Replacing the siding is a huge part of any exterior home improvement project. Having this done the right way can really upgrade the aesthetics of any home. Many people, however, do not have the tools or expertise to do it themselves and therefore will be looking to hire a setting contractor to complete this work. The following article will go over some qualifications you should look for when choosing a company who specializes in this field.
1. Initial Estimate
This will be the first interview you will have with the owner or a representative of the company. At this time you should be able to ask all the questions you want and have them answered thoroughly. You should feel absolutely comfortable with the person you are talking to and be satisfied with the answers you get. Any attempt to dodge your questions or belittle your concerns should be ample cause for you to look to the next person.
2. Materials to Be Used
What materials will be used on your home. This may seem like a silly question but no all vinyl siding is created equally. Some of the major siding manufacturers are Alcoa, Alside, Crane, CertainTeed, Napco, Norandex, Nailite, Wolverine, Royal, and Vytec. The siding contractor should be an authorized dealer/ installer of the product they are representing and make sure its employees are fully trained in working with that product. True, all siding is basically the same but there are minor differences in how all of the manufacturers make it and they each make their specific brand geared to a slightly different application process.
3. Get A Least Three Bids
A lot of times we do feel we have a connection with the first company we meet and feel “this” is the guy I want to go with. While you definitely want to choose a person who you like it is imperative you get at least three bids. You need to have something to compare. You might find that another person will offer a higher quality siding for a cheaper price. Note of caution: do not go with the a contractor JUST because he is the cheapest. This is fool’s gold and people usually pay more in the long run when they go this route. You are looking for value.
4. References and Current Job Sites
I am not going to give you a set number but you need to get a couple references. Get at least three. Ask a company to provide you name and numbers of their recent past customers. Talk tot them and ask if they would do business with this particular siding contractor again.
Another suggestion is to inspect some job sites they are currently working on. Observe the boss and their employees. What does the job site look like? Are they on time in the morning? Are they organized? What is the demeanor of their employees? These are the people who will be working for you should you accept a bid and hire them.
5. Warranty
Ask how long the work will be backed up. When you are looking at bids this should be a huge selling point. You want to make sure that if there is a problem in the future it will be promptly fixed. And get it in writing! No verbal agreements should be accepted. All the materials, labor, estimated time of job completion, and the guarantee should be on paper, in writing.
