Hiring Siding Contractor –Warning Signs to Beware Of

 

When you choose siding for your house, it’s a major job. Not only does siding protect your property against the elements, but it also serves important insulative aspects as well. Because siding involves all exterior walls, you need to find a siding contractor who provides excellent service and installation. But beware; there are plenty of contractors out there looking for quick money for poorly done work. This article will help you navigate the process on hiring siding contractor and offer warning signs for ones you should avoid. 

No Reviews or References 

Be wary of the siding contractors who come to you with a big sales pitch and great prices, but no reviews or references to show to back their claims. Before signing a contract, search the internet to find what others have been saying. Ask for some references from their recent clients, and ask for pictures of previous work as well. Good siding contractors would never balk at letting you talk their satisfied clients.

No Insurance Documentation

Even if your state or local government doesn’t require contractors to hold insurance, any quality contractor will still have it. They will also be willing to show you proof before being asked. If your contractor can’t provide you with proof of insurance, it should be a warning sign telling you to hire someone else. Remember, if your home or business gets damaged by an uninsured contractor, you will be the one that is stuck with the bill. 

The Out-of-towner

It’s best to find a local siding contractor. Not only will they provide you with nearby references so you can view their work, but local contractors know the market, weather patterns, and the rest that goes with living where you work. 

If there is a contractor that bounces around from community to faraway community, beware. Though nothing is certain, many con contractors tend to move quickly to a new city after a couple of subpar jobs. If you plan on using an out of town siding contractor, make sure to do your due diligence and look at the reviews and ask for references.

Huge Down Payment When Hiring Siding Contractor

Be aware of any contractor asking for a hefty sum down payment. Also, be wary of siding contractors who only deal in cash. Quality contractors won’t ask for large down payments because they already have a sustainable and profitable business model to finance their new projects.  

The Pushy Contractor

A siding contractor should never make you feel like you are being bullied into making a decision. Instead, they should offer accurate estimates and work that meet your needs. If your contractor isn’t designing siding contracting work around what you want and instead pushing you on products you don’t need, then it is time to keep looking. 

No Estimates

All good contractors present you with a thorough and itemized estimate. If a siding contractor wants to get started on work and brushes off the idea of an estimate, it’s time to look for someone else. 

An estimate also protects you against unwanted work. Less than reputable siding contractors who don’t use estimates will sometimes add-on unneeded or unnecessary work to heighten your bill. 

Won’t Sign a Contract

As a property owner, you always need a contract. Not only does it protect you, but it protects the siding contractor as well. If you come across a siding professional who doesn’t want to sign a contract, immediately find someone new. 

Wants to Use Materials that Weren’t Discussed

This is another reason why contracts are important. All the materials that are going to be used in your siding installation or repair were previously discussed and signed upon. Con contractors will try to bully you into substituting more expensive materials after they begin work. This also goes for excessive work that you didn’t agree to at the beginning. If you don’t have a contract, you’ll have nothing to back you against these cheats. 

The Outsourcer

If a contractor starts talking about wanting to outsource all or some of the work, back away. The reason you hire a certain siding contractor is because you know that it will be their crew doing your work. You don’t know who the outsourced contractors will be, so how do you know they will be reliable? How do you know they will do quality work? The fact is, they probably won’t.

Something Seems Off When Hiring Siding Contractor

Looks aren’t everything, but a quality contractor should come dressed professionally. The team should have some sort of uniform and the correct equipment. If during your consultation, the siding contractor is acting strange or if you are caching whiffs of alcohol, look to find someone else to handle your job. 

If you are looking for qualified siding contractors in the Denver, Colorado, area, look no further than Mountaintop Roofing & Solar. The team has years of experience installing and repairing siding. Only choose the best. Call the office today to set up your siding consultation.