General & Company FAQ
Service Areas & Licensing: Where we work and our credentials.
What is your primary service area for siding and gutter projects?
Apollo Exteriors & Restoration is headquartered in West Fargo, ND, and we primarily serve the entire Fargo-Moorhead metro area. Our standard service radius extends 60 miles from our office, allowing us to serve “The Lakes Area” and rural communities across both North Dakota and Minnesota.
Do you serve residential customers in Cass County, ND?
Yes, we are highly active throughout Cass County. We frequently handle projects in Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, Casselton, Mapleton, and Kindred. Whether it’s a new construction project in a growing Horace neighborhood or a siding refresh on a historic home in Fargo, we are local experts.
Does Apollo Exteriors & Restoration work in Clay County, MN?
Absolutely. We are fully equipped to cross the river and serve our neighbors in Clay County. Our core service cities in Minnesota include Moorhead, Dilworth, Hawley, Barnesville, and Glyndon. We are familiar with the specific building codes and permit requirements for both the North Dakota and Minnesota sides of the valley.
What is your North Dakota Contractor License number?
We are a fully licensed and bonded professional entity. Our official North Dakota Secretary of State Contractor License number is #000049643. You can verify this directly on the ND Secretary of State’s website. Maintaining this license ensures we meet the state’s rigorous standards for professional conduct and liability.
Are you insured? Why does it matter for a siding or gutter job?
Yes, Apollo Exteriors & Restoration carries comprehensive general liability insurance and workforce safety insurance (WSI). This is non-negotiable for us. If an uninsured contractor is injured on your property or causes accidental damage to your home, you-the homeowner-could be held liable. With us, you are 100% protected. We are happy to provide a certificate of insurance upon request.
Do I need to live within the city limits of Fargo or Moorhead to hire you?
Not at all. We specialize in serving the rural “Lakes Area” and smaller townships within our 60-mile radius. If you have a lake home near Detroit Lakes or a farmstead outside of Barnesville, we are more than willing to travel to provide a high-quality exterior solution.
Do you handle the building permits required by cities like West Fargo or Moorhead?
Yes. Part of our transparent, “hands-off for the homeowner” process is ensuring all local regulations are met. Every municipality-whether it’s West Fargo, Fargo, or Moorhead-has different rules regarding siding materials and gutter drainage. We pull the necessary permits and ensure the final product passes all local inspections.
Is owner Blake involved in projects outside of West Fargo?
Yes. Regardless of whether the job site is in Kindred, ND, or Hawley, MN, owner Blake is personally involved in every project. We don’t just “send a crew” to the outskirts; Blake oversees the quality and craftsmanship on every single job to ensure the “Apollo Exteriors & Restoration” standard is maintained regardless of location.
Why should I hire a West Fargo-based contractor instead of a national storm chaser?
Local accountability is everything. “Storm chasers” follow the hail and disappear once the season ends. Because we are based at 20 4th St E, West Fargo, we are here year-round to honor our warranties and support our neighbors. We know the Red River Valley climate-the extreme winds, the heavy snow loads, and the summer humidity-and we choose materials specifically designed to withstand our local weather.
Can you provide references for projects completed in my specific town (e.g., Horace or Dilworth)?
We likely can! We have built a strong reputation across the valley. Because we work so frequently in cities like Horace, Mapleton, and Dilworth, we can often point you toward a nearby home where you can see our craftsmanship firsthand.
Do you maintain specific licensing or certifications to work on homes on the Minnesota side of the Red River Valley?
Yes. Because building codes and administrative filings differ between North Dakota and Minnesota, we maintain all necessary cross-border operational credentials. This ensures that every residential project we handle in Clay County complies fully with Minnesota’s state-specific building standards and municipal enforcement rules.
How far into the surrounding Lakes Area will your crews travel for a full exterior restoration project?
We regularly extend our travel radius for comprehensive exterior overhauls, including full roofing, siding, and gutter replacements. If your cabin or residential property is located within the surrounding lakes area (such as Detroit Lakes, Pelican Rapids, or Cormorant), our team can coordinate logistics and material drop-offs directly to your site.
The “Apollo Exteriors & Restoration” Difference: Why owner-involvement matters.
