Every day your siding is exposed to harsh outdoor elements, such as intense UV rays, high winds, rain and snow. You can prolong its life with regular maintenance and prompt repairs. However, this part of your home will not last forever, and you will eventually need to have your siding replaced.
Once the need for a siding replacement arises, you must carefully choose a company that will do the job. The outcome will affect the overall appearance of your house and its weather protection. You want to work with professionals who know what they are doing. Assess your prospective contractor better by asking these essential questions.
Questions to Ask Your Prospective Siding Contractor
How Long Have You Been Installing Siding?
A siding contractor that has managed to stay in business for many years has a reputation to maintain. Ask for a business card indicating the company name, physical address and phone number. Experts recommend reconsidering a contractor who uses a post-office address because they might not be from your area. It’s possible that these people are on a mission to make fast money before heading to another town.
Can You Show Proof of License?
Licensure is one of the first things you should ask about when speaking with prospective contractors. Hiring a licensed professional will give you peace of mind that your project is in good hands. Many states require remodeling companies to obtain licenses to run their businesses legally. Your state’s licensing board monitors if contractors adhere to regulations.
You can count on a licensed contractor to take care of legal-related matters for you. They are experienced and knowledgeable in local building codes and permits. Another great thing about these professionals is that they usually have insurance.
Do You Have Insurance?
Whether it’s roof repair or siding replacement, you must only work with insured companies. It’s vital that your contractor has workers’ compensation insurance. If not, you could be responsible for workers who suffer from accidents while installing your new siding. These expenses could include medical bills and lost wages while the worker is recovering and unable to make a living.
Your siding contractor should also have general liability insurance. It will protect you if your home or neighboring properties sustain damage during the project. If your contractor accidentally causes damage to your neighbor’s house, you could be held liable for addressing the issue if the contractor is not properly insured.
Can You Provide a List of References?
Reputable roofers and siding contractors will have no problem providing you with a list of references. Contact these people and ask about the habits and practices of your potential siding contractor. Were they punctual or do they tend to come late to the site? Is the contractor easy to communicate with, and do they respond quickly to texts or calls?
Were past clients satisfied with the result of their project? Do they feel that they made the most of their time and investment? If they were happy about the outcome of their siding replacement, take it as a sign that you will also have a positive experience with the contractor.
Are All Costs Involved in the Project Included in Your Estimate?
Obtaining quotes will give you an idea about your project’s cost. It will also help you find the right professionals to execute your siding replacement. Reliable professionals will not hesitate to provide you with a detailed estimate that includes all the costs involved in your project. Confirm if the estimate includes labor, materials, cleanup costs and permit fees.
While removing the old siding, your contractor might discover problems hiding underneath. They will have to address these issues before installing the new siding. It helps to prepare for these unforeseen instances. Set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
What Warranties Do You Offer?
Like roof repair and replacement, new siding is a significant investment. Warranties ensure your siding stays protected against poor workmanship and manufacturing defects. Ask your contractor what kind of warranties come with the products and services.
The warranties that a contractor offers say a lot about their business. The better and longer the coverage, the more confident they are about their products and services. It also shows that they value their clients’ satisfaction.
How Long Will the Siding Replacement Take?
Several factors can affect the duration of your siding replacement. Your project could take longer if you have a larger home. Sometimes, your contractor must perform repairs before installation. Bad weather can also put a halt to your project. Either way, you want to hire a professional who won’t disappear from you in the middle of the job.
Who Will Be Responsible for Supervising the Project?
You need to find out if the siding contractor uses subcontractors and why. If they do, ask who will be on the site to supervise the project. Knowing someone is managing the project will give you the assurance that everything is going in the right direction.
More Tips on Finding the Right Siding Professional
Know What Type of Siding You Have
The more you know about your siding, the more informed decisions you can make for your project. Siding comes in various materials, including vinyl, fiber cement, wood and metal. Each one of them requires specific tools and techniques for installation. Choose a contractor that specializes in the specific type of siding you have or want to get. It’s one way to ensure the material will be installed correctly.
Check Portfolios
Many contractors today have websites where they upload photos of their previous work. If your prospective siding installer doesn’t have a website, you can ask them to send you pictures of past projects. Accomplishing this step will give you a clearer picture of what the contractor can do.
Read Reviews
On their websites, you might also find customer reviews. Client feedback might also be present on social media pages and on the Better Business Bureau’s site. If there are negative reviews, how did the contractor respond to them? What did they do to address the issue?
Quality workmanship, top-grade products and comprehensive warranties are some things you can expect from Pro Quality Construction Inc. Our team also specializes in roof repair and replacement. Call us at (844) 499-7878 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.