8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Siding Contractor

Siding and roofing contractors take on an immense responsibility, from the overall scope of the project to impending liabilities. Therefore, it is essential to know what to look for in a contractor. It’s no exaggeration to say that your chosen contractor can literally make or break the project.

Finding the right siding contractor shouldn’t be difficult. Having a checklist of what to ask can help alleviate the stress of knowing whether or not you’ve picked the right person for the job. Pawcatuck Roofing Co., Inc., put together eight questions to ask your potential contractor to help you determine if they’re the right company for you.

1. How Long Have You Been Working in the Industry?

The number of years a siding contractor has been in business should give you an idea of their level of expertise. Ideally, you want a contractor that’s been in business for at least seven years. This demonstrates that they have the skills to maintain a lasting company. In general, the more varied a contractor’s experience, the better. 

2. What’s Your Official Business Name and Where Are You Located?

A legit siding contractor must have a legal business name. This makes it easier for you to check the credentials later by looking the company up online. If the contractors can’t provide a name, it’s possible that they might not be authorized to do business in the first place. Likewise, location can play a factor in your project’s timeframe and cost. It also means that when potential problems arise, you know how and where to reach your contractor.

3.  Do You Have Any Certifications?

Some states require specific licensing to install the siding. Asking your contractor if they do siding within your state will make sure they’re familiar with the corresponding building codes that won’t run you into legal problems. Any legal issues that may arise when a siding contractor fails to meet a building code can end up shutting down a project potentially for months at a time, leaving you high and dry.

4.  Do You Use a Subcontractor? 

Most well-established exterior companies have their own employees and a team of experienced and verified workers. It’s best to have a company that uses its own full-time employees to complete the work. That way, you know who you’re dealing with and you don’t have a group of strangers on your property while the work is being completed.

5. What is Your Payment Plan?

You should never pay 100% of your project cost upfront. A contractor should provide you with a detailed payment plan which allows for payment installations. You should expect to pay a down payment installation at the start of the project (about 50%), which can be negotiable from contractor to contractor. Expect to pay after other significant project milestones as well as the final payment upon project completion. Be sure to have a payment plan in writing.

6. Do You Offer Guarantees or Warranties?

The best siding and roofing repair contractors will offer some kind of warranty or guarantee on the work completed. Mistakes can happen with any contractor, so you need one that will own up when mistakes are made and repair the damage for free, as long as certain conditions are met.

7. Can I Ask for Local References?

The absolute best way to know you’re dealing with a good contractor is to ask for references from those who have hired them before. In addition, look for references outside of the names the contractor gave you. You might search on social media and websites to help you get an accurate picture of the kind of service you’ll receive from a certain contractor.

8. What’s Your Procedure for Removing Waste?

This one is important for your safety and comfort during a siding job. A good contractor will not leave debris or even a finishing nail on your sidewalk. This is the kind of treatment you want, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less.

When it comes to excellent residential and commercial roof replacement services, let Pawcatuck Roofing Co., Inc. handle the job. Whether you’re looking for simple repairs or require a complete overhaul, we can help. For your FREE, no-obligation consultation, call us at (860) 940-2343 or complete our online request form. We serve customers as roofing contractors in Westerly, RI, and nearby areas.