What exactly is the Apollo Exteriors & Restoration Difference?
The difference is accountability. Unlike many large contracting firms that sell you a job and then disappear, leaving a revolving door of subcontractors to do the work, Apollo Exteriors & Restoration is built on owner-involvement. When you hire us, you are getting a local expert-Owner Blake-who is personally involved in every project. We prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that every piece of siding and every gutter run meets a standard we’d be proud to have on our own homes.
Why does it matter that Owner Blake is personally involved in every job?
It eliminates the “communication gap.” On many job sites, details get lost between the salesperson and the crew. Because Blake oversees the work, there is no guesswork. His decades of hands-on experience and “meticulous eye for perfection” mean that potential issues are caught before they happen, and the final result is a seamless execution of your vision.
Does Apollo Exteriors & Restoration use subcontractors or an in-house team?
We believe in a consistent, high-standard result. By having Blake personally oversee the labor, we ensure that every technician on your property is trained in the “Apollo Exteriors & Restoration” way. We don’t just “sub out” your home to the lowest bidder; we manage the craftsmanship directly to protect our reputation and your investment.
How do you ensure unparalleled craftsmanship on a siding or gutter project?
Craftsmanship is in the details that most people don’t see until years later. It’s in the way we flash a window to prevent hidden rot, how we miter a corner for a clean aesthetic, and how we ensure your seamless gutters have the perfect pitch for drainage. We use premium materials and proven techniques that exceed standard building codes, because “good enough” isn’t in our vocabulary.
What does transparent service look like at Apollo Exteriors & Restoration?
Transparency means no surprises. From our initial 3D model assessment to the final walk-through, you are kept in the loop. Our estimates are detailed and easy to understand-we explain the why behind our material choices and the how of our process. If we find unforeseen damage (like rotted sheathing behind old siding), we show it to you immediately and discuss the best path forward before proceeding.
How do you handle customer communication during a project?
We are a “Call, Text, or Email” company. You aren’t calling a corporate call center; you are reaching out to the people actually working on your home. Whether you have a question about the schedule in West Fargo or a color choice for your home in Moorhead, we pride ourselves on being responsive and accessible throughout the entire duration of your project.
What is the benefit of a meticulous eye for detail in exterior remodeling?
The exterior of your home is its first line of defense. A “meticulous eye” means we aren’t just looking at the siding; we are looking at the soffit ventilation, the fascia integrity, and the gutter efficiency as a single, unified system. This holistic approach prevents “band-aid” fixes and ensures your home remains beautiful and protected for decades, not just a few seasons.
How does Apollo Exteriors & Restoration stay updated on industry standards?
The exterior industry is always evolving. We stay current on the latest innovations from leading brands like James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and Quality Edge. By understanding the science behind modern materials-such as thermal expansion in steel or moisture management in fiber cement-we provide expert guidance that a less-specialized general contractor might miss.
What is the goal of the Final Walk-Through process?
Our job isn’t done when the last nail is driven; it’s done when you are 100% satisfied. Blake conducts a final walk-through with you to ensure every detail meets our high standards and your expectations. We also perform a “spotless” clean-up, using magnetic sweeps to ensure your yard is safe for kids and pets. We treat your property with the same respect we’d give our own.
Why should I choose a boutique contractor over a large regional franchise?
When you choose Apollo Exteriors & Restoration, you aren’t just a number on a spreadsheet. You are a neighbor in the Fargo-Moorhead community. You get a higher level of customization, a more direct line of communication, and the peace of mind that the person whose name is on the company is the person standing behind the work.
How does owner-involvement protect me if unforeseen structural damage is uncovered mid-project?
When hidden issues like rotted framing or historic water damage are exposed during a tear-off, it usually stalls generic crews. Because Blake personally directs our field logistics, he can immediately assess the structural failure, devise a proper engineering fix, and adjust project workflows on the spot without leaving your home exposed to the elements while waiting for corporate approval.
What specific quality benchmarks must a project hit before passing your final inspection?
Our internal checklist covers both visual curb appeal and hidden structural mechanics. Before Blake signs off on the job, we check the exact clearance and leveling of seamless gutter runs, verify proper expansion gaps on siding panels to prevent summer warping, check the physical tight-seal fit of custom flashing profiles, and complete a meticulous magnetic sweep of the entire property for stray construction fasteners.
