Questions to Ask Your Siding Professional 

Congratulations! You’ve found the perfect vinyl siding for your home renovation and you can’t wait to get started. Having your siding properly installed is just as, if not more, important than finding your ideal siding product. Unfortunately, in the world of home renovations, scammers are alive and well, and it’s important that you do your due diligence before signing any contracts. When hiring siding installers, there are a few key questions you can ask to ensure your renovation goes off without a hitch. Take a look at 5 key questions to ask your siding professional. 

1. Where is Your Office Located?

An established contractor will likely have an office in your area. You’re looking for a physical address – not a P.O. box. You can do a quick search on Google Maps of the building or even drive over yourself to make sure it exists. You can ask this question directly to the contractor or even do some research yourself prior to having any contact with them. 

2. Can I See Examples of Your Work?

Reputable contractors will be happy to show you examples of their previous work. They’ll likely already be displaying their work on their website and social media pages such as Facebook and Instagram. If you don’t see anything online, make sure to ask this question. Look online for reviews of their company on Google and Facebook and ask them for references so you can get in touch with previous clients. Contact around three of their references to get a good sense of their work, communication and professionalism.  

3. Are You Insured?

Your siding contractor should be carrying two types of insurance: workman’s compensation and liability. Liability insurance protects the homeowner if the contractor causes damage to your home and workman’s compensation covers the bill if a worker gets injured on the job. Without these two types of insurance, all of this could fall on you since it occurred on your property. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of insurance and if they don’t have it, it’s time to look for another contractor. 

4. Do You Have Any Special Certifications?

While special certifications aren’t a requirement to hire a siding professional, it shows expertise in their craft and that they’re willing to go the extra mile. For example, the Vinyl Siding Institute certifies installers through the VSI Certified Installer program, an online or in-person class followed by an exam and taught by a VSI certified trainer. Contractors are tested on their knowledge of vinyl siding installation and industry recognized installation standards. Certifications like these are nice extras to have.  

5. How Long Have You Been Installing Vinyl Siding?

When searching for a contractor, remember that not all exterior products are created equal and it’s important to hire someone who has experience working with vinyl siding. They should be able to give you a backstory on their history with vinyl siding installation and may possibly give you examples of problems that have occurred and how they’ve solved them. Experienced contractors will know how to solve almost any problem as soon as it arises. 

If you’re ready to hire a siding professional, make sure to ask these questions to ensure your renovation goes as smoothly as possible. To find a reputable contractor in your area, connect with one of our leading contractors to ensure your product choices and installation meet all your expectations.