Your home’s siding won’t last forever. Either it will become too old to handle the job or it will undergo so much damage from storms and other sources that it will need replacing. So, what is the first step?
Hiring the right siding contractor will make all the difference. But how do you know if the contractor is right for you and your job? Don’t worry. Continue reading for eight factors to consider when hiring a siding contractor. Use this blog as a checklist to ensure the siding contractor is reputable and reliable.
Get a Detailed, Written Contract
Always, always, always read the contract before you sign it. The contract should contain specific details, including the following:
- Type of materials the contractor will use
- Project start and end dates
- Who will handle the site cleanup
- Address changes to the work scope
- Work permits
Many homeowners make the mistake of signing a contract before looking it over and then find themselves in a pickle. This mistake often leads to a disaster. The contractor should have everything spelled out in the contract. If you do not feel comfortable with what the contract details, do not sign it.
Request clarification on any line items you’re unsure about before signing. The contract should contain enough details to refer to for answers to your questions.
Referrals, Work History, and Reviews
Is this a reputable home siding contractor with satisfied customers? Reviews and referrals will shed light on their work ethic, knowledge, and experience. You’re trying to find a trustworthy contractor to fulfill your specific siding needs, so take your time going through these.
Talk with family and friends about siding contractors they’ve worked with, but avoid choosing one based on their advice alone. Read online reviews, too. Past customers can provide photos and first-hand knowledge of how the project turned out.
Pay attention to patterns. You may read review after review stating the contractor exceeded the expected finish date. If you choose this siding contractor, you will know what to expect. You will also notice red flags and understand how they handle conflict and surprises and how they manage their time.
Does the installer follow the codes? It could become a problem for you if they don’t. They could install your siding incorrectly, and you could end up with serious issues down the road.
Proof of Insurance
One of the first things you should ask a siding contractor is to see their proof of insurance. Hiring a contractor that doesn’t have insurance would be a serious disaster. If they don’t have insurance and problems arise, paying for the damages will fall on you.
Look for at least three of a handful of reputable contractors’ insurance types—workers comp, property damage coverage, and liability. Issues can occur when a contractor puts up siding; it will become your responsibility if they don’t have insurance.
Project Cost Projection
A contractor’s pay includes material costs, labor, and other fees. Before hiring a contractor, ask them to provide you with a total estimate for the project. It’s important to remember that while these costs are an estimation, they will give you a good idea of how much to budget. Ensure you have a detailed understanding of what the contractor charges and why, and ask them who’s responsible for surprise expenses.
Get estimates from no less than three different contractors, and don’t choose one simply because they offer the lowest price. You need to weigh all the factors before making a final decision. Remember, you get what you pay for.
The Payment Plan
A contractor should never ask you to pay 100 percent of the costs upfront. If the Better Business Bureau recommends against it, you know there’s a reason. The contractor should provide a comprehensive payment plan with installment details.
It should begin with a down payment, which is typically around 50 percent of the total project cost. You’ll continue to make payments after major milestones. You can expect to pay the final amount upon project completion. Ensure you have the payment plan in writing before the siding project starts.
Proof of Licensing
Each city and state has regulations requiring licensing for contractors. Ask to see the contractor’s licensing as proof they can legally perform their work in your location. If the contractor doesn’t have a license, it will slow down your project’s timeline because they will need to acquire the proper permits. This lack of licensing could also lead to legal troubles.
When a contractor has a license, it means they’ve proven competency in their field and passed examinations regarding particular project types. It also means they have the expertise and understanding necessary to provide quality work for your home.
Certifications
Ensure the siding contractor has their VSI certification. This certification type provides instant validation of skills. Contractors can receive this certification online or in-person by passing an exam. A-Rite Construction and Roofing has this certification, so you can trust our team’s skills.
Material and Labor Warranties
Not every warranty is the same, but they play a role in the project’s lifespan, so be careful when including them in your project’s total cost. Most contractors will use siding that comes with product warranties, but these only back the products. If the siding is defective, the warranty allows for a free or low-cost replacement. Using a reputable contractor to install the siding will ensure the warranty stays intact.
Contractors can provide warranties for the installation and labor. These warranties cover homeowners if something happens after the contractor finishes the project.
At A-Rite Construction and Roofing, we offer top-quality siding along with a top-notch warranty. We understand that homeowners trust our craftmanship and want the best products.
Contractor Location
Supporting a local business is a fantastic idea for any homeowner. Not only are you putting money back into your neighborhood’s economy, but your contractor will be close enough to handle issues quickly. Plus, the project costs will be lower since the siding contractor won’t need to drive far for labor or supplies.
Local contractors care about how their towns look and focus on providing quality work and building long-lasting client relationships. Hiring locally provides a better end-project and a smoother process. If you’re in the Wausau, Wisconsin, area, hire A-Rite Construction and Roofing for all your siding, roofing, and other exterior home needs.
Now that you understand the factors to consider when hiring a siding contractor, it’s time to start looking. This blog post will help you find the right contractor for your needs. Take your time with the hiring process to ensure you’re employing the right person or company for the project. Refer to the blog post in the future when you need to replace your siding.