Consultations & Quotes: How the 3D modeling and estimating process works.
How do I get a free quote from Apollo Exteriors & Restoration?
Getting started is simple. You can Email, Text, or Call us at 701-200-2702. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for siding, gutters, soffit, and fascia projects throughout the Fargo-Moorhead and Lakes Area.
What happens during the initial in-person consultation?
We don’t just “eyeball” your house from the curb. Owner Blake meets with you to listen to your goals, concerns, and style preferences. We perform a thorough exterior audit, identifying potential issues like rotted wood or drainage gaps, and we take 8-10 high-resolution photos to document the current state of your home.
What is the 3D Model you build for my home?
This is a game-changer for accuracy. We use advanced software to create a precise 3D model of your home’s exterior. This allows us to capture exact dimensions of every wall, gable, and window. It eliminates human error in measuring, ensuring we order the perfect amount of material-which saves you money and prevents project delays.
Can I see what different siding colors will look like on my house?
Yes! Because we build a digital model of your home, we can often show you how different materials (like Steel Siding vs. LP SmartSide) or different colors will look. This takes the guesswork out of the design process, giving you total confidence in your investment before we ever hammer a nail.
How long does it take to receive my detailed estimate?
After our initial meeting and site measurement, we typically deliver a comprehensive, transparent estimate via email within a few business days. We don’t believe in “ballpark numbers”-we provide a line-item proposal so you know exactly where every dollar is going.
Is your estimate a fixed price or just an approximation?
Our goal is total transparency. The price on your proposal is the price you pay for the scope of work described. If we encounter “hidden” damage-such as rotted sub-walling that couldn’t be seen until the old siding was removed-we stop and discuss the cost of repairs with you immediately. There are no surprise fees at the end of a Apollo Exteriors & Restoration project.
Why do you require an in-person meeting for a quote?
Every home in the Red River Valley is unique. Factors like the age of the home, the condition of the existing house wrap, and the specific wind-exposure of your lot in places like Horace or Mapleton affect the installation strategy. An in-person meeting ensures we provide a solution that is durable, not just a “quick fix.”
Do you offer virtual quotes via photos?
While we can provide a rough “ballpark” estimate via photos for very simple gutter runs, we strongly prefer an on-site visit for siding. Our reputation is built on superior craftsmanship, and we can only guarantee that by seeing the structural integrity of your home’s exterior in person.
What is included in an Apollo Exteriors & Restoration proposal?
Our proposals are incredibly detailed. They include:
- Specific material brands and colors (e.g., James Hardie or Seamless Steel).
- Labor for removal and disposal of old materials.
- Site preparation and protection plans.
- Permit fees (if applicable in cities like Moorhead or Fargo).
- Warranty information and estimated project timelines.
Do I have to be home for the estimate?
While we can measure the exterior if you aren’t home, we highly recommend a brief 15-minute window where we can chat. Understanding your “pain points”-like a specific leak in a gutter or a desire for lower maintenance-allows us to tailor the quote to your actual needs.
Is there a fee for the 3D modeling and assessment?
No. We provide the initial consultation, the 3D modeling of your home, and the detailed proposal as part of our free quote service. We believe that once you see our professional approach and attention to detail, you’ll see why we are the right choice for your home.
Can your 3D home modeling software showcase mixed-material designs, like combining vertical siding with traditional horizontal profiles?
Yes! The digital 3D rendering engine is highly customizable. If you are trying to decide between a clean, uniform horizontal aesthetic or a modern architectural look that blends horizontal vinyl with vertical board-and-batten accent gables, we can render those specific styling variations onto the digital model of your actual home so you can compare the texturing side-by-side.
What happens to my custom 3D home layout if I decide to delay my remodeling project for a few months?
We keep your complete spatial asset profile securely saved in our local project database. If you choose to review your options now but wait a few months or even until the following season to pull the trigger on production, we can pull up your exact 3D layout instantly without making you repeat the initial measurements or outdoor photo-capture phase.
Scheduling & Seasonality: When is the best time to start an exterior project in ND/MN?
