A professional siding contractor is still your best option when it comes to replacing or repairing your old siding. Though many homeowners prefer to tackle projects on their own, there are certain benefits to calling a professional to do the job, not least of which are the manufacturer warranty and the contractor’s guarantee.
Unless you’ve already worked with a contractor and are happy to call them again for a siding replacement, you’ll be going through the process of selecting a new contractor. It’s not difficult to find one, but there is also the risk of choosing a contractor you might not be happy with. To avoid choosing the wrong person to do the job, here are some red flags to take note of when you’re looking for a siding installer:
Can’t Provide a Portfolio or References
If you need someone to provide you a service, you want to find out how they did with their previous customers. Choosing a siding installer isn’t any different. Reputable professionals typically have a website where you can browse their previous work. They also have testimonials or reviews from their customers. Most of those reviews should be positive. If there are negative reviews, find out how the contractor handled the issue.
Ask the contractor for a list of previous clients that you can call to ask about the contractor’s work. It also helps to visit one or two of those clients if they’re OK with it, so you can check the siding installed by the contractor.
If the contractor can’t provide references, or if they have no website and no reviews anywhere, it’s a red flag that should tell you to walk away.
No Insurance, No License
Professional contractors have a registration and a license to operate in their area. They also have general insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. They will happily provide you copies of these, sometimes even if you’re not asking. But if the contractor makes up some vague excuses for not having a registration, a license or insurance, that’s a red flag. Find another contractor.
Payment Terms Make You Uneasy
If a contractor has some unusual payment arrangements, including cash-only payments, or if they ask for too much money upfront, that’s a red flag that should tell you to move on. If they’re asking for too much money immediately, too aggressive with their sales pitch, or seem to be forcing you to choose their most expensive products, they are probably going bankrupt or don’t have enough customers to sustain their operations.
Not Local
Your best bet when you need home improvement or maintenance services is to go local. Not only are you supporting your local community, but you are also avoiding fly-by-night operators, also known as storm chasers. Storm chasers visit areas hit by storms to offer cheap services. They will do a shoddy job using cheap, used, or fake materials, then leave your area so you can never find them again if there are problems with what they did.
Reputable professionals are highly unlikely to approach you to offer their services. You have to call or visit them. Sometimes, you have to be scheduled a little later because they’re busy.
Storm chasers typically approach you and make you some ridiculously cheap offers. That’s a red flag. Always choose a local contractor.
Homecraft Inc. is a professional vinyl siding repair and replacement company. We also offer other services, including window and roof repair and replacement. Get in touch with us today at (302) 798-0302 or refer to this page. We look forward to working with you in Hockessin and Wilmington, DE.
