How To Choose The Right Siding Contractor?

When it comes to your home’s exterior, there’s no one right answer. You could go with a contractor who is affordable, or you could choose one who offers high-quality workmanship. But which is the best route for you? 

Here are five tips to help you choose the right contractor: 

1. Do your research. 

Before hiring any contractor, be sure to do your research. 

First, ask around for referrals. Friends, family, and neighbors are a great place to start. Chances are, someone you know has had siding replaced in the past and can recommend a good contractor. 

Once you have a few names, do some online research about the contractor. Check out reviews on websites like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor. These sites allow customers to rate and review contractors they have used in the past. This is a great way to get an idea of what kind of work a contractor does and how they treat their customers. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, you should set up appointments for estimates. Be sure to ask the contractors plenty of questions about their experience and what they would propose doing for your home.

Finally, compare the estimates and make a decision based on which contractor seems most qualified and has the best price.

2. Experience and Expertise

When it comes time to choose a contractor to install new siding on your home, it’s important to select someone with the experience and expertise necessary to do the job right. A good contractor will have the knowledge of the proper materials and techniques to use, as well as the skills to complete the work quickly. 

If you’re looking for a general contractor to do some minor repairs, you’ll probably be able to find that person at your local hardware store. 

Some contractors, however, have the necessary experience and expertise to install the siding. They offer a variety of services from roofing to deck building to windows and doors. 

For example, some contractors specialize in vinyl siding installation such as TrimTech or CertainTeed.

So, how can you tell if your contractor is experienced? Here are a few tips:

Ask about their past projects. A good contractor should be able to show you examples of their previous work. This will give you an idea of the quality of their workmanship.

Get references from past clients. A good contractor will be happy to provide references from past clients. Contact these clients and ask them about their experience working with the contractor. 

Were they happy with the results? Did any problems arise during the project? How much did it cost? All of these questions will help you determine if you want to work with the contractor. 

How long has the contractor been in business? Find out how long the contractor has been in business. If a contractor has been in business for a short period of time, it is possible that they do not have any experience and are new to the industry. 

3. License and Insurance

Hiring a contractor to install new siding is a big decision. You want to be sure you’re hiring someone reputable, who has the necessary licenses and insurance.

One way to find a qualified contractor is to check if they are licensed in your state. All states have licensing requirements for contractors, so you can be sure that they have met some minimum standards.

Another way to ensure your contractor is reputable is by checking their insurance coverage. A good contractor will have liability and workers’ compensation insurance. 

This will protect you in the event that something goes wrong during the installation process. This insurance also provides benefits for employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.

Most siding contractors are licensed as general contractors, which allows them to do a wide range of construction work. In addition, many states require siding contractors to be licensed as roofers. This is because the installation of roofing and siding often go hand in hand.

4. Interview Contractors

The exterior of a home is one of the first things that people see and it’s important to make a good impression. Siding contractors can help improve the look of a home by installing new siding or fixing damaged siding. It’s important to interview several contractors before hiring one. Here are some questions to ask: 

Q. What type of siding do you install? 

A good contractor should be able to tell you the type of siding they will be installing. For example, brick is less likely to fade than wood siding.

Q. Do you have experience with the type of siding I want? 

Not all contractors will be able to install the siding you want. They may have trouble installing certain types of siding. If this is the case, ask them if they can recommend a contractor that can install the siding you want. 

Q. What is your warranty? 

Remember that siding is a product that will last you many years. If the contractor has a good warranty, it may be worth investing in a higher quality siding to get more years out of your investment. 

Q. How long will the installation take?

If you’re installing a new siding, the time it will take to install it depends on the size of your house, how many windows and doors you have as well as other factors. So, if you’re installing a new siding, the contractor should be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take.

Q. How much will it cost? 

The most important question to ask your siding contractor is how much it will cost. If the contractor can’t give you a price quote upfront, he may not be experienced enough. It is important to have an accurate estimate as to what your new siding costs are before you decide if it’s worth installing.

Q. Do you have any pictures of past work?

If the contractor has a portfolio of his work, that’s a good sign. It means he takes pride in his work and is knowledgeable about siding materials. This can give you an idea of what your new siding will look like and if it will meet your expectations before you decide to buy. 

Conclusion

Obviously, this list is not all-inclusive. There are many other aspects you may consider when choosing a siding contractor. For example, the price of his services may be the most important factor and he should have a good reputation in your neighborhood. But this is a good checklist to go by when looking for a siding contractor. Advance Exterior Solutions has a reputation as one of the best siding contractors so get in touch with us today!

What to Expect During Siding Replacement?