When is the best time of year to replace siding or gutters in the Fargo-Moorhead area?
In a perfect world, Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are the “sweet spots.” However, because we are in the Red River Valley, our schedule fills up fast. We recommend reaching out for a quote at least 4-8 weeks before your desired start date. If you are planning a summer project in West Fargo or a lake home renovation in Minnesota, contacting us in late winter is the best way to secure a prime spot on the calendar.
Can Apollo Exteriors & Restoration install siding during a North Dakota winter?
Yes, siding installation is possible in the winter, but it requires specific expertise. Certain materials, like Vinyl Siding, become brittle in extreme cold (below 20°F) and can crack during cutting or nailing. However, Steel Siding and James Hardie Fiber Cement are much more resilient to cold-weather installs. At Apollo Exteriors & Restoration, we monitor the temperature daily. If it’s too cold to guarantee a “Finest” result, we pause until the mercury rises.
Are there benefits to scheduling my exterior project during the Off-Season?
Absolutely. Scheduling in late fall or early spring often means shorter lead times for materials and a more flexible start date. While most homeowners wait until the first big rain in Moorhead to think about their gutters, proactive homeowners who book in the winter are first in line when the ground thaws.
How does the Spring Thaw affect my project start date?
In areas like Horace or rural Cass County, “Spring Thaw” can create soft ground conditions. To protect your landscaping and prevent our equipment from rutting your yard, we may wait until the ground is firm enough to support our trailers and ladders. We treat your property with respect, which sometimes means waiting a few extra days for the mud to dry.
How long does a typical siding replacement take?
For an average-sized home in Fargo, a full siding tear-off and replacement typically takes 7 to 10 working days, depending on the complexity of the architecture and the weather. Smaller projects, like a garage or a simple rambler in Dilworth, can often be completed faster. We provide a specific estimated timeline with every quote.
What happens if it rains or snows during my installation?
We are experts at “drying in” a house. We only tear off what we can realistically protect or replace in a day. If a sudden North Dakota thunderstorm rolls through, your home’s structural integrity is our first priority. We use high-quality house wraps and flashing to ensure your home stays dry even if the project is mid-way through.
Can you install seamless gutters in the winter?
Gutter machines can be finicky in sub-zero temperatures, and ice buildup on the eaves makes installation dangerous and less precise. We generally perform gutter installations from April through November. If you have an emergency gutter failure in the winter, contact us-we will assess if a temporary fix is possible until the spring melt.
How does wind affect the scheduling of my project?
As anyone in Casselton or Mapleton knows, the wind in the valley is no joke. High winds (30+ mph) make handling long pieces of siding or 40-foot seamless gutter runs dangerous for our crew and can lead to material damage. If the wind picks up, we may pause work for safety, but we will always communicate these “weather delays” to you immediately via text or call.
Do I need to be home during the entire installation process?
No. As long as we have access to exterior power outlets and a place to park our trailer/dumpster, you can go about your day. Since Owner Blake is on-site overseeing the project, you can trust that the work is being done to the highest standard while you are at work or running errands in Moorhead.
When should I start the process if I have a storm damage claim?
Immediately. After a hail storm hits West Fargo or Fargo, contractor schedules across the region explode. The sooner we can get out to perform our 3D assessment and document the damage for your insurance company, the sooner you can get in the queue for repairs.
How do local autumn leaf drops and early freezing temperatures affect the timeline for late-season gutter installations?
Late-season installations require careful timing before winter weather locks in. Heavy autumn leaf drops mean we must clear out existing roof debris entirely before running new custom-fabricated segments. Additionally, we schedule late-autumn work around optimal midday warmth windows to ensure our high-grade structural sealants dry and cure perfectly before freezing nighttime temperatures hit.
If a severe summer storm causes widespread local damage, how do you manage your scheduling queue for non-emergency upgrades?
When severe weather hits the region, emergency triage (like tarping active roof leaks or securing structurally compromised exterior walls) takes immediate priority to protect local homes from water infiltration. Once emergency safety tasks are secured, we maintain a strict, chronological scheduling queue for our standard remodeling projects, ensuring that pre-booked installations keep moving forward with minimal delay.
