IL License Number: 104.017181
IL License Number: 104.017181
CASE STUDY – MARCH 2026
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Project Type: Full James Hardie siding replacement (board-and-batten system) on two-story home
Total Investment: $30,200
For nearly two decades, Peter and Sandy Vasilakos lived with a siding installation that never performed the way it should have. What was intended to be a long-term upgrade, with James Hardie fiber cement siding, unfortunately became a constant source of frustration.
Panels shifted. Gaps widened. Caulking split. Nails loosened to the point where, as Peter described, he could pull them out with his fingernail. At one point, he resorted to fastening boards over the siding himself just to keep sections from separating.
The issue was not subtle cosmetic wear—it was a systemic failure. The exterior envelope of the home had been compromised, including deteriorating trim and failing flashing around key transitions. Over time, the frustration evolved into something deeper: uncertainty about whether the material itself had failed or whether the installation had been done incorrectly.
Like many homeowners in this position, Peter faced a difficult question:
Was the product wrong, or was the work done wrong?
At the same time, there was a clear stress driver behind the decision ahead. Not only had the couple already been through this but, left unresolved, these issues could allow moisture intrusion behind the siding, leading to rot, mold, and significantly higher repair costs over time. As Peter put it early in the process, “This is the last time I want to deal with this in this lifetime.”
This was not a cosmetic upgrade. It was a decision about permanence.
Before ever meeting in person, Peter began researching and reaching out to contractors. He contacted multiple companies, but what stood out about Holda Construction was not a sales pitch: it was proof.
A customer testimonial video on YouTube created an initial level of trust. From there, the process unfolded differently than a typical contractor interaction.
Instead of scheduling an immediate on-site visit, Peter and Mariusz (owner of Holda Construction) spent significant time on the phone reviewing photos, discussing symptoms, and diagnosing the problem collaboratively.
Through those conversations, four critical installation failures were identified:
This reframed the entire situation. The issue was not the James Hardie product: it was how it had been installed.
Just as importantly, pricing was addressed early. A realistic range of $20,000–$25,000 was discussed upfront, along with clear reasoning behind potential variation. This level of transparency allowed both sides to evaluate fit before any in-person visit.
By the time the first on-site meeting occurred, the decision was no longer about “getting a quote.” It was about confirming a plan that had already been thoughtfully developed.
While Peter focused on technical performance and long-term durability, Sandy played an equally important role in shaping the final outcome.
She was clear in her preferences: vertical board-and-batten design, clean lines, and a modern aesthetic without unnecessary texture or visual clutter. During the pre-construction phase, physical samples were reviewed and arranged on-site to visualize spacing and proportions before installation began.
This balance—performance and design—guided the final system:
The final contract value of $30,000 reflected not just materials, but the inclusion of critical elements often omitted in lower-priced proposals: structural backing, proper fastening systems, and detailed moisture management.
As discussed openly with the homeowners, the lower initial price range was achievable, but only by removing components that directly impact longevity. Peter chose to proceed with the full system, prioritizing long-term peace of mind over short-term savings.
Construction began in late February, after weather conditions allowed for proper installation (this is always a key to safe installation).
Early in the planning phase, an important structural discovery reshaped the design. Stud spacing at 16 inches required a complete adjustment to the batten layout to ensure every fastener anchored into solid framing. This change improved both structural integrity and visual consistency.
During installation, another adjustment was made. Initially selected stainless steel nails did not perform as expected when penetrating multiple material layers. The team transitioned to galvanized ring-shank nails for concealed fastening, while maintaining stainless steel fasteners for all exposed trim to prevent corrosion.
Additional scope emerged around the patio door thresholds, where moisture exposure required upgraded trim protection. This was handled through a small, transparent change order at material cost, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on clarity between proposal and final invoice.
Throughout the project, the approach remained consistent: identify issues early, communicate openly, and resolve them without compromise.
Where the home previously showed signs of movement and deterioration, it now presented a clean, symmetrical board-and-batten design with properly integrated flashing, trim, and moisture protection.
More importantly, the underlying system had been rebuilt correctly:
The emotional shift was equally significant. A homeowner who once had to physically reinforce his siding now had full confidence in the integrity of his home’s exterior.
At project completion, there was no negotiation, no friction, and no outstanding concerns. Final payment was prepared in advance: an outcome that reflected trust built throughout the process, not just satisfaction with the final result.
This type of full-system siding replacement is best suited for homeowners who:
It is not the right fit for those seeking the lowest upfront price without regard for long-term performance.
For homeowners in Arlington Heights and surrounding Northwest suburbs facing similar issues: failing siding, uncertainty about installation quality, or conflicting contractor opinions – the first step is gaining clarity.
Holda Construction approaches each project as a collaborative process, focused on diagnosis before recommendation and transparency before commitment.
If you are dealing with siding concerns or planning a full exterior upgrade, you can start with a consultation to understand your options and what a proper solution should look like. Give us a call at 847.847.2883 or feel free to fill out an online inquiry.
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