chicagoprimer Siding is a crucial part of your home. Not only does it boost your home’s curb appeal, but it also provides further insulation and protection from all the elements. This is why it’s important to ensure that your vinyl siding is properly installed by the right professionals and not by unqualified scammers who’ll give you nothing but headaches. Here are some tips for hiring a vinyl siding contractor to guarantee the best results.
What Services Do You Need?
Before everything else, you have to determine your specific needs. Are you only repairing your siding? Or are you replacing some sections? Maybe you want to install a completely new one? Many contractors tend to focus on either repair or installation, so it’d be great to know what you’re looking for.
In addition, although plenty of home siding contractors can handle all types of siding pretty well, nothing beats a company specializing in installing and repairing vinyl siding. Why? Because they’ll have an edge in using certain methods and tools and will have better knowledge and experience. Knowing this helps save you time finding the siding contractor that best suits your needs and preferences.
Ask for Recommendations
Do you know anyone who has had their siding recently installed? If yes, ask them about their vinyl siding contractor and experiences with them. Did they do their job appropriately? Were they efficient? Did they finish the installation on time and within the budget? Was the customer service okay? Referrals from people you know are always a good sign.
Do your Research
No matter how much in a hurry you are, it’s not wise to hire vinyl siding contractors without researching them. This will only increase the risk of you hiring amateur workers. As such, do your research. Look at the company’s online reviews from past customers, and see whether the feedback is positive or not. You can also check their online ratings on the BBB, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp.
Proof of License and Insurance
This one is a no-brainer. Just like any business, license and insurance go hand in hand to verify the legitimacy of a company. So, contractors should be able to provide a copy of both by your request. Licensing proves that the company is highly adept and knowledgeable in installing vinyl siding on your home. It also helps secure permits, making the process much smoother.
On the other hand, insurance protects you from damages and issues relating to the siding installation. When you’re insured, contractors are held liable in case problems arise. Although unlikely, it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
Acquire Multiple Estimates
When looking for a siding contractor, it’s better to obtain at least three estimates from different companies. Ask them to come to your home to discuss your demands and specifications so that they can give a more accurate bid. There’s no need to worry about costs as they’re mostly offered for free.
Moreover, estimates should have a certain price threshold. So if a company charges incredibly cheap or extremely expensive, be careful. They’re either lowballing or overpricing their services. You don’t want anything to do with these kinds of companies.
Request Proof of Work
Most reputable siding contractors have a page dedicated to reviews and photos of their past projects. However, some don’t. In this case, try asking for their portfolio. This will give you a glimpse of what you can expect to get when hiring them.
Ask Questions
Asking questions is a simple but effective method to know more about your potential siding contractor and their work. Here are some essential queries to ask before choosing a vinyl siding contractor:
- How many years have you been installing siding?
- Do you have a specific specialization in installing siding, especially vinyl?
- Have you gone through training and certifications for siding installation?
- Are there any warranties?
- Do you offer a free in-home estimate? What does it include?
- What are your plans for cleanup?
- Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
These are only some of the many questions you can ask your siding contractor. If you have particular concerns in mind, make sure to know the answers.
Ask for Written Estimate
A written estimate is a must. This contract should cover everything related to the project, including the terms and exceptions of work, job details, materials, and pricing. Another necessity is the guarantee of professional workmanship. If a company can’t provide this, that’s a red flag you should avoid.
Determine the Payment Plan
One thing to avoid when hiring vinyl siding contractors is paying 100% of the cost upfront. You should only pay the partial amount at the beginning and gradually give more after project milestones until the work is over. So if a company asks for a full payment before the job is finished, it would be best to consider other contractors.
The Bottom Line
Proper siding installation means the world in making your home stronger and more beautiful. If not done properly, both its durability and looks will be compromised, and you’ll likely have to spend again sooner than expected. You wouldn’t want that. That’s why hiring only the best vinyl siding contractor is essential. But since you’re here, it’s safe to say that you already know what to do.
