Shelby Construction Services:
The Master FAQ Hub
General Pricing & Project Questions
How much does a typical roof replacement cost in Southeast Michigan?
In Southeast Michigan, most roof replacements range from $5 to $10 per square foot.
Total cost depends on:
Material: Asphalt shingles vs. premium metal or tile.
Roof Pitch: Steeper roofs require more labor and safety equipment.
Layers: The number of old shingle layers requiring removal.
Ventilation: Necessary upgrades to meet modern Michigan building codes.
How much does siding replacement cost on an average home?
A full siding replacement for an average Metro Detroit home typically costs between $12,000 and $20,000.
Total cost depends on:
Material: Options like budget-friendly Vinyl or premium Fiber Cement.
Home Size: Total exterior square footage and number of stories.
Complexity: The amount of custom trim work, gables, and corners.
Insulation: Adding energy-efficient backing to lower local utility bills.
How much do replacement windows cost?
Most energy-efficient windows in Southeast Michigan range from $550 to $1,100 per window, installed.
Total cost depends on:
Installation Type: “Pocket” inserts vs. “Full-frame” replacements.
Frame Material: Durable Vinyl, Fiberglass, or traditional Wood.
Glass Package: Specialized coatings (Low-E) designed for Michigan winters.
Window Style: Standard double-hung vs. custom bay or casement windows.
Do you offer financing for exterior projects?
Yes — we offer $0 down and low monthly payment options for roofing, siding, windows,
gutters, and attic insulation.
How does Shelby Construction maintain a "Best Price Guarantee" in Michigan?
Direct Answer: We provide a Best Price Guarantee by leveraging our factory-direct relationships with manufacturers like CertainTeed and Alside. By cutting out middleman markups and employing high-efficiency, factory-trained crews, we are able to offer premium-grade exterior installations at a lower price point than large national franchises with high overhead. Pro Tip: If you receive a lower quote for the same scope of work and materials, show it to us. We will match or beat any legitimate Michigan contractor’s written estimate.
Is it more cost-effective to bundle roofing, siding, and windows together?
Direct Answer: Yes. Homeowners typically save 10% to 15% on total project costs when bundling multiple exterior services into a single contract. Bundling reduces secondary costs like separate permit fees, multiple dumpster deliveries, and repeated mobilization of crews, allowing us to pass those operational savings directly to you. Pro Tip: Bundling also ensures your “Total Home Protection System” is warrantied by a single contractor, preventing the “finger-pointing” that happens when different companies work on the same house.
What are the hidden costs homeowners should look for in "low-ball" exterior estimates?
Direct Answer: Low-ball estimates often hide costs by omitting required municipal permits, high-quality synthetic underlayments, or proper ventilation upgrades. At Shelby Construction, our quotes are “all-inclusive,” meaning we include the price of tear-offs, wood replacement allowances, and premium ridge vents upfront so there are no surprise change orders mid-project. Pro Tip: Always check if an estimate includes the “Hidden Essentials” like ice-and-water shield in valleys and drip edge on all eaves; skipping these is how cheap contractors lower their initial price.
How does a "Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee" impact the long-term cost of my home?
Direct Answer: A Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee eliminates the “maintenance tax” homeowners pay when they hire uncertified crews. While a standard 1-year warranty leaves you responsible for leaks or siding pops caused by poor installation, our guarantee covers the labor for the life of the product. This protection can save you $2,000–$5,000 in future repair costs over the next 20 years. Pro Tip: A workmanship warranty is separate from a manufacturer’s material warranty. You need both to truly protect your investment.
Does a professional exterior renovation increase Michigan property values?
Direct Answer: Yes. According to the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, roofing and siding replacements in the Midwest provide an average ROI (Return on Investment) of 70% to 95%. In high-demand areas like Macomb and Oakland County, a “Move-In Ready” exterior significantly speeds up home sales and allows sellers to justify a higher asking price. Pro Tip: Buyers in Southeast Michigan prioritize “Maintenance-Free” exteriors. High-efficiency windows and CertainTeed shingles are top-tier selling points for local realtors.
