Siding adds a pop of visual appeal that beautifies your home’s exterior. It also offers a functional purpose of protection against weather elements and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it becomes necessary to ensure they are repaired or replaced promptly. Many homeowners attempt to do it themselves, but if you’re unsure, consider hiring a siding contractor. They inspect the siding, assess its condition, and determine whether it requires repair or replacement. If it needs replacement, they suggest the best material, depending on your home’s architect, that would last longer. But do they help with repair or replacement? If you’re wondering what else they can help you with, read the blog.
What Do Siding Contractors Do?
Siding contractors mostly manage the complete siding installation process, from the initial consultation and material choice through to the final project inspection. They collaborate with clients to understand their needs and preferences for their siding, taking into account their budget.
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Read and understand the blueprints or work orders.
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Inspect and replace damaged or worn-out siding.
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Install new siding by measuring and cutting it.
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Have a proper understanding of different siding materials, such as - vinyl, wood, and composite materials.
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Maintain a clean worksite and safe work process by adhering to the local building code.
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Coordinate with other members of the team to ensure the deadline is met with quality work.
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Provide consultation, advice, and recommendations on the best materials and styles, if required.
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Staying updated on the latest industry trends, technologies, and materials.
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Applying sealant and other waterproofing treatment methods.
6 Major Factors to Consider When Hiring a Siding Contractor
Here are some major factors to consider when hiring a siding contractor -
Insurance and Licensing
Before you hire a contractor, make sure they have proper and valid licensing and insurance. It is important to ask them for proof of liability coverage, property damage coverage, and workers’ compensation insurance. This offers protection in case of work-related incidents on-site.
They should also hold all the licenses required to operate in your region. Proper licensing ensures that the work meets set standards and that all the right permits are received.
Reviews and Ratings
The second most important thing to do is to check their reviews and ratings. These tell a lot about their experience and work quality and give you an idea of what you can expect from the contractor.
Consider checking their Yelp reviews and pay attention to what the customers say about them, for example - how well they communicate, how prompt they are to complete the project, how clean they keep the site after work, etc. Also, ensure they have a “4+ star” rating.
Experience and Expertise
Always choose a local contractor who specializes in siding and has years of experience under their belt. They take pride in their work and want to build their reputation as the best contractors in the neighborhood.
Also, avoid hiring general contractors or handymen. This is because handing over a project to a service provider with little to no experience is a mistake that may cost heavily. It mostly leads to a poorly finished job. So, always consider a contractor who can present their previous work, qualifications, and achievements.
Ask About Warranties for Materials and Work
Every siding brand has its warranties, which are important to understand before committing. These warranties require professional installation to remain valid. It is also advisable to work only with contractors whose work is backed by warranties. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that you won’t run into issues, such as violating the warranty terms and conditions due to improper installation.
Payment Plan and Cost Comparison
A reputable contractor will always offer you a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend on the project. They also offer labor, permits, and material cost projections. You can request that they provide you with an overall expenditure before beginning the project. Most contractors only accept partial payment at the start, and the rest of the amount can be paid when the work is done. So, if a contractor is asking for the full upfront payment, beware of them.
Read the Contract Thoroughly
The contract should clearly outline details, such as - the start and end dates, the materials used, how to address unexpected issues, how changes to the project scope will be managed, etc. Before signing the contract, ensure to read it thoroughly, get clarity on any confusing terms, and ask relevant questions.
Why Should You Hire a Professional Siding Contractor?
There are several convincing reasons why you must hire a siding contractor, and here’s why -
Proper Prep Work
Professional siding contractors know what prep work is required before adding any new siding. This usually involves replacing rotten wood, fixing exterior damage, removing objects that stick out, and making sure the surface is smooth and ready. They also check for hidden issues and make sure the insulation is in place.
Quality Materials
A professional and reputable siding contractor opts for high-quality exterior siding materials. They have connections with leading siding materials manufacturers and use only professional-grade materials that meet performance and durability standards while enhancing the aesthetic of your home’s exterior.
Professional Finish
If the siding isn’t installed properly, it can cause a range of issues - some may be visible right away, while others may appear much later. You might notice things like uneven rows, crooked siding, poorly sealed seams, gaps, incorrect nailing, etc. But with a professional contractor, you won’t have to worry about these issues, as they are trained and experienced in handling all siding types. Their work will be smooth and uniform, and the siding installation will last longer.
Time Savings
A DIY installation takes more time, including removing old siding and gathering new materials, supplies, tools, etc. Also, it is a huge time commitment and will add to your stress if you also have to focus on your regular job. So, it is advisable to hire a professional siding contractor, as they will finish the job efficiently and expertly.
Conclusion
A reputable siding contractor will repair and replace your siding in addition to assessing the exterior and recommending suitable materials. They help with prepping the site, installing the siding, getting permits, and the job adheres to the safety regulations and quality standards of the region you live in.