6 Essential Questions to Ask Your Siding Contractor Before Hiring

Think of your first date, job interview, or any big decision that involves evaluating someone’s suitability. You get to know the person better before committing, and asking questions is a key part of that process. Hiring a siding contractor requires the same careful consideration.

Asking questions when hiring a contractor isn’t just smart—it’s essential. This can save you time, money, and headaches down the line. It ensures you choose the right professional for an intricate job, as siding greatly impacts the look and strength of your exterior.

But what are the right questions to ask? This blog discusses six essential questions to ask your siding contractor to ensure high-quality workmanship, timely completion, and a smooth, peaceful home project from start to finish.

#1 What Experience Do You Have with Siding Projects?

Ask about the contractor’s experience first. Experience should be a priority in siding contractor questions because it shows a person’s ability to handle a specific task effectively. It directly affects skill, problem-solving ability, and work quality. The rest will fall into place once you’ve ensured they have the necessary siding contractor experience.

An experienced siding contractor

• installs siding every day;
• has a crew that only does siding, not roofing and other trades;
• is skilled at handling various siding materials and techniques;
• understands common issues;
• is more likely to anticipate potential hurdles; and 
• has a proven track record of consistently delivering excellent results. 

They should also have the required licenses, certifications, and insurance to protect against liabilities and damages. These ensure they can accomplish the task efficiently and to a high standard.

#2 What Siding Materials Do You Recommend for My Home?

Another way to determine a siding contractor’s experience is to request recommendations. Various siding materials, such as vinyl, LP SmartSide, and fiber cement, have their own suitability, benefits, and drawbacks. An expert can best navigate these details and tailor a siding option that balances cost, climate, durability, and aesthetics.

Expert recommendations are essential to avoid making uninformed choices that can lead to costly and time-consuming problems. For example, you might choose vinyl siding because it’s affordable and low maintenance. However, you reside in an area where the weather might be extreme, potentially causing the material to crack. Professional advice can give you the best siding option for your home.

#3 What Is Your Siding Installation Process?

A good contractor operates on transparency and clear expectations upfront. Understanding their installation process ensures you stay informed, eliminating unwanted surprises. It also ensures your siding project is up to code; you don’t want any legal hurdles later on.

Ask about all the steps involved in installing the siding and keeping water out of the home/building, including preparation, removal of old siding (if applicable), replacement of the siding, and cleanup processes. This will help you address concerns early, track progress, and ensure the project runs on schedule.

#4 What Is Included in Your Professional Estimate?

Of course, we can’t skip the financial aspect of siding installation. The costs of professional siding services can be tricky; you need to consider several factors that can significantly impact the final price. To avoid misunderstandings, ask your prospective contractor for detailed estimates.

A comprehensive written estimate usually includes labor, materials, and other additional fees. Asking these before hiring ensures the costs align with your needs and allocated budget. It also provides insight into their payment process, which is necessary to avoid scams. 

With clear communication and detailed estimates, you can ensure that all aspects of the project are covered.

#5 What Post-installation Services Do You Offer?

People often don’t think about post-installation until the job is already underway, but it should be one of the crucial questions to ask your siding contractor. Do they come out after 6 months and inspect their work? Questions like that will help you avoid potential issues and ensure you’re aware of the full scope of the project, which includes warranties, maintenance, and follow-up services.

Choose contractors who offer comprehensive aftercare services. They include post-installation procedures that help maintain the quality of your siding. By doing so, they ensure that their work continues to meet your expectations in the long run.

#6 What Is Your Warranty Policy?

Picture this: A few months after installing your new siding, you notice some of the panels warping. Fortunately, you have a contractor warranty, so you contact the contractor, who inspects the problem and repairs it at no additional cost, keeping the restored siding compliant. 

This is the essence of warranties, a crucial aspect you can’t overlook when choosing a siding contractor. Warranty policies guarantee you get value for your money. They also reflect a contractor’s confidence and commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship. Keep in mind that warranties have varying types, coverage, and conditions, so clarify those before signing anything. 

Takeaway

Curiosity isn’t just for cats—it’s key to making informed decisions about your new siding project. That requires careful preparation, so be proactive in the selection process. Thoroughly vet your prospective contractor and ask the right questions. This will lead you to a trustworthy contractor who will give you a positive experience and, most importantly, beautiful and sturdy siding. 

Remember: there are no dumb questions! The only wrong thing would be to not ask and miss your opportunities for clarity. 

If you need a contractor for your siding project, Storm Guard Roofing of Madison is here to help. Our team of licensed and insured siding professionals brings superior craftsmanship to every job, and we back our work with generous labor warranties and lifetime manufacturer warranties for your peace of mind. We’re also obsessed with customer satisfaction. Before you decide to work with us, we’d be happy to answer any essential questions to ask your siding contractor to ensure you feel confident in your choice. 

Let us help you make the best decision for your home. Contact us today to get a FREE estimate.