When it comes time to repair or replace the siding on your home, no decision you make will be as important as that of hiring a good siding contractor. Having a siding contractor that understands your home’s needs and gets the work done in a timely way is crucial to having your project completed the right way. Make sure you take the time to hire a competent contractor that you trust to get the job done right (the first time).
Decide on Your Product
Like many types of contractors, siding contractors may specialize in what it is that they do. So if you’re looking for someone that can install old fashioned pine siding, you may be looking for a contractor that is different than the guy installing vinyl up the street on your neighbor’s house. Make sure you take the time to determine exactly what it is you want done to ensure you find the right person for the job.
Speak with Three
Ideally, you want to take the time to speak with three separate siding contractors. Have them come out to the house, take a look at what it is you want done, and give you an estimate for the job. You should find that the three come in fairly close together in price; a contractor that is way above or way below the average could signal someone that either doesn’t want the job, or doesn’t know what he’s doing (among other things).
Remember that you want to go with someone you trust, so be sure to speak with all three at length about what they think should be done. Ideally, your siding contractor should be someone knowledgeable, who is able to explain the process to you so you can understand.
Get References
Ask the siding contractors you are speaking to for references. They should be able to provide you with the names and numbers of at least three satisfied customers. A contractor unable or unwilling to do this is someone you need to cross off your list.
Be sure to follow up with these references, and ask questions such as:
Was the job done on time?
Was it completed to your satisfaction?
Was the price as quoted?
How did the job hold up over time?
Do they have anything they’d like to add?
Ask for a Portfolio or Pictures
Does your potential siding contractor have any photos of other, finished jobs to share with you? This is particularly important if you are having specialty work done on your home including things like gingerbread eaves or cedar shingles.
Get a Written Estimate and Contract
The siding contractor you ultimately choose should offer you his terms in writing. You should be comfortable with the price and the details, and that estimate or contract should also offer his guarantee on his work. Anyone that can’t guarantee his own workmanship is not someone you want working on your house.
Hire the Right Contractor for the Job
When you find the right siding contractor, your new project should go off as smoothly as possible. Take the time to locate the right person for the job (interview multiple siding contractors) and know that your house is in good hands.
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