Whether you need to have new siding installed or to repair an existing exterior, choosing the right siding installer for your project is imperative. Choosing the wrong one, after all, can lead you to a path of problems that may impact both your home and your finances. There are plenty of siding installers in your local area ready to earn your business, which makes it tough for you as far as picking the best one for your needs is concerned.
No matter your location, finding the right installation team is a challenging task, especially when you consider the fact that the industry is filled with unscrupulous contractors. Apart from the lack of qualifications and resources to perform work, they employ workers who don’t have the necessary skills and expertise to meet quality standards.
Fortunately, you can still stumble upon reliable and trustworthy siding contractors that are a perfect match for your needs. The catch? You have to do your due diligence in vetting them. It all starts with asking the right questions. Here’s a look at some of the questions to ask when interviewing a prospective siding contractor.
“Are You Licensed?”
This is one of the most important questions you need to ask when finding a siding installer. A license is an indication that the company provides legitimate work while adhering to local building codes and regulations. That’s a good thing to know from a prospect because the last thing you want is to deal with a fly-by-night group of people.
It is worth noting, however, that documentation pertaining to business licensing can easily be falsified. This is where your scrutiny of the prospective siding expert should come in handy. Check with your local licensing office to see if the company’s current license is up-to-date and doesn’t have any violations under its name. Siding work is a considerable investment, which is why you don’t want to deal with individuals who are only in it to make quick profit, which is what unscrupulous contractors basically do.
“Where Are You Located?”
The location of your prospective siding contractor is worth knowing. If the contractors provide a physical address, it is a sign that they are an established business. Check if their contact details are up-to-date and working. A quick look at their website should also give you an idea of their legitimacy. It would also be much better if they are within the vicinity of your own location.
Working with local siding installers for your home improvement project has its benefits. For one, they can visit your home right away and perform an inspection to determine your needs. In case something goes awry after they did the job you required them to do, you can rest easy knowing that they can still be within reach. You can’t expect this from a dubious contractor, who tends to appear out of nowhere offering cheap services to unsuspecting homeowners, but disappear just as quickly as soon as the contractor receives payment – all while doing little to no work on your home.
“Are You Insured?”
This is yet another credential that you’ll want your prospective siding contractor to have. When you hire an insured installer, you avoid potential litigation and additional costs lest an accident occurred while the project is underway that resulted in either accidental injury or property damage. Companies should carry at least two types of insurance – workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
Like in licenses, you have to be sure that prospective siding installers have valid insurance coverage. They may tell you directly that they are insured or their websites mention that exact information, but asking for proof shouldn’t hurt.
“How Long Does It Take to Complete the Siding Project?”
This is one question that you should consider asking because it will give you an idea of your prospective siding contractor’s skills and expertise. You know they’re worth hiring if they are able to outline in greater detail the work they’ll be doing and set certain expectations.
The time it takes to complete your siding project will depend on the assessment of your home exteriors. If contractors find that only a few siding panels have been damaged, a simple repair would suffice, which usually takes as little as a day to complete. However, extensive damage due to aging and deterioration means that your siding is due to be replaced. This one can take a few days, although delays as a result of inclement weather may hinder the project’s progress. Seek assurance from your prospective siding contractors that they’ll be able to work on it continuously until completion. You don’t want to work with one who starts off the project and takes off for a week to focus on other endeavors.
“Which Siding Material Do You Recommend?”
Choosing the best siding material for your home is one of the most important parts of a siding project. Your prospective contractor can help you make an informed decision in this regard, so be sure to ask this question as well. They may offer a wide range of siding products from different manufacturers, each with their own pros and cons. Locally owned contractors, in fact, are ready to pick the best siding based on the climate in your area.
Take vinyl siding, for instance. It remains one of the most popular siding choices because of its numerous benefits. Apart from being cost-effective, it is also versatile, coming in a wide variety of colors, finishes and styles. High-quality vinyl siding can stand up well to harsh weather conditions, from the impact of hail and wind-borne debris to sudden temperature changes. It also doesn’t require much upkeep as its other counterparts, allowing you to save on maintenance costs.
The success of your siding project depends on the contractor you choose. Write down these questions so you can narrow down your choices of prospective siding experts and find the best one for your needs. Before you know it, you’re a step closer to achieving the home you’ve always wanted as seen from the curb.
Get in Touch With Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC!
Need a siding and roofing contractor? You don’t have to look far – Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC is the name to trust. We are recognized across the local community for our prompt response to customer needs, our commitment to being certified in the most recent techniques and our usage of only the highest quality materials on each and every job.
Let’s get started! Call us now at (815) 964-2220, or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation quote. We serve homeowners in Rockford, IL, and the rest of Winnebago County. We look forward to hearing from you!