The Scoop on Siding Contractors
The exterior of you home says a lot about who you are and how much attention you pay to your home. If you’re considering re-doing your wood or vinyl siding, spend a little time researching potential contractors.
Surf for Siding Contractors
The Internet is one place to start gathering information on potential contractors. Some sites allow reviews of businesses and others provide ratings. Also ask friends and check with local home improvement stores for referrals. Vinyl siding vendors often know the best home improvement companies to do the installation.
You can get an idea of the cost of vinyl siding installation by comparing rates and quotes online. But don’t rely only on online reviews. Make sure you check a potential contractor’s:
- Business practices: Does the contractor return calls promptly, have a legitimate business address, and provide solid reference for home improvement work?
- References: Call a few on the phone, but also try to drive by some sites. Ask for names of people who had vinyl siding installed a few years ago. This can give you an idea of how the siding and installation holds up over time.
- Quality of work: When inspecting a contractor’s work, look first at the overall picture. How does the wood or vinyl siding look from the curb? Then narrow in on the details. Are there boards out of alignment? Is the color consistent? Has the owner had any problems with water infiltration? The Federal Trade Commission provides an extensive list of things to look for in potential contractors.
- Licensing and bonding: Many states require licensing for home improvement work. Requirements vary from state to state, so check for your local requirements. Make sure the company carries insurance and is bonded.
Your Contractor and Curb Appeal
Wood and vinyl siding are important exterior elements that add to your home’s appearance and value. Make sure any contractor you hire has good references and a solid history installing siding.
Good points. Should try and follow these steps with any outside contracting you are considering. I also like to hit them with a bunch of questions to get a real feel of what they are offering, gotta try to weed through the slime balls who do makeshift jobs.
Make sure the contractor has experience with the siding product used. I had a contractor who would not warranty the work when the siding product failed. He claimed is was not his fault, but the siding manufacturer’s fault(they claimed it was an installation problem.) End result=I got screwed.
The Better Business Bureau is a great place to start when checking the viability of potential contractors. The BBB has local extension in virtually every city as well as a robust web site for online searching. You can potentially save even more time by beginning your search for a contractor there. It should reduce the chances of finding a dud.
A great way to check up on a contractor is go to the local lumber store and ask if the contractor is in good financial standing…some creative story telling and a smile can usually get you all the info you need!