Alright, let's talk about hiring someone to work on your home's siding. It's a big investment, and you definitely don't want to get stuck with a shoddy job or, worse, a scammer. I've been doing this for years, and believe me, I've seen it all. Here's what you need to know to pick the right contractor for your Taylorsville home.
What to Ask Potential Siding Contractors
When someone comes out to give you an estimate, you've got to ask the right questions. Don't be shy, either. This is your house, your money. You're interviewing them, not the other way around.
Are you licensed and insured? This isn't negotiable. Ask for their license number and proof of insurance, then call the state licensing board (DOPL) to verify it. If they can't — or won't — provide it, show them the door. You really don't want to be liable if someone gets hurt on your property or if they mess up your house, do you?
How long have you been in business? Experience matters. A company that's been around for a while usually means they do good work and stand behind it. Newer companies aren't always bad, but they're definitely more of a gamble.
Can you provide local references? I'm not talking about their mom or best friend here. Ask for a few recent customers in the Taylorsville area you can actually call or drive by their house to see the work. A good contractor will be happy to provide them.
Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew or subcontractors? Some companies use their own employees; others sub out everything. There's nothing inherently wrong with subcontractors, but you want to know who's responsible and who's coming to your house.
What's your warranty? This covers both the materials and the labor. Make sure you understand what's covered, for how long, and what voids it. Get it in writing, always.
How do you handle unexpected issues? Sometimes you pull off old siding and find rot or other problems. It happens. You need to know how they communicate these things and how they'll adjust the cost and timeline.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
You'll get a few quotes, and they'll probably look different. Don't just compare the bottom line. Dig into the details, instead.
Detailed Scope of Work: Does it clearly list everything they're doing? What type of siding, brand, color, and profile? What about trim, soffit, fascia, and wraps around windows and doors? Is tear-off included, or are they going over existing siding? If your home is like many in Taylorsville's older neighborhoods, built in the 60s or 70s, it might have original wood siding that needs careful removal before new insulation and siding goes on. Make sure the quote specifies this.
Material Specifications: The quote should specify the exact materials. Not just