The siding is one of the most important parts of your home exterior. Like your roof, it is one of your home’s primary defenses against the weather and other elements and will stay effective throughout its expected lifespan with proper care and maintenance. However, if it is already showing signs of deterioration due to old age and general wear and tear, you’ll need to consider a full replacement carried out by a reputable siding installation contractor.
Of course, you have to be meticulous when it comes to your selection. Choosing just any other home improvement company available isn’t the best course of action as you won’t guarantee that they’ll complete the siding replacement successfully. Going for an installer that offers the cheapest siding estimate isn’t recommended either, as it can only cause more problems that lead to additional repair costs.
If you want to make the most of your budget, you need to do your research properly. While it helps to find local contractors online and check out their websites, you should still be prepared to ask the right questions as you approach different prospects for your project. To help you out, our James Hardie® siding installation team at Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. shares a few key questions you need to ask:
1. “Do You Have a Business License?”
This will likely be one of the first questions you ask when you meet a prospective contractor for the first time. As you’re vetting prospects for the siding replacement project, you need to check if they’re operating legally in the state by asking them for a copy of their business license. This is to protect your exterior renovation from delays during the replacement process and other problems that may come to light following the project’s completion.
2. “Are You Credentialed to Install James Hardie Siding?”
If you want the best protection and visual appeal for your home’s exterior, you need to choose only high-quality products that can deliver top-notch aesthetic appeal and weather protection. Some contractors only offer vinyl or certain types of fiber cement siding, so if you’re looking for a good and reliable brand, know that you will not go wrong with the products offered by James Hardie. But apart from asking whether the contractor carries this brand of siding, you should also ask if they’re certified and credentialed to install the product.
A certified and credentialed contractor will have the right knowledge, equipment, and experience necessary to ensure a successful siding installation. They underwent proper training and completed the right steps for the job, and are always updated with the latest information and techniques in the siding industry. Having a credentialed contractor also means you get a better warranty for your siding installation!
3. “Does the Estimate Include All Costs for the Project?”
When you get a detailed estimate of your siding installation from your prospects, you need to verify if all the costs involved in your project are included. A siding estimate should put into detail the materials, labor, the cost of waste removal, applicable permits and other relevant costs. Don’t forget to set aside a portion of your budget in case of unforeseen damage during the siding replacement process. This is because immediate repairs will be needed first before resuming the replacement process to keep the warranty intact and prevent future damage to your new siding.
A detailed siding estimate must also have each material itemized and separated from the labor costs. This should help you know how much you’ll need to spend on your siding project and make well-informed decisions. It helps to know what you’re paying for in each step to complete a siding installation, or you might end up paying for certain materials or other fees that weren’t discussed during the planning stages!
4. “Do You Have Any References?”
This is another way to determine if the contractor you’re hiring is right for the job. You can also look for testimonials and referrals from your friends and neighbors who have had their siding replaced, as this can be crucial in finding a good contractor for your project. You can also check their website and see what their previous customers say about their services, though some contractors will provide a portfolio of their previous work as soon as you meet them in person. Make sure that they provide pictures of completed projects and have them explain how they did each job.
5. “What Types of Warranties or Guarantees Do You Offer?”
This will let you know if the contractor you’re keen on hiring understands the siding product and workmanship warranties that come with the product you’re looking to install. This will apply to other materials used in your siding replacement project so that you’re covered for repair and replacement costs later on if your siding was damaged due to subpar workmanship.
Typically, siding products will include a warranty as soon as the installation is complete. When it comes to guarantees on service or workmanship, you’ll be covered for around half a year to almost 10 years depending on the material and cost of labor. As for siding products, keep in mind that while some can last around 10 to 50 years depending on the type of warranty given, each will have conditions and requirements to keep them intact.
6. “Do You Have Extensive Experience?”
Ask this if you want to know whether they’ve been in the business for a long time. If they only utilize just a post office box for their address, you might want to think twice before considering them for your siding replacement. But if they offer a business card or a letterhead with a physical address, it’s a telltale sign that they’re already established in the industry and know how to handle a client. You should go only for experienced contractors who have a good reputation in the area such as Peninsula Siding Company, Inc.!
Our company is here to make the stunning home of your dreams a reality. Regardless of your choice of exterior siding, expect our expert installation team to make sure your home will not only look beautiful but also well-protected against the elements. When you work with us, we will thoroughly and accurately assess your specific needs, provide you with expert recommendations and deliver a quality product every time.
Call us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our convenient online contact form to get started with your siding replacement project!