What is the cost difference between metal and shingle roofing?
In Southeast Michigan, asphalt shingles are the most budget-friendly option, while metal roofing is a higher upfront investment.
Asphalt Shingles: Typically $4.50 – $7.50 per sq. ft. installed.
Metal Roofing: Generally $9.00 – $15.00 per sq. ft. installed.
Total cost depends on material grade, the number of layers being removed, and the complexity of your roof’s design.
Roofing Services & Technology
What is the price of a 50-year "Lifetime" roofing system in Macomb County?
Premium lifetime roofing systems utilizing CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles typically range from $12,000 to $22,000 for a standard single-family home.
What is the "Integrity Roof System" recommended for homes near Lake St. Clair?
It is a multi-layered approach including waterproof underlayment, starter shingles, and ridge vents designed to withstand high lakefront winds and moisture exposure.
Do I need a building permit for roof replacement in Clinton Township?
Yes, local codes require a permit to ensure the structural deck is inspected before new shingles are installed.
Can you install a roof during a Michigan winter?
Yes, we use cold-weather application techniques, though shingles require a “thermal seal” period which occurs once temperatures rise above 40°F.
What is a "ShingleMaster" credential and why does it matter?
It is a top-tier CertainTeed certification that allows us to offer extended 5-star warranties with better coverage than non-certified contractors can provide.
How does roof slope affect my replacement estimate?
Steeper pitches require specialized safety equipment and more labor hours, which can increase the base price by 15-20%.
What are SBS-modified shingles?
These are “rubberized” shingles with enhanced flexibility that offer superior impact resistance against Michigan hail storms.
Does Shelby Construction handle insurance claims for storm damage?
We provide detailed inspections and digital documentation to help homeowners navigate the claims process with their insurance adjusters.
Why is "Ice and Water Shield" mandatory in Macomb County?
It prevents leaks caused by ice dams forming near gutters—a common issue near the Clinton River Spillway and throughout Southeast Michigan.
How long does a standard roof tear-off and replacement take?
Most residential projects are completed in 1 to 2 days, depending on weather conditions and roof complexity.
Window Replacement & Efficiency
How much do triple-pane window upgrades cost compared to double-pane?
Upgrading to triple-pane glass typically adds $150–$300 per window to the base price but can reduce energy loss by an additional 20% compared to double-pane units.
What is the "ClimaTech" glass package found in Alside windows?
What's the difference between "Full Frame" and "Insert" window installations?
Full-frame replacement removes the entire window unit down to the rough opening, allowing inspection for rot—recommended for homes built before 1990. Insert installations fit new windows into existing frames and work best for newer homes.
What is the minimum window order for a project?
To maintain quality standards and labor efficiency, we typically require a 4-unit minimum for new window projects.
Can replacement windows reduce neighborhood noise?
Yes, our dual and triple-pane units with insulated glass significantly dampen sound from busy roads like Hall Road (M-59) and I-94.
How do I clean the exterior of my windows from inside?
Our double-hung units feature “tilt-in” sashes, allowing you to clean both sides of the glass from inside your home without a ladder.
Are your windows "Energy Star" certified for Michigan's climate?
Yes, all our Alside and CertainTeed window lines are engineered specifically for the Northern Climate Zone and exceed Energy Star requirements.
What is a "U-Factor" and why should I care?
The U-factor measures how well a window insulates; the lower the number, the better it keeps heat inside. Michigan homes should have windows with U-factors of 0.30 or lower.
How should I prepare my home for window installation day?
Remove window treatments, move furniture roughly 3 feet away from windows, clear items from windowsills, and ensure installers have clear access to the work area
Will new windows prevent condensation on the glass?
Modern windows with Low-E glass reduce “cold spots,” which is the primary cause of interior condensation during winter months.
