Contractor Mistakes We See Too Often — And How We Fix Them the Right Way

At Cupcake Home Improvements, we believe quality craftsmanship starts with understanding how a home works as a system — and unfortunately, we’re seeing far too many homeowners pay the price for shortcuts taken by other contractors.

We recently visited a home in Austin, TX to install new windows, and what we found was a perfect example of what not to do. This house had siding installed just two years ago by another company, and already the problems are showing up: cracked caulking, missing flashing, improper trim installation, and worst of all — a seriously unbalanced roof ventilation system that’s causing moisture to build up inside the home.

What Went Wrong?

🔧 Roof Ventilation ImbalanceThe soffit vents were installed around the entire house, giving this home nearly 800 NFA (Net Free Area) of intake — but with only four slant-back exhaust vents on the roof, the exhaust side was underperforming dramatically. This kind of imbalance can trap moisture and heat inside your attic, leading to water damage, higher energy bills, and even mold.

🔧 Siding & Trim MistakesWe found no metal flashing between the James Hardie siding and brick — a major red flag. Caulking was used instead of flashing, and the caulking was already cracked. The trim wasn't anchored correctly, and starter strips weren’t installed, leaving the boards loose and vulnerable to wind-driven rain and pests.

🔧 Window Sealing IssuesThe original contractors skipped key waterproofing steps, relying on cheap caulk instead of using flashing tape and proper OSI Quad Max sealants. We had to step in and fix the seal to prevent water infiltration and improve energy efficiency.

How We Made It Right

At Cupcake, we don’t just do home improvements — we do them the right way. Here’s how we fixed the issues:

✅ Installed energy-efficient windows and doors✅ Rebalanced the attic ventilation using GAF guidelines✅ Upgraded to max domes for improved exhaust airflow✅ Repaired interior drywall damaged by trapped moisture✅ Reflashed and resealed key areas using premium products✅ Educated the homeowner on how every system in the home works together

Why Details Matter

Whether it’s siding, roofing, or window installation, cutting corners doesn’t just cost money — it costs homeowners peace of mind. At Cupcake, we take pride in getting the details right the first time.

Our team understands how ventilation, insulation, and exterior materials work together to protect your home and save you money long-term.

If you're seeing signs of poor workmanship or just want a second opinion before your next project, reach out to us at CallCupcake.com.