How to Choose the Right Siding Contractor for Your Home Renovation
Have you been considering home renovation for some time now? Siding is a huge part of home renovation in the sense that it plays a major role in both aesthetics and protection. Siding is not just about the curb appeal. It helps keep your home insulated and protected. But, how do you go about choosing the right siding contractor?
1. Research Comes First
Before you begin hiring a siding contractor who can help you with all the work, do your homework. You can start by searching online for “best siding contractors near me.” However, that is just the start. Do not stop there.
Follow this up by searching for Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews next. Start shortlisting contractors who have relatively positive feedback and not just a few five-star ratings.
Ask your friends, family, or neighbors if they have any recommendations and if you admire someone’s work, don’t be shy! Ask them who did it.
2. Licenses and Insurance
This is a detail that you cannot afford to miss. A reputable siding contractor will often be licensed and insured. This license ensures that they meet the state and local building codes. Additionally, insurance protects you from any liability if something goes wrong. Always ask your contractor for proof and if they hesitate, take that as a red flag!
3. Experience Matters
Siding installation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It requires great skill and precision. It would be best to look for a contractor who has at least five years of experience under their belt. Different materials like vinyl, fiber cement, wood, and metal would each have their own unique installation requirements that only an expert contractor would know.
Bonus Tip: You can also ask them for a portfolio of their past work. If their previous projects look great, especially in your preferred material, go for it!
4. Ask for Multiple Quotes
Before you settle on an offer, go to more than one contractor and collect multiple quotes over the phone. You should get at least three estimates which can help you compare the pricing in your region, understand the industry standards, and avoid over or underpaying (everyone likes to pay less, but not when shoddy work is involved)!
These quotes will include the labor, materials, timelines, as well as any potential additional costs. If your contractor is vague about their costs, be cautious as they may charge you for miscellaneous items later!
5. Guarantees and Warranties
A reputable contractor is often going to have no issue standing behind their word. They’d usually offer you some kind of warranty which could include material warranty (covering any potential defects in the siding itself) or workmanship warranty (this covers installation errors).
Moreover, once you have found the perfect contractor, it is essential to ensure you have gotten all those details in writing. This often includes the contract, the payment schedule, the timeline, the warranty terms, and any change orders. Establishing a strong contract at the start of the project will protect not just you but also your contractor.
Time to Make the Choice
Finding the right contractor doesn’t need to take up a lot of your time. It doesn’t need to be that stressful either. Take your time, do your research, and put more effort into finding quality work as opposed to cheap labor. That’s going to pay off in the long run!
