Many people come up with excuses for why they let the exterior of their home go to waste. Maybe they spend a lot of time indoors or go out during the day and only return after dark. Either way, the result is that your home will look unloved to the people around you.
One of the most noticeable parts of your house that will suffer is your siding. The sides of your house can easily accumulate algae and dirt. It may also lose its paint job over time.
Keep reading for some tips on choosing a siding contractor if you need help with repairs and replacement on your home’s exterior.
Decide on Your Desired Siding
If you’re opting for a replacement or installing siding on a new home, you need to pick between your many options. Not every siding is best for your exterior decor or the weather patterns in your area. Some work better in wet conditions than others.
Four of the most common options are wood, metal, vinyl, and fiber cement.
Wood siding comes in a variety of styles, textures, and finishes. However, it can cost you a lot and is high maintenance.
Metal siding, such as aluminum or steel, is durable and low cost. The drawback is that it can dent and make a lot of noise.
Vinyl siding is another low-cost option that’s also low-maintenance. It doesn’t handle cold weather though and may crack under impact.
Fiber cement siding is a new development made out of recyclable materials. Expect to pay more for it than some of your other options, but it can last for over 50 years.
Ask for Referrals
There are two ways to approach referrals and references.
First, you can ask your friends and family what contractors they’ve worked with in the past and who they’ve had a good siding installation experience with.
Sure, strangers post online customer reviews all the time. However, the people you know are much more willing to share their experiences, and you know whether or not you can trust their opinion.
You may also ask a contractor if they have any references you can speak with. References are important when it comes to commercial jobs, such as if you’re changing the siding on an apartment building. Some contractors display the companies they’ve worked with on their websites.
Call Your Local Vendors
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your local vendors and ask them questions.
What kind of sidings do they have available? When is the soonest they can come out to look at your house? And what are their prices?
Take note of how they respond to your questions and write down their rates for comparing contractor costs later on. Keep track of everything they said on the phone so you can hold them accountable if they change their prices.
Research Your Options for Siding Contractors
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, you should do some more research on your own. Try to find out information such as the contractor’s credentials, how long they’ve been in business, and what reviewers have said about them.
The Better Business Bureau is one way to research a vendor. The BBB nearest to them can tell you the business’s grade, if there have been any complaints about them, and whether or not the business has addressed these complaints.
Make sure you’re moving forward with a licensed siding contractor. Write down questions related to your findings for when you move on to the interview.
Interview Your Final Choices
Try to set up an appointment to interview your chosen vendor. You’ll want to find one that’s open and willing to do a pre-sell appointment so they can answer your questions and learn more about your needs.
Some of the questions you should ask include the following:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you offer a warranty?
- Is storm damage repair included?
- Is disposal included in the initial cost?
- How do you go about resolving complaints?
If the contractor is reluctant to answer your questions or gives a blanket statement, move on. The ideal contractor should be easy to communicate with, as you’ll be dealing with them during the installation and for any future repair jobs.
Check for Insurance
A contractor gets insurance for their company to protect his people and his equipment in the case of an accident. If they don’t have insurance, then that opens you up for a lawsuit.
If something gets broken or damaged on your property, they may try to get you to pay for it. In case someone gets injured on your property, you may be liable if they don’t have insurance.
Worker’s compensation is the main way a company protects its employees and its business. It helps workers pay off their medical bills if they get injured on the job, so they don’t resort to suing the company to make ends meet.
It’s always better to work for a professional contractor as opposed to someone unlicensed and unqualified.
Read the Contract
Always read the contract when you’re making any kind of investment. Most home contractors supply a contract for liability purposes. That usually includes giving up the ability to pursue a lawsuit if something goes wrong with the installation.
Take the time to read it and note any sections or areas that seem questionable. Speak to your contractor if you have any questions about certain areas before signing.
Choosing a Siding Contractor You Can Trust
People talk all the time about bad experiences with contractors. In many of these cases, the homeowners went with one of the first companies they found or that had desirable rates. However, you may find that the better contractor in your area costs a little more because they know their worth.
Check out Resistance Exteriors if you’re in the middle of choosing a siding contractor in Delafield, WI. We offer a 4-star and a 5-star warranty on our CertainTeed Certified Roofs and siding installation. Send us a message or call if you have any questions.
