Ensuring your new siding is installed by a reputable team with keen attention to detail is vital to the long-term performance of your replacement siding. Siding’s tough job of safeguarding your most significant investment from moisture intrusion, pests, rot, and outdoor temperatures means it needs to be installed with precision.
When you learn what to look for in a siding company, you’ll confidently move forward on your replacement. Finding the right fit in a home exterior contractor can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll be well equipped.
Qualities You’ll Find in a Reputable Siding Contractor
1. Licensed and Insured
Your siding contractor should be licensed with the state and carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance. These are tangible ways the contractor shows they are looking out for you as a homeowner.
The licensing ensures your home exterior upgrade will be done to proper standards and with all the right permits. The insurance protects you in the unlikely case of a work-related accident on your property. It’s wise to ask for proof of these so you know they are current.
2. Experienced
Find out how long the siding contractor has been in business and how experienced their crew is at installing the siding material you desire. Browse their website and look for any special achievements, awards, or training they have received.
At Craftsman Exterior Remodeling, we are a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, so our siding installation team is trained in the manufacturer’s techniques and vetted to ensure we meet the Hardie company’s high standards. This ensures your siding is handled properly and set in place exactly as it should be, giving you the full benefits of fiber cement siding.
3. Locally Owned
Find a contractor with a good reputation for serving homeowners in the greater Indianapolis area. They should have a local street address and be easy to find after completing your work in case you need anything.
In contrast, storm chasers often sweep into town to make a quick sale, and they can’t be found once the work is complete.
4. Reasonable Financial Arrangements
Expect to receive a written estimate detailing your siding material and installation costs. A reliable contractor won’t ask for the full payment upfront. There should be a down payment and a reasonable arrangement for the final payment.
All of the financial expectations should be in writing in the estimate. Contact a few companies to find the best fit for your needs.
5. Excellent Warranties
Learn about the manufacturer’s warranty for the siding material you choose. The manufacturer’s warranty guarantees your siding against defects in the materials themselves. For example, James Hardie siding comes with a 30-year transferable warranty.
Also, ask the contractor about the warranty they provide on their labor and installation. Find out about their warranty parameters and talk with their former clients about their experience.
6. Referrals and Reviews
Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to gain more insight into the company. The BBB’s ratings represent how the contractor interacts with their previous customers. You’ll learn about the company’s business practices, how issues were handled, and if there are any government actions against them. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s track record.
You can also look on Angi and check the company’s website for additional customer reviews. Ask the contractor for referrals of recent clients so you can talk with them firsthand and see the business’s work in person.
7. Siding Options Available
You can choose from various siding materials when it’s time to replace your siding. Ensure the contractor you hire carries the material you desire for your home. James Hardie siding, vinyl, wood, and stone veneer are some of the most popular siding types. Find out which material the company installs most frequently.
Get Stunning Siding Replacement from a Trusted Team
Attractive new siding will set your Indianapolis area property apart and bring out its beauty. When you make the investment to replace your home siding, hiring a reliable team of experts is key to its success.
At Craftsman Exterior Remodeling, our owner worked directly for the James Hardie company for over a decade, giving great insight into the value of a job done right the first time and ensuring our team follows Hardie’s best practices with precision. Take a look at the various siding services we have to offer!
