The best siding contractors will make sure your project runs smoothly from start to finish with quality craftsmanship along the way. A bad siding company can turn a simple home improvement project into a nightmare. Learn how to identify the right contractor for your project and what red flags to look out for.
Why Choosing the Right Siding Contractor Matters
A home is an investment. The siding on your home protects it from damage. It is also the first thing people see from outside your home, providing curb appeal that increases value. A great contractor helps during every step of your process. From helping you select the right siding material to providing expert advice when you find surprises– you want to be working with someone you trust so you have peace of mind that the job is done right.
The Risks of Sloppy Siding
Siding protects your home from a multitude of damages. The first line of defense against rain, snow, sun, and wind– the interior elements of your home need the protection it provides. In addition to that, siding plays a role in insulating your home, increases the longevity of your home, deters pests, and provides curb appeal. Sloppy siding can leave room for pests to enter your home, water damage to occur, and harm your home’s resale value. A bad siding job can end up costing double or triple what you thought you were saving.
Tips for Hiring Siding Contractors
It’s important to do a little bit of research before contacting siding contractors. This will help you stay informed and less susceptible to scams. It will also help you understand what looks and feels best for your home and how large the scope of the project is.
Understand Your Project Needs
This simple starting point will be the first thing contractors need to understand to provide you with a quote. Is there a section of damaged siding you’d like to repair? Are you looking for a full replacement? Do you like your current siding, or are you hoping to create a new feel? This is the time to dream big and explore the types of siding you might like, decide how much new siding you’re investing in, and think about the aesthetic appeal you’d like to see. Explore local building codes and requirements you would need to adhere to, along with any HOA restrictions limiting your choices.
Know Your Material Options
Siding comes in a wide variety of types, styles, and colors. You might lean towards a practical, more affordable option like vinyl siding. Or maybe you want to invest in something more insulative and long-lasting like fiber cement. The type of siding that is best for your home will align with your local weather extremes, the existing infrastructure, and architectural elements. Explore the 8 most common types of home siding and learn more about their pros and cons on our blog.
Crunch The Numbers: Define a Budget
You’ve dreamt big– but now you need to see if it can happen. Crunch some numbers to figure out your budget range for this work. You want to consider the material type, labor, and size of your project to land on a price range that feels right for you. Be realistic with yourself; you don’t want to take the lowest bid to get a high-quality material, as it is only as high-quality as the installation. The same goes for buying subpar materials, hoping quality work can hide it. Finding a mix of quality and value that works for your aesthetic and pocketbook is the sweet spot.
Research Right: How to Choose A Siding Contractor
Where do you look to find the best siding contractor? There are several ways to go about researching your options, including the internet, word-of-mouth, and platforms designated to help connect contractors with homeowners. Each has benefits, and a mix of all three can sometimes lead you to the best results.
Search Engines & Local Review Platforms
The simplest way to find a siding contractor is to conduct a basic internet search for “siding contractor near me” and see what is available. Search engines like Google have their own reviews, which can be a helpful way to see how past customers found their experience. You can also explore platforms like Angi, the Better Business Bureau, or Yelp to find local businesses that can support your siding installation project. Finally, consider asking around to friends and family in the area to see if they have worked with a contractor they liked. They may even have a warning or two to share that helps you eliminate some options.
Confirm Credentials
Once you’ve found 4-5 local prospective siding contractors with good reviews, it’s time to begin the vetting process. You want to make an informed decision, and that includes making sure each contractor has proper licensing, proof of insurance, and several years of experience in the field. If this information isn’t readily available on their website, don’t hesitate to ask them for it. Any professional should be happy to answer your questions and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward to get a quote. Beware of any contractors who try to get you a quote or ask for payment before answering basic credentialing questions!
Request and Compare Quotes
Now that you have a list of credentialed, licensed, insured siding contractors you’re considering, it’s time to get some quotes for the work. These should be onsite visits where an expert from their team takes a look at your home, takes measurements, and discusses your siding material options and wants. Then, they’ll take this information back to their team, and the siding company will provide you with a quote for the work.
