When Comparing Siding Companies...

When making a big decision, like remodeling your home, having too many appointments tend to be confusing. It is always best to get 2 to 3 bids. Otherwise, the contactors tend to all blend together. When you are interviewing a contractor, you should always get the following information:

1. Always get the full name and physical address of the company. You probably want a contractor that is near your home and has an actual showroom. You are going to want someone who is readily available to you in case something goes wrong, instead of trying to track down a guy who does it all out of the back of his truck.



2. Make sure the company carries insurance. You want a contractor that carries comprehensive liability and workers' compensation insurance. This protects you in case of an accident. Asking to see the contractors certificates of coverage is not unusual. A contractor that carries these are more likely to follow safety guidelines, however they do carry a higher job overhead cost. This extra cost is worth the piece of mind to the buyer.



3. Ask for referrals or references. You could even ask for photos of previous work. Request a list of 10 names, addresses and phone numbers of customers contracted in the last 12 months. This way you can drive by or call previous customers.



4. Find out what the workmanship warranty is. Usually workmanship warranties are for a year or more. However, they usually do not cover acts of nature. The length is usually not as important as the actual offer of the warranty. You know that your contactor stands by his work. Problems usually arise fairly soon. Even if something arises after the warranty is up, a good contractor usually will fix the problem anyways.



5. Ask what the manufacturer's warranty is. Most manufactuers offer a warranty with their products. Make sure you know how long your warranty for the actual product is.