homeowners make informed decisions through honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and homeowner education.
We proudly serve:
- St. Cloud
- Sartell
- Sauk Rapids
- Monticello
- Foley
- Clearwater
- Cold Spring
- And surrounding Central Minnesota communities
Contact us today for a no-pressure quote!
