Hiring a siding contractor to install, repair, or replace your home’s siding is a big decision. It is important to do your due diligence during the hiring process to avoid hiring someone with poor craftsmanship, who is unprofessional, or that is unreliable to complete their work on time or within budget.
This review discusses eight questions you can ask your siding contractor before officially hiring them for your project.
8 Questions To Ask Any Siding Contractor
You may have additional questions to ask, and you should ask any and all questions you have to get as much information before the project begins as possible. However, the following eight questions to ask your siding contractor are a great guide to ensure you cover the most important topics.
1. Do You Have The Necessary Licensing And Insurance To Work In The State?
You should first ensure that the siding contractor you are considering is properly licensed and insured. Some states and local municipalities require licenses according to the building codes.
A failure to obtain the proper license could lead to your project being shut down, which can delay the work you desire by a significant portion of time. Of course, your contractor should also have adequate insurance for their work as well as workers’ compensation for the members of their contracting team.
2. What Is Your Experience With Siding Installation?
You also want to ensure you hire a siding installation company with experience. Ideally, the contractor should have worked in the industry for at least a year and have a proven reputation within your community.
This can benefit you in multiple ways. Notably, experienced contractors are better equipped to handle unforeseen setbacks in the process and work efficiently to cut down on the time it takes to complete your project.
3. What Subcontractors Do You Use?
Contractors often hire subcontractors to complete parts of projects that are not within the contractors expertise. For example, a siding contractor may hire an electrician if there are any electrical components involved with the job.
While there are times when hiring a subcontractor may be necessary, hiring a contractor who can perform the majority of the job themselves or with the assistance of other employees within their company can help you reduce cost and project time.
4. What Warranty Coverage Do You Offer?
Any construction project, including siding replacement and installation, comes with risks. If something were to go wrong and your contractor does not stand behind their work with a guarantee or warranty coverage, then you may be on the hook for some or all of the costs associated with the setback.
Be sure to ask the siding contractor if they offer any guarantee or warranty coverage for their work. You should also ask about what materials they intend to use and what manufacturer’s warranties the siding materials come with.
5. Do You Have Any References That I Can Examine?
References are a great way to ensure the quality of craftsmanship and professionalism of the contractor you are considering. If they have before and after photos of projects they have worked on in the past or verified reviews from previous clients, then that should help you feel secure with your hiring decision. On the other hand, bad references or a lack of references could be a cause for concern.
6. What Is The Payment Process Like?
It is also important to ask and get clarification about how the payment process works. Some contractors require all of the payment to be made upfront or in various stages. Payment is the elephant in the room in some cases, and addressing it up front can help you and the contractor focus solely on the project.
7. How Long Will The Job Take?
Ideally, your siding contractor should be able to provide a contract that details the cost of the work and an estimated project time. Of course, setbacks can happen that may make the project take longer, but having an estimated date of completion can help you properly prepare as well as provide motivation for the contractor to finish on time.
8. What Is Your Cleanup And Waste Removal Process?
Professional siding contractors should include cleanup and waste removal as part of the job. You do not want to hire a contractor that leaves the stripped and unused siding lying around your home’s foundation.
Are You Ready To Get Started With Your Next Siding Project?
Whether you are looking for more information or are ready to start the hiring process and begin your home’s siding needs, our team can help. Our Northern Virginia siding contractors here at Adelphia Exteriors are more than happy to answer any and all questions and concerns you have and guide you throughout your home’s siding installation, repair, or replacement project.