Consider your options before selecting a siding contractor to ensure your new home upgrade is installed correctly and no other problems come up during the project
Key takeaways
- Experience is essential when siding your house
- Insurance and licensing are essential factors to consider
- Transparency improves your satisfaction
- High-end siding contractors focus on customer service
When the time comes to replace the siding on your home, you’ll have some critical decisions to make. After all, the siding is the first thing visitors see when they pull up to your house, so you want it to look good.
While you might spend a lot of time looking at the materials and colors on the market, and there are many of them, the company you get to install the product is equally important.
Not all siding installation contractors are equal and going with the wrong individual or company could lead to more headaches than it’s worth. It could also end up costing you more money, even if they quote a lower price.
Finding an experienced, transparent contractor who has the right insurance and licensing will make your life a lot easier. Here’s a look at some crucial things to look for when choosing a siding-installation contractor.
1. Years of experience
It should go without saying that it’s best to choose a contractor with siding experience, but there are many reasons why this is the case.
For starters, an experienced contractor will complete the job with the skill and precision necessary to ensure your home looks great. That’s not to say that a less-seasoned worker can’t get the job done, just that it becomes riskier when the contractor has fewer years working with siding. Siding installations are often trickier than they seem, especially with types of siding that may require special equipment to cut or special processes to mount.
A proper installation makes it more likely that your siding will last for years to come. Poor installation can lead to loose siding that is more prone to wind damage and will cause you problems in the long run.
An experienced contractor can also save you money in some cases, both by finishing the job faster and wasting less material. Workers with multiple years of siding experience know to plan before cutting the siding, leading to fewer mistakes while maximizing the material’s coverage. Even if a less experienced contractor quotes a lower price, you could end up spending more if the job takes longer or uses more material than you expect.
Next, the more experience a contractor has, the easier it becomes for them to provide you with good recommendations. If you’re struggling to determine the type of siding or color you want to go with, speaking with a contractor who has extensive remodeling experience will give you insight into what will look good on your home and provide more insight into each type of siding.
HardiePlank, vinyl, and cellular PVC all have pros and cons, and your contractor should provide you with that information before you decide.
Finally, an experienced contractor can often customize the job to meet your unique specifications. Someone with only a few years of experience might go with a generic installation that looks good but doesn’t provide the pop you expect from new siding. Experienced contractors know how to work with you to create the exact look you desire, improving your home’s curb appeal.
Overall, it’s always best to go with an experienced siding contractor over someone just starting in the industry. As a rule, look for a contractor with multiple years of siding-specific experience. It’s also a good idea to ask for reviews and to see a portfolio of past jobs before signing on with anyone. That way, you can be confident by examining some of the contractor’s past work before you begin.
2. Insurance and licensing
Once you learn about a contractor’s industry experience, the next step is to ask about insurance and licensing.
Insurance is essential when working on your home. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for damages and compensation for injuries that occur on your property.
When a contractor is working on your siding, there will be an entire team of people participating in the tear-off and installation. If any of these people are hurt while working on your home, you could face a lawsuit if the contractor doesn’t have insurance.
Siding installation is inherently dangerous because people are working on ladders through most of the process. There’s also a fair amount of flying debris.
As for your property, there’s always the chance that your contractor will inadvertently damage your home. You could wind up with a piece of siding cracking a window, breaking a light, or even damaging your landscaping. Ensure the contractor has insurance coverage available for you in case such unforeseen events occur.
Speak with your contractor about insurance before the job begins to make sure you aren’t left paying out of pocket for injuries or damages.
Licensing is equally essential for siding contractors because it proves that the workers are certified to handle construction jobs in your local area. Without this licensing, you could end up getting fined if officials find out you let an unqualified contractor work on your home.
In addition to fines, you could have trouble selling the home in the future unless you have the work redone, or at least inspected, by someone with a license. Of course, this hassle adds even more expense.
It’s always best to ask about insurance and licensing ahead of time to avoid potential problems. While you could save some money upfront by risking it, the difficulties and expenses you’ll encounter down the line make it a bad idea.
3. Timing and cost transparency
Before deciding on a siding contractor to trust, you should get a cost breakdown and completion timeline from them. This information ensures you know where your money is going and feel comfortable with the expense and timing before you sign a deal.
Choosing a contractor who believes in transparency is vital because it eliminates the guesswork on your part and ensures you receive an itemized breakdown of the costs. This transparency allows you to see the material costs up front and learn how much of it the contractor needs to use on your home.
Transparency also gives you insight into how much money the contractor stands to make on the job. None of this information should be a secret, as a fair contractor should let you know where your money is going.
Timeline transparency provides peace of mind because it offers a good idea of when the job will begin and how long it will take to complete. It also allows you to discuss potential delays. Without this transparency, you could find yourself in the dark and wondering when your contractor will complete the job.
However, finding a contractor who believes in transparency is easier said than done. Make sure you ask for a cost breakdown as part of your initial quote and make sure you’re comfortable with the information the company is presenting.
Transparency is essential because it builds trust and can improve your contractor’s efficiency while creating accountability for the project.
4. Customer service
Finally, consider the level of customer service your contractor provides. This customer service begins when you first reach out to the contractor for a consultation and doesn’t end until you’re 100% satisfied with the job.
Poor customer service can put you at a significant disadvantage from the get-go because you could find yourself having to chase the contractor for a quote.
From there, you might end up having to frequently check-in with the company about timelines and completion, adding stress to your day.
A contractor with good customer service will answer your questions promptly and communicate as much as necessary throughout the process. Contractors with excellent customer service might offer additional services, such as free consultations and estimates, as well.
You should never find yourself wondering why your contractor is only halfway through your siding job or isn’t answering questions. A company that offers excellent customer service will always keep you informed, providing you with peace of mind.
Providing customer service seems like a simple task, but it’s something that many contractors overlook. High-end contractors know the value of keeping their customers happy by focusing on your needs throughout the entire construction process.
Get answers to all your questions at Blue Nail Roofing
Now that you know what makes a high-end siding contractor, all that’s left is to identify a company that meets your needs. While it might sound challenging, you can start by tracking down an outfit that’s been in business for years to see how many other boxes it checks off.
At Blue Nail Roofing we have years of experience installing siding, roofing, windows, and doors in the Morris County, New Jersey area. Our team will provide the transparency, customer service, and skill you need to ensure that your siding installation goes as smoothly as possible. We work with vinyl, HardiePlank, and cellular PVC siding, giving you every option to redo the exterior of your home.
Contact us to set-up your free estimate today.