Planning a siding replacement could be overwhelming, especially for people doing the project for the first time. However, this shouldn’t be the case with the help of a dependable contractor. The success of your project highly depends on who will execute it. That’s why you should carefully assess the company you will hire.
Read on to discover the characteristics of a reliable contractor.
What to Look For
Location
You want to hire a contractor who can immediately respond to your needs. It’s among the many reasons to choose a local siding company. If you hire one from a different area, you might have to pay more for travel costs and wait longer for your project’s completion.
Another great thing about going local is it helps your city’s economy. Furthermore, local businesses usually have a reputation to protect, meaning they focus more on the quality of their work. You can count on them to immediately arrive at your home if you need an emergency repair or if something goes wrong during your project.
License
Many states require contractors to have licenses to run their businesses. There is the risk of not having the appropriate permit for your project if you hire an unlicensed installer. As a result, you might have to face legal consequences and pay fines.
Moreover, licensing says a lot about the reliability and competence of a contractor. It shows that they have passed certain requirements and proven their eligibility for doing specific projects. With a license, you can rest assured that a contractor knows what they are doing and understands the job they have to complete.
Insurance
Your siding installation contractor must have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. With proper insurance, you will have protection if an issue arises during your siding replacement project. If your contractor does not have it, you could end up paying for damage that occurred on your property while the workers were installing your new siding. Moreover, insurance shows how much a siding contractor cares about its workers and clients.
Portfolio and Reviews
It pays to invest in a contractor who specializes in your specific project. Always do your research before hiring a company. Check your prospective contractor’s website to see the services they offer. They might have also uploaded their portfolio or photos of their previous works.
Another thing you must do is read reviews from past clients. The feedback will give you an idea of what it is like to work with the contractor. If there were surprises or complaints, see how the contractor addressed the issue.
Detailed Estimate
Experts recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a siding installation contractor. It will give you an idea of how much your new siding will cost and help you choose a company that meets your needs. A reliable professional will have no problems providing you with a detailed estimate. It should include how much the labor, materials and permits will cost.
When hiring a contractor, price isn’t the only factor you should consider. It’s not always a good idea to hire an installer with the lowest bid. They could be cutting corners in other aspects of the project, such as material quality. It could also be that the workers are offering a lower price because they aren’t as experienced.
Quality Products
Before hiring a contractor, you want to know what products they are offering. At Peninsula Siding Company we work with industry leaders, such as James Hardie, to provide superior siding options. We only use materials that will elevate your home’s look while also protecting it from the elements and keeping your living space comfortable.
Warranties
Siding replacement can involve significant costs. Hire a contractor and material that offers comprehensive warranties to protect your investment. Doing so will protect you against product defects and installation mistakes. The better the coverage of the warranties a siding replacement contractor offers, the more confident they are about the skills and materials they use. We not only provide product warranties, we personally offer a warranty ourselves against any defects in workmanship for your siding installation that may potentially happen over the years.
Payment Options
The Better Business Bureau doesn’t recommend paying the complete cost of your project upfront. A reputable contractor will only ask for a down payment or deposit before starting your project. You could be asked to make payments at certain stages of your project and the final payment after completing the siding project and inspections. We always have everything in writing just in case a conflict arises.
Contract Details
Only hire a contractor after you have read and understood your contract. No work should start until you have completely done so. You know you have a good contract if it thoroughly explains your project in complete detail. It should also say who will be responsible for supervising the project and obtaining permits.
Your contract should state the agreed start and completion dates of your project. If the scope of the work changes or conflict happens, it should explain what course of action to take.
Questions to Ask Your Prospective Contractor
Can You Provide References?
Aside from proof of license and insurance, it also helps to ask your prospective contractor for referrals. Reliable companies won’t have problems providing you with the contact information of their previous customers. Ask their references questions about the company’s work practices, the habits of the workers and the outcome of their projects.
Do You Use Subcontractors?
You will know who is responsible for installing your new siding by asking this question. Some companies use subcontractors to cut corners. You want to hire a contractor who is there for every step of the job.
What Policy Do You Have for Addressing Customer Complaints?
You must know who to contact if you have concerns during or after your project. Determine how your prospective contractor addresses customer grievances. Failing to ask this question could make the contractor assume that you are alright with any outcome the workers deliver.
Superior siding materials, excellent workmanship and friendly customer service are just among the benefits of working with Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. We install high-quality James Hardie and Woodtone, among other products. Call us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.