Siding is one of the most common exterior replacement projects homeowners undertake. Siding is typically made of plywood, fiberglass, or composite materials and can become damaged from weathering and exposure to the elements. 

When siding becomes damaged or deteriorated, it may need to be replaced in order to maintain your home’s structural integrity. When the siding needs to be replaced, it is important to choose the right material for your home.

There are a few factors to consider when making this decision, including the climate in your area, the type of roofing you have, and the look you want for your home. 

It’s important to have an understanding of what to expect during the entire process in order to minimize surprises and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. 

Here are five key points to keep in mind: 

  • Removal of old siding. 

When it’s time for a siding replacement project, one of the first tasks is to remove the old siding. This can be a challenging job, especially if the old siding is in poor condition and has been installed many years ago. 

This can be done by any number of methods, including removing nails or staples with a hammer and chisel, cutting them out with a saw or power tools, or using a pry bar and crowbar.

Here are some tips for removing old siding:

  1. Start by removing any trim or decorative elements that are attached to the siding.
  2. If the old siding is nailed in place, use a pry bar to loosen the nails and then pull the siding off of the house.
  3. If the old siding is glued on, use a chisel to cut through the adhesive and then pull the siding off of the house.
  4. Be careful not to damage the underlying walls or roof while removing the old siding.
  5. After the old siding is removed, you can begin to paint the house.

If the old siding is nailed in place, use a pry bar to loosen the nails and then pull the siding off of the house. 

  • Prepare the surface for the new siding

Once you’ve removed the old siding, you can begin to prepare the surface for the new siding. You can do this either by repainting the home or by applying a primer to the surface. 

The choice of preparation depends on the type of siding you want to install. If you’re replacing vinyl siding, it’s best to paint over the old siding. 

Inspect the framing of your house and make any necessary repairs before installing the new siding. Remove as much debris as possible from the area around your home before applying paint to the exterior surface of the panels. 

  • Install the new siding, making sure to use proper spacing and alignment.

If you’re using new, custom-made siding, make sure you have accurate measurements of your home’s dimensions before you start cutting the panels. 

Try to keep the new panels as level as possible while you’re installing them, especially around doors and windows. 

Use plenty of nails or screws to secure the panels in place, making sure to avoid any potential moisture traps. 

Allow adequate time for the adhesive or paint to dry before adding trim or accessories. 

  • Inspect your new siding, and make any necessary repairs before painting the home. 

Keep in mind that the last thing you want to do is to paint over a crack or tear in your new siding. Therefore, if you’ve noticed any damage to the siding, make sure you repair it before you start painting. 

  • Cleaning and prep work.

Replacing your home’s siding is a big job that can really improve your home’s appearance and value. But even after the new siding is in place, there’s still some work to be done. 

Cleaning and prep work are essential after a siding replacement project. The cleaning process involves removing all of the old adhesive and sealant from the house, as well as any dirt or residue that may have been left behind during the installation process. 

The pep work involves ensuring that the new siding is properly sealed and protected from the elements. This includes applying a coat of sealant to all of the seams, as well as trimming and caulking around doors, windows, and other openings to prevent moisture infiltration. You must also paint or stain the new siding to protect it from weathering and fading.

Taking the time to properly clean and seal your new siding will ensure that it looks great for years to come.

How much does siding replacement cost?

Siding replacement can be a costly project, but there are ways to minimize the expense. The first step is to determine the amount of siding that needs to be replaced. This can be done by taking measurements of the exterior of your home. Once you have an estimate of the square footage, you can research prices for siding materials and installation. 

It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of siding replacement will vary depending on the type of material you choose. 

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular options because it is affordable and durable. If you decide to go with vinyl, expect to pay around $5-$7 per square foot installed.

If you choose a more expensive material like cedar or brick, the cost could be as much as $20 per square foot installed.

Should I hire a siding contractor for siding replacement?

Replacing your home’s siding can be a daunting task. It is important to know when to hire a contractor and when to do the job yourself. If you are only replacing a small section of siding, such as around a window, then you may be able to do the job yourself. 

However, if you are replacing all or most of the siding on your home, it is best to hire a professional contractor.

There are many factors that go into choosing the right contractor, such as experience and licensing. Be sure to ask for referrals from friends and family, as well as check with the Better Business Bureau. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask them for references and contact those references to find out about their experience with the contractor. It’s wise to get quotes from several contractors before deciding on one. 

Once you have chosen a contractor, be sure to get a written estimate and contract to outline the work that will be done, as well as what is included in the price. Be sure to ask about the cost of materials and labor, as well as any warranties or guarantees that are included in the contract.

Finally, read the contract carefully before signing it.

Advance Exterior Solutions can assist you with all your siding requirements so get in touch with us today!