Siding serves quite a number of purposes in a home, for example, ensuring the house stays warm during winter, lowering your utility bills during summer, and providing aesthetic appeal to the exterior of your home. The type and brand of siding also plays an important role in bolstering your home value. Therefore, hiring a professional siding contractor is one of the best decisions you can make. The best way to find a reputable siding contractor is to ask them relevant questions.
You want someone who will give you the desired results, not some shoddy contractor who will leave you with regrets. Here are eight questions to ask a siding contractor:
How long has your company been in business?
Ideally, you want to be dealing with a siding contractor who has decades of work experience. If you go for a contractor whose company has only been in business for a few months, you may not get the results you require. To access this kind of useful information, companies such as Siding & Windows Group have a section of reviews from previous clients, just for you. These sections will let you know how many years they have been helping their clients and if what they do stands the test of time.
Are you licensed by the state to perform siding work?
In most states, the Department of Labor generally makes it mandatory for every building contractor who specializes in more than one area to have a license. Therefore, it is important to ask the contractor for their license number so that you can verify their qualifications
Do you offer extra home insulation when installing the new siding?
Extra home insulation will considerably reduce your energy costs. If you ask a professional siding contractor such as Dennis & Sons Contracting, they should be able to discuss with you the various types of insulation available and the ones that best meet your energy needs.
Do you have worker’s compensation and liability insurance?
Always make sure that the siding contractor you hire has worker’s compensation. If they do not and one of their employees gets injured on your property, you will be held liable for any medical costs. On top of that, you should also ensure that the contractor has some kind of liability insurance so that you get compensation for any damages caused by the contractor.
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?
Before you decide on whether to hire a siding contractor, find out what kind of warranty and guarantee they offer. They should be able to offer a reasonable warranty on the materials they use and a guarantee for their work.
When will the job be completed?
This is more than just knowing the installation date. Knowing the contractors timetable will help in coordinating the movement of delivery trucks and workmen on your property. Someone needs to be around to let the contractor onto the property.
What is the expected payment schedule?
Some contractors expect a certain amount as down payment while others may want to be paid after the entire project is complete. Whatever decision you make, don’t pay the full amount before work begins.
Can you give me some of your references?
Ask the contractor for a list of homeowners whom they have worked for in the past. You can then call them to confirm the contractor’s reputation. If you ask the right questions and get the right answers, you will make the right decision. Don’t be afraid to get this kind of information. If the siding contractor is a professional, they won’t hesitate to give you the information you want.
