You have decided you need new siding for your home. So, you take the next logical step and schedule in-person appointments with three vinyl siding contractors to get a few bids and ensure you choose the right team for the job. But you can’t help but wonder, “What questions should I ask before hiring them?” After all, you have never had to replace siding before and don’t personally know anyone who has hired a vinyl siding contractor. You also are not familiar with different siding materials, installation techniques, or what makes the most sense for your project. You trust yourself enough to come up with a few questions, but will they be the right ones? Which will ensure you feel comfortable moving forward?
At Siding & More, we understand the importance of having a well-protected and visually appealing home. But hiring a siding contractor does not have to be an overwhelming process. In fact, reputable contractors will likely anticipate and answer many of your most pressing questions before you even ask. That said, there is peace of mind in knowing what those questions are and what follow-up questions might be necessary.
What Is a Siding Contractor, and What Do They Do?
Perhaps you have noticed that the old vinyl siding on your home has begun to fade, crack, and rot. Depending on the extent of the damage, that may mean complete replacement of all siding. In other instances, it may only require a few repairs on one side of the house after a storm. When it is time to think about repairing or replacing the vinyl siding on your home, you want to hire the best siding contractor in Dallas to do the job.
Siding contractors install, repair, and maintain exterior siding materials (vinyl, aluminum, wood, etc.) on homes and buildings. They oversee the entire process, from the initial consultation and material selection to complete installation and the final inspection and walk-through with the homeowner when the job is done. When installed correctly by one of these professionals, your new vinyl siding offers many benefits, including but not limited to the following.
- Instant upgrade in your home’s curb appeal
- Protection from the elements (rain, wind, heat, snow, ice)
- Increased energy efficiency
- Moisture control
- Limited maintenance (ex: no need to repaint)
- Improved property values
- Pest and insect protection
- Noise reduction
- Longevity and durability
11 Questions To Ask a Siding Contractor
Consider these questions as you search for the right siding contractor for your project.
1. What types of siding do you specialize in? — There are more siding options on the market today than what is currently protecting your house. For instance, perhaps you have an older home with wood siding and want to explore an upgrade to vinyl siding. Maybe you already have vinyl siding and want to keep the same material. Asking this question ensures you choose a siding contractor with expertise in the siding you are interested in.
2. Is there a type of siding you recommend more than others, and why? — To piggyback on the previous tip, the siding contractor you choose should have no trouble clearly articulating what siding materials are top of the line, the pros and cons for each (durability, versatility in design, ease of installation, ability to maintain), and why. Furthermore, they should be able to assess your home and explain which one works better for your needs.
Siding contractors should have no trouble clearly articulating what siding materials are top of the line, the pros and cons for each (durability, versatility in design, ease of installation, ability to maintain), and why.
3. Do you offer customized color options? — The beauty of many siding materials is that they offer a seemingly endless list of color options. That said, some contractors may be limited in the colors they can offer you (including customized colors) based on the materials they specialize in. One tip is to choose a siding contractor who works with vinyl siding. Vinyl offers countless combinations of vibrant colors, styles, and realistic textures to personalize your home’s exterior to match your taste and preferences.
4. How long will my siding project take? — This is one of the top questions most homeowners ask. And we can’t blame you; we want you to enjoy your new siding sooner rather than later. Any reputable siding contractor will tell you that it is difficult to precisely say how long a vinyl siding project will take until it starts. After all, there may be hidden issues that could cause unforeseen delays. That said, they should still provide an estimated timeline with a logical buffer for potential delays. They should also have a clear plan to address potential setbacks and keep you in the loop throughout the project.
5. Do you have references? — If you do not personally know someone (friend, family member, coworker, etc.) who has worked with a particular siding contractor, you will want to ask for referrals. These online and in-person testimonials are invaluable while hunting for quality contractors because they give you an actual customer’s opinion on what happened and whether or not they would recommend that contractor in the future. Most reputable contractors have testimonials on their websites. If they do not, be sure to ask.
6. What is your plan? — If it is a complete replacement, we mean their plan to take the old siding off and install new material efficiently. If it is a simple repair or maintenance, what does their process look like? A vinyl siding contractor should set expectations by walking you through their process, from the initial selection of materials to having the right crew for the job, and everything that comes next.
7. Do you install and repair siding? — Sometimes, a siding project requires ripping everything off and starting over. In other instances, you need nothing more than replacing a few small sections ravaged by age, weather, or pests. Asking this question ensures you know what to expect from the project and your siding contractor’s versatility in making your home look its absolute best.
8. What if I have rot? — Not all rot is visible from looking at your siding from the outside. Many times, it is located behind the wall. In either instance, it should be taken care of. A quality siding contractor should be equipped to handle and repair all signs of rot and will explain their process from A to Z to ensure you are not blindsided by extended repairs and hidden costs that were not discussed in advance.
9. Besides siding, what other services do you offer? — Versatility is essential with any contractor you hire. Siding & More is a vinyl siding contractor, yet we also specialize in windows, patio doors, soffit and fascia services, gutter replacement, and door replacement. Knowing that your contractor is versatile and experienced in these areas ensures you do not have to worry about hiring separate contractors to make your house look like new again.
10. How long have you been in business? — Nothing against the newer vinyl siding contractors out there. But generally speaking, a contractor with several years of experience is often more reliable. Not to mention, choosing a company that has been around for a while ensures they have a strong portfolio for you to look at, referrals to review, and helps make your decision to hire them a little bit easier.
11. How will you protect my property during installation? — This question can be a follow-up to the earlier question about their plan of attack. Most construction and installation projects can get pretty messy. Still, it is up to the siding contractor to ensure they clean up after themselves and avoid causing additional damage to your roof, home, landscaping, outside furniture, sprinkler systems, and anything else that could be damaged on accident. What is your siding contractor’s plan to avoid these and other damages?
A good siding contractor ensures they clean up after themselves and avoid causing additional damage to your roof, home, landscaping, outside furniture, sprinkler systems, and anything else that could be damaged.
Depend on Siding & More as a Top Dallas Siding Contractor
When you need vinyl siding, either as a total replacement or a minor repair, you must align yourself with the right siding contractor. Doing so ensures your project is completed right the first time and that you have the best materials possible. At Siding & More, we offer a wide range of vinyl siding options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. With nearly 40 years of experience in the Dallas area, Siding & More is one of the best siding contractors around.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the perfect siding for your home, ensuring its durability and curb appeal. Contact us today for a consultation and to discover how we can enhance your home’s exterior.
To get started, call us at 972-636-3513 or contact us for a free estimate with the form below.
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Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