Next, you’ll want to examine the quotes. A good quote is detailed and includes material, labor, and disposal costs. If it’s unclear where a cost is coming from or how a calculation was made– ask more questions. Compare the materials quoted in each (did one siding company quote for vinyl while another used fiber cement?) and see how the quotes compare. Consider the quotes alongside customer reviews. This will start to put a picture together of how your experience might be working with each for your siding project.
Ask Questions To Solidify Your Pick
If you have outstanding questions, ask them! These contractors should be available and willing to help answer questions about your siding project. If they offer a material you aren’t sure about, ask for additional rates for alternatives.
Some great questions to ask for clarity:
- What is your estimated timeline for the completion of this work if we go under contract today? (A couple of days to a week is standard.)
- Do you have preferences on the siding material your customers select? Why?
- Do you provide a guarantee on workmanship of your product and what is it?
- What happens if the project is not completed to satisfaction?
The cheapest option isn’t always the best one, and pushing for a bit more information can help you come out ahead. They may try quoting you for vinyl to meet your hopeful budget, but if it’s not right for your home, that’s not the investment you were hoping to make. The answers might eliminate some contractors from the running, but that’s all part of knowing how to choose a siding contractor.
Review Past Work & Quotes To Make Your Decision
A good contractor will be happy to share a portfolio of their past work and additional quotes if needed to help you make your decision. Your siding project is a big investment; seeing quality work on other people’s homes can help you imagine a positive project outcome. In the long run, it’s better to take extra time to land on a contractor now than to regret your rushed decision later. The contractor’s previous work is an important indicator of how your project may turn out.
Suspiciously Low BidsIf three of your bids are around $5,000 and the fourth comes in at $1,000– pause before proceeding with the lowest bid. Consider what corners have been cut to get there. It’s not unlikely to see a range of $1,000-$2,000 on a larger project between contractors, but being a fraction of the other contractor’s costs? Typically that means they’re being dishonest about something. |
Missing InformationIf you notice the quote isn’t itemized, the materials seem vague, or they won’t answer your questions about insurance, project details, or siding types– alarm bells should be going off that this isn’t a quality contractor. |
Why Do I Feel So Rushed?You don’t need to make an immediate decision, pay to “lock in” their rate, or feel pressured to schedule right away. This is a tactic by shady companies to take advantage of you. Take your time to make an informed choice. No payment should be exchanged without a signed contract. |
Vague Contract Language & Poor CommunicationIf you get to the contract phase and find boilerplate, confusing language– think twice. Make sure the contract includes: timelines, details on materials and labor costs, and an outline of what happens in a worst-case scenario clearly included in the contract. If the communication during this phase is challenging, reconsider your options before locking yourself into a contract. |
Suspiciously Low Bids
If three of your bids are around $5,000 and the fourth comes in at $1,000– pause before proceeding with the lowest bid. Consider what corners have been cut to get there. It’s not unlikely to see a range of $1,000-$2,000 on a larger project between contractors, but being a fraction of the other contractor’s costs? Typically that means they’re being dishonest about something.
Missing Information
If you notice the quote isn’t itemized, the materials seem vague, or they won’t answer your questions about insurance, project details, or siding types– alarm bells should be going off that this isn’t a quality contractor.
Why Do I Feel So Rushed?
You don’t need to make an immediate decision, pay to “lock in” their rate, or feel pressured to schedule right away. This is a tactic by shady companies to take advantage of you. Take your time to make an informed choice. No payment should be exchanged without a signed contract.
Vague Contract Language & Poor Communication
If you get to the contract phase and find boilerplate, confusing language– think twice. Make sure the contract includes: timelines, details on materials and labor costs, and an outline of what happens in a worst-case scenario clearly included in the contract. If the communication during this phase is challenging, reconsider your options before locking yourself into a contract.
Contract with Confidence
After taking the time to learn how to choose a siding contractor, we’re confident you’ll find Aerotech to be your top choice. Our team of professionals has decades of experience. We will provide expert advice on materials and your options. Our high-quality craftsmanship means your project is always done right. We can’t wait to help you complete your siding project. Get in touch today!
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