How to Find a Reliable Siding Contractor?

There is no wrong answer when it comes to your home exterior. You can choose an affordable contractor or one who offers high-quality workmanship, depending on what you value most. But how do you know which is the best route for you?

Not all contractors are created equal! Here are five essential tips to ensure you pick the right one:

1. Do your research. 

Make sure you do your research before hiring any contractors.

Begin by asking around for recommendations. Friends, family, and neighbors are excellent sources of information. You’re likely to discover someone you know who has had siding installed in the past and be able to recommend a competent contractor.

After you have a list of potential contractors, scope out their work and customer service by reading reviews on sites such as Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor. Real people leave real feedback about a contractor’s ability and treatment of customers—giving you an insight into whether they’re the right fit for your job.

After narrowing your list of potential contractors, call to set up appointments for estimates. While meeting, ask questions about their experience and what they would do to improve your home.

After you have gathered all the estimates, compare them side-by-side and pick the contractor that you think is most qualified and has the best price.

2. Experience and Expertise

When it’s time to hire a contractor to put new siding on your home, you’ll want someone who has the experience and knowledge to do the task correctly. A competent contractor will have access to the correct materials and techniques, as well as the ability to complete projects quickly.

A general contractor for minor repairs is most likely to be found at a local hardware store. However, certain contractors have the required expertise and experience to put up siding. They provide a wide range of services, including roofing, deck construction, windows and doors. Some contractors, for example TrimTech or CertainTeed, specialize in vinyl siding installation.

So, how can you determine whether or not your contractor has expertise? Here are some pointers:

A qualified contractor should be more than happy to show you examples of similar projects they have completed in the past. This will give you a better understanding of the value you can expect from their workmanship.

Get references from previous clients. A competent contractor will be eager to provide references from prior customers. Make contact with these individuals and inquire about their experience working with the contractor.

How satisfied were they with the outcome? Did any difficulties occur during the project? What was the total cost of the project? All of these concerns can help you decide whether or not you want to deal with this contractor again.

How long has the contractor been in operation? Determine how long the business has been in existence. If a firm has only recently emerged, it’s possible that they don’t have any expertise and are inexperienced in the field.

3. License and Insurance

Hiring a contractor to install new siding is a significant decision. You want to be confident that the individual you choose has all of the necessary credentials and insurance.

To locate a competent contractor, search to see whether they are licensed in your state. All states have rules for contractors’ qualifications, so you may rest confident that they have met some minimal requirements.

To make sure your contractor is up to par, check their insurance coverage. A great body of work will have liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance will safeguard you in case something occurs during the installation process. If an employee gets hurt or sick because of their job, this policy also offers benefits.

The majority of siding contractors are general contractors, allowing them to perform a wide range of building tasks. Many states also demand that siding businesses be licensed as roofers, since the installation of roofs and siding is frequently linked.

4. Interview Contractors

One of the first things that individuals notice about a property is its exterior, and it’s critical to make a good first impression. Siding contractors may assist with the appearance of a home by installing new siding or repairing damaged paneling. It’s crucial to speak with several siding contractors before making a selection. Here are some questions to ask:

Q. What material do you use for your siding? 

The siding type should be able to be determined by a competent contractor. Brick, for example, is less prone to fade than wood siding.

Q. Do you have any knowledge of the sort of siding I’m interested in? 

Not all contractors will be able to install the siding you want. Some types of siding may cause difficulty for them. If this is the case, see if they can suggest a contractor who can install the siding you require.

Q. What is your warranty? 

It’s important to keep in mind that siding is an item you’ll have for a very long time. If the contractor has a solid warranty, it might be worth spending more money on better quality siding so your investment lasts even longer.

Q. How long will the installation take?

The amount of time it will take to install siding is determined by a variety of factors, such as the size of your home, the number of windows and doors you have, and other elements. So, if you’re installing new siding, the contractor should be able to tell you how long it will take.

Q. How much will it cost? 

Before you decide whether or not to install new siding, it is important to ask your contractor how much the project will cost. If they are unable to give you a price quote, this could be an indication that they lack experience. Make sure you get an accurate estimate so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not installing new siding is right for your home.

Q. Do you have any pictures of past work?

A contractor who has a portfolio of his work is likely to take pride in his projects and be knowledgeable about the materials he uses. This will give you an idea of what your new siding will look like and if it meets your expectations before deciding to purchase.

Conclusion

Obviously, this isn’t a comprehensive list. There are other criteria to consider when hiring a siding contractor, and it’s important to have a good reputation in your area. However, this is an excellent checklist to follow when searching for a siding contractor. Blue Angel Roofing and General Contractors has a reputation as one of the best siding contractors, so get in touch with us now!