How to Pick the Right Siding Contractor
Why Is It Important to Pick the Right Siding Contractor?
All homeowners want the exterior of their houses to look great, and one thing to do that is to install quality siding. Hiring a siding contractor to do this for you will ensure that the job will get done properly, ensuring that your home’s exterior will be enhanced. Also, proper installation means your home’s interior will be protected from the elements. Siding, after all, not only improves curb appeal, but also serves as your home’s first layer of defenses from the ravages of weather.
Besides installing siding, a siding contractor also carries out repair and maintenance work. They also perform inspections to assess everything from the degree of the damage to your siding to the environmental and climatic factors that may have an effect on it. These will help them estimate the products and methods they will use in your project, as well as estimate the cost of the job.
What Siding Certifications Should I Look For?
But before you decide on any one contractor, you have to check on certain things. Doing so will help you pick the right siding contractor for your job, someone who can deliver quality service and increase the value of your home at the same time.
First, find out if they are licensed. Don’t hesitate to ask to see their license to operate, and do go over it to see if they’re licensed to perform the job you need done. Also, check if they’re insured and bonded, which will protect you from liability in case an accident takes place on the work site during the course of the project.
Once you are assured that they’re licensed, bonded, and insured, find out what certifications the contractor has. Siding contractors typically have certifications from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI), and Certified Contractors Network. Apart from these, they may also have certifications from siding manufacturers, which offer certification programs for installing their products.
It’s also worth checking out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for the contractor’s overall rating, or if any complaints have been filed against them. Don’t forget to inquire with your local Chamber of Commerce to find out if the contractor is active and qualified to work in your community.
What Are the Different Types of Siding Work That I Should Consider?
Unless you’ve got millions to spend, you probably want to keep and live in your home forever. Many homeowners like yourself understand that a house is a huge investment, which is why more and more are opting for home improvement work. As discussed, this includes replacing your home’s siding. According to the National Association of Trade Realtors, a siding replacement offers an 80% return on investment. However, not all siding types and materials are created equal, and some may have greater benefits than others. It’s important, therefore, to carefully choose the right siding for your property, and this is something that your contractor can help you with.
Newer siding materials deliver enhanced aesthetics, more cost efficiency, and higher performance. Energy efficiency and performance are among the primary considerations when picking out siding nowadays, especially given the rising cost of energy. This has led to the development of insulated or thermal siding. This siding type has a permanent foam backing that fills in the gap between the siding and the wall, improving the siding’s R-value, or its ability to insulate your home’s interior. Even traditional, non-insulated materials can effectively keep your home at a comfortable temperature, no matter the weather outside. Wood shingles, for instance, are the best at insulating, followed by aluminum, steel, or vinyl, brick or stone, stucco, fiber cement, and brick or stone veneer.
Other newer types of siding are made to better resists pests such as termites, which can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Some also keep moisture out, thus increasing your home’s protection from mold and mildew. There are also siding products that mold- and mildew-resistant, and installing these will help to keep your house’s structural components from deteriorating, and prevent a host of health problems caused by mold and mildew, as well.
Replacing house siding isn’t something you do every day, so make sure you get exactly what you want. Visit several houses that have been re-sided by the siding installation contractor you want to hire. This will allow you to see how different types of siding system look on a house.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay a Quality Siding Contractor?
How much you pay your siding contractor depends on the type of work they do, the materials they used, and the size of your home or the wall on which siding is installed. The cost varies from state to state, locale to locale. However, the national average for installing siding of any type is $9,191, while repairing siding runs $538 on average. Trim work costs anywhere between $600 and $1,200.
Other expenses you may have to make include taxes and permit fees, as well as fixes that the contractor may have spotted only after removing your old siding.
For the best idea of what price you can expect to pay, download an app like Contractors.com (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/contractors.com/id1078704337 for iOS or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.contractorsapp for Android devices) to connect with the best siding contractors near you and get a free quote.
Everything You Need to Know About Siding Contractors
It is a great idea to hire a siding contractor instead of doing the job yourself. Since they have the skills, knowledge, and experience, the chances of a botched job are less. These guys will also get the job done using fewer materials and are likely to finish it quickly, saving you from a world of headache and inconvenience. Moreover, they’ll provide you with a warranty on the siding that they install and guarantee their work; some even perform after-install services, which will address all your post-project concerns. This way you can save the cost of repairs, as well.
To find a siding contractor near you, enter your zip code above to start searching.