6 Questions To Ask When Choosing a Siding Contractor or Roofing Contractor

 

Siding and roofing is one of the most important features on the exterior of your house. Not only does the material, style and color choice go a long way toward helping, or hurting your “curb appeal”, it is an integral part of your home’s protective shell, which helps keep out the elements. Poor workmanship can cause your siding or roofing to fail, both in terms of looks and protection.

Therefore it’s important, when shopping for a siding contractor or roofing contractor, to choose a qualified company that will do a good job and support their work. At TL Home Improvement LLC we want to be certain people aren’t taken advantage of. Here are six questions you should ask every contractor you talk. And consider adding us to your shortlist of contractors.

1. “Do you carry insurance?”

 

Many smaller siding contractors or roofing contractor may not carry the proper insurance, in the proper amounts. This is a major red flag, because if you hire an uninsured, or poorly insured contractor and something happens on the job, your homeowner’s policy may end up having to foot the bill.

There are two types of insurance home improvement contractors should carry. General liability insurance, which covers damage to your property, and workers’ compensation insurance, which covers any injuries that might happen in the event of an accident. Both are equally important. If a contractor can’t produce written proof of proper insurance, politely send them on their way.

2. “Are you and your employees properly licensed?”

 

Most states require contractors to be licensed in order to legally carry out work in their field. The testing involved helps customers be certain the contractor is knowledgeable and qualified. Make sure you know what licenses are required by your state for contractors, and then ask to make sure the contractor you’re talking to carries those licenses. Beware contractors that try to claim their business license is a contractor’s license. They aren’t the same thing.

3.“Are you and your employees properly credentialed?”

 

Even more important than licenses are the credentials your contractor carries. Credentials demonstrate that a contractor has received all of the training they need to adequately and safely perform the work you’re hiring them for. These are usually awarded by specific manufacturers to cover their full line of products, or by industry groups concerned with maintaining high contractor standards. Ask to see the contractor’s credentials. If they seem lacking, move on.

4. “How long have you been in business?”

 

 

It’s true that everybody has to start somewhere, but do you really want your home to be the guinea pig for a new contractor? Ideally you want a contractor that’s been in business for at least seven years. This demonstrates that they have the skills to maintain a lasting company. Remember that the warranty your contractor offers you is only good if the company stays in business.

5. “Can you provide references from previous jobs?”

 

A quality siding and roofing contractor should have no problem producing references willing to talk about their experiences. Ask for at least ten. You won’t necessarily contact them all, but it’s nice to see that the contractor has that many previous customers happy enough with their work that they’re willing to talk to prospective customers. If they can’t, or won’t provide references, be skeptical of their promises.

6. “What does your workmanship warranty cover?”

There are two warranties you’re concerned with. The manufacturer’s warranty covers any defects in the materials installed. You’ll want to get a copy of this from the contractor, assuming you choose to move ahead with them. But you also need to see the siding or roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty, which details what they’ll cover in terms of problems and defects in the work they perform, and for how long.

The term is usually a year or more, but the length is less important than the depth of what the contractor will cover. Avoid contractors with weak warranties that don’t seem to cover enough of what could go wrong. If they aren’t willing to fully support their work, you have to assume they aren’t confident in the quality of their workmanship.

 

If You Get a Bad Feeling About a Contractor, Go with Your Gut

There are a lot of home improvement siding and roofing contractors. If, after you ask these and other questions you don’t feel confident in their ability to deliver quality work, and stand behind it, move on to someone else. You don’t want to find yourself stuck with a bad contractor and poor service. There are enough good contractors out there that if you do your due diligence, you’ll find them.

 

We here at TL Home Improvement in Shelton Connecticut have been providing quality siding, roofing, gutter and guards, windows and carpentry installation since 2004.

Contact Us Today

We have the knowledge, the staying power, the licenses, the credentials, and a long list of satisfied customers to demonstrate the quality of our workmanship and our excellent customer service. If you’re in the market for new vinyl siding, roofing, gutter & guards or windows please contact us for a free consultation and estimate.

Gutter Installation Shelton, CT