Siding & Gutter Systems
How much more does insulated vinyl siding cost compared to standard siding?
Insulated siding typically costs 20-30% more than standard vinyl but adds an R-value of 2.0 to 3.5 to your exterior walls, reducing energy bills year-round.
What is the wind rating of Mastic Quest siding?
It is rated to stay secure in winds up to 190 mph, ideal for open areas near Selfridge Air Base and homes exposed to Lake St. Clair wind patterns.
Does vinyl siding ever need to be painted?
No. The color is molded “through-and-through,” meaning it won’t chip, peel, or fade like wood or fiber cement siding.
How do "Seamless Gutters" differ from store-bought sectional gutters?
We custom-extrude aluminum gutters on-site to the exact length of your home, eliminating the seamed joints that typically leak and fail on pre-cut gutter sections.
What are "Oversized" 6-inch gutters and when do I need them?
6-inch gutters handle 40% more water volume than standard 5-inch gutters and are recommended for homes with large roof planes, steep pitches, or surrounded by mature trees.
Can I mix siding styles, like lap siding and decorative shakes?
Yes, many homeowners near The Mall at Partridge Creek use vinyl shakes in gables or as accent panels for a custom “craftsman” look while using lap siding on main walls.
How do you handle "J-Channel" for a clean, watertight finish?
We use color-matched J-channel and trim accessories around all windows and doors to ensure edges are water-tight and aesthetically seamless.
Is vinyl siding impact resistant against hail?
Yes, premium lines like Mastic Carvedwood are engineered to resist denting from hail impacts up to 1.5 inches and everyday impacts like ladders and lawn equipment.
Does new siding installation include a moisture barrier?
Every siding project includes the installation of house wrap (like Tyvek HomeWrap) to allow walls to “breathe” while blocking liquid water and wind infiltration.
How do you match the color of existing trim when replacing siding?
We use high-precision color-matching systems from Mastic and Alside to ensure seamless transitions, or we can replace trim entirely for a cohesive updated look.
Attic Insulation & Home Health
What is the recommended R-value for attic insulation in Southeast Michigan?
The Department of Energy recommends R-49 to R-60 for Climate Zone 5 (Southeast Michigan) to maximize energy efficiency and prevent ice dams.
Does blown-in insulation settle and lose effectiveness over time?
Modern fiberglass insulation has minimal settling (less than 3%), and we always over-fill slightly to ensure long-term R-value performance.
What are "Soffit Baffles" and why are they in my attic?
Baffles are channels that ensure new insulation doesn’t block airflow from your eaves to your ridge vent, maintaining proper attic ventilation that prevents moisture buildup.
Can attic insulation help prevent ice dams?
Yes, by keeping the attic cold (close to outdoor temperature), insulation prevents snow on the roof from melting and refreezing at the gutters, which is the primary cause of ice dams.
Is blown-in fiberglass insulation fire-resistant?
Yes, the fiberglass we use is naturally non-combustible with a Class A fire rating and does not require chemical fire retardants.
Does attic insulation help with summer cooling costs?
Absolutely. It prevents the 130-150°F heat that builds in your attic from radiating down into your living space, reducing air conditioning loads by up to 30%.
Will you remove my old, contaminated insulation before installing new?
Yes, we offer full extraction services if your old insulation has been compromised by pests, mold, water damage, or contains hazardous materials.
Is blown-in insulation safe for people with allergies or asthma?
Modern fiberglass insulation is formaldehyde-free and does not off-gas, making it a safe choice for sensitive households.
How do you prevent insulation from getting into my living areas during installation
We use a sealed hose system with HEPA filtration and install protective plastic barriers to keep your home clean throughout the process.
How long does attic insulation installation take?
Most residential attic insulation projects are completed in 4-6 hours, with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Special Offer
$0 Down + Low Monthly Payments on All Michigan Home Improvement Projects