Services, costs and hiring best practices – proven tips for getting great Siding Installation, Maintenance And Repair Service
When hiring and working with a Siding Contractor, every homeowner needs to know: What services does a Siding Contractor commonly provide? What is the best way to find good prospects? What should I look for when I interview the Siding Contractor? And most importantly, how do I make sure that the Siding Installation, Maintenance And Repair Service is done right?
Use the following information to understand your options, make good decisions and get quality work at a fair price.
How to Find a Good Siding Contractor
A new remodeling project is a big investment in your home, and it’s important to choose the right siding contractor for the job. The quality of service provided by your contractor is just as important as the quality of the products you select for your home. The right contractor can provide an enjoyable experience, while a bad one can turn your dream project into a nightmare.
The keys to choosing the right siding contractor for your home improvement project are to do your research and know what questions to ask. An educated buyer is a confident buyer, and we all want to have confidence in our decisions when making home improvement projects that will last for many years. Below are our suggested steps for selecting the right contractor for your next job:
1.) Find Contractors to Choose From
- Get referrals from someone you know
If a family member, friend or neighbor recently had work done on their home, they may be able to explain the experience they had with their chosen contractor. If they were happy with the end result, you may want to consider contacting their contractor for a quote on your upcoming job. - Attend home shows
Many home shows include hundreds of exhibitors featuring products and services, including contractors. This can serve as a great place to gather ideas for your new project and meet a large pool of contractors in one location. - Visit manufacturer websitesIf you have a specific product in mind for the job, try visiting the manufacturer’s website to find a reliable contractor. Many times a manufacturer will offer a network of their very best contractors, because their reputation is on the line if the product is installed poorly. Manufacturer preferred contractors may also have stronger warranties, a wider product offering, special training and certification, etc.
2.) Research Their Reputations
- Check Reviews and References
There are many websites available today where you can check what other consumers are saying about local contractors. For instance, Angie’s List, Service Magic, Yelp and the Yellow Pages are good resources to gather recommendations or complaints. You can also request references from the contractor directly. - Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)The BBB serves as a great resource to see if your contractor has had any formal complaints filed against their company. You will also learn if they are BBB accredited and what their rating is based on 16 different factors.
- What are their business credentials?
It’s a good idea to select a contractor that belongs to one or more builder/remodeler associations. These organizations typically attract successful and reliable contractors, and sometimes require ongoing registration and training to maintain their membership.
3.) Check That They are Licensed and Insured
- Are they fully licensed?Most states require that contractors be licensed to do home improvement work. The requirements to get licensed may include a written exam, proof of financial ability, letters of reference and experience in the field, depending on your state.
- Do they carry liability insurance?
Liability insurance helps to protect your property in the event that your contractor causes any damage while on the job. Without liability insurance, you could be left to fix any damages if something goes wrong. - Do they carry workman’s compensation insurance?
If a worker was to get hurt on your job, you are protected if the contractor has workman’s compensation insurance. It’s important to not underestimate the importance of workman’s compensation; if a worker gets hurt on your job site, you can be financially and legally liable for their injuries, and most homeowner policies do not cover these types of accidents.
4.) Get Everything in Writing!
- Request written estimatesIt is typical to get two or three quotes for a home improvement job, so make sure the details of each quote are in writing. This will help ensure that you are comparing apples to apples when selecting a contractor, and will provide a record of the quote.
- Make sure your contractor obtains all necessary permits
Construction permits are generally needed for any repairs or replacements made to existing structures. Additional permits may be made for plumbing, electrical or mechanical home improvements as well. Check with your local authorities regarding your necessary permits. - Sign a final, written contract
When you select your contractor and are ready to start the job, make sure you sign a finalized written contract. The contract should include your contractor’s name, address, phone and professional license number, description of work, start and completion dates, any warranty agreements, permits and licenses, and any financing information if necessary.
5.) Special Tips to Consider When Selecting a Siding Contractor
- Are their products certified?
Not all siding products are created equal. It’s important to make sure that the products your contractor is offering have been certified or approved for a certain level of performance. For instance, the Vinyl Siding Institute certifies products and colors using a third-party accredited inspection agency. - Are their installers certified?
The quality of the installation is just as important as the products you select. Check to make sure your contractor has up-to-date certifications for the product that is being installed. - Are they knowledgeable about the siding options available today?
Be sure that your selected contractor is providing the whole picture when it comes to selection. There are new products available today that were never before possible, particularly in vinyl siding. You can now get darker colors, flatter profiles and add insulation, all with one product!
- What do other homeowners look for in a contractor?
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center completed a survey of 1500 homeowners to determine which factors are most important to them when selecting a contractor.These eight characteristics were ranked based on a scale of 1 (not important at all) to 7 (extremely important). The mean of all respondents is shown here. - Ready to find a contractor? We can help!
If you are looking for a siding contractor, we would be happy to help make your search a little easier. Our network of top-notch contractors only install certified vinyl siding and insulation and are equipped with the best siding warranty in the marketplace today. Click here to request a quote from one of our qualified contractors, or call our customer service team at 800-80-3626.