A fresh look for your home? Sign us up. Whether you’re upgrading to boost curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, or simply give your exterior a facelift, installing new siding is an exciting step.
Of course, every adventure comes with challenges—especially when working with home siding contractors. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back.
This guide can help homeowners like you avoid the roadblocks and those dreaded moments that can turn exciting projects into stressful sagas. Knowing how to work with a contractor can make the process easy and fun.
Search for the Best Contractor
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when looking for a good siding contractor.
Reach out to family and friends for trusted recommendations—why do the hard work when your neighbor may have already done it for you?
If that doesn’t turn up results, do your diligence by researching companies on sites like Yelp, Google reviews, and the Better Business Bureau. In past client reviews, look for keywords like “good communication” and “exceeded expectations,” avoiding businesses whose reviews frequently include words like “distant” or “shady.”
When you interact with the siding team, steer clear of contractors who don’t ask any questions about your home—they should be curious about your needs from the get-go.
Overcommunicate from Day One
Trust us on this one. No one wants to be overbearing, but your best chance of seeing the home siding results you want is to give the contractor a boatload of details—your fears, dreams, and whole vision for your home. Setting expectations early makes things run smoother later on.
Discuss your method of communication from the start—will it be calls, texts, or emails? That way, you know how you’ll hear from them before the “Can I get an update?” game begins. Ask the contractor to communicate with you on progress. As contractors, we expect you to want to know how it’s going.
But as the client, you should always plan for the unexpected. You will need to give feedback throughout the process and occasionally express concern. Nobody’s perfect, but always keep the focus on finding solutions. Encourage constant progress to keep the relationship solid and thank them for their hard work.
Vet Their Previous Work
A picture’s worth a thousand words, and real-life proof of a contractor’s solid siding work might be your ticket to the home of your dreams. Ask to see work that matches your vision—you’re the boss here, so make this project what you want it to be.
Research your siding materials—from vinyl to cedar to fiber cement—so you’ll be ready to confidently discuss your home’s best option with the contractor and assess proof of their past work with that material.
Be Patient
Even if you’re on pins and needles waiting for your project to be finished, you know that quality work matters way more than speed. Some contractors may want to rush. Instead, try to find one who takes pride in their work, even if it means spending that extra day on the finishing touches.
Your project may be delayed due to material shipments, the great outdoors, or just life. It just happens, so take a deep breath and try to roll with it. Regular check-ins with the contractor can help you better understand the project’s timeline and be prepared for changes.
Patience leads to less stress. Remember—the perfect vinyl, wood, or cement board siding installation might take slightly longer than expected, but it’s better than shoddy work. So, channel your inner zen when rain is in the forecast for the next week.
Read the Contract
Don’t skip the fine print. Make sure the agreement you’re entering into is crystal clear for both parties. Include the nitty-gritty, like payment schedules, the exact job scope, and completion dates—plus that oft-needed leeway in case Mother Nature throws a curveball.
Question red flags in the contract, such as vagueness or verbal promises without written backing. If a contractor says, “It’ll be done in two weeks,” ask for that promise in writing with a clause for missed deadlines. Discussing all the details helps to avoid frustration later.
Communication Tips
First, don’t be afraid to ask for details. After all, contractors have their lingo, so ask away. Clarify terms like “board and batten” and “soffit” if they confuse you.
And don’t be afraid to share your thoughts early and often. Waiting until the siding is halfway up before breaking the news that you actually want a different color is like deciding to switch lanes in the middle of an intersection—it’s bound to cause chaos and confusion.
Let your preferences be heard clearly—contractors are there to satisfy their customers’ wishes for their homes, and catching any issues quickly is much better than redoing the whole project.
The Perfect Finish
Before you sit back and admire your home’s stunning new look, do a final walkthrough with your contractor to check that every detail matches your vision. Once you’re completely satisfied, give them the thumbs up and settle the final payment.
If it’s a job well done, keep their contact information handy. After all, you never know when your roof, gutters, or siding might need another facelift.
Ready to turn your siding dreams into reality? Whether you’re looking for top-notch “siding and gutter installation near me” or expert advice, BigHorn Roofing has your back.