Sifting through siding contractors and choosing the right one is not only crucial for enhancing the look of your home, but also for protecting its integrity against the elements. Your siding is the first line of defense against the weather, keeping you and your family warm and safe. Properly maintained siding will also help you keep pests out of your home, preventing them from chewing their way into a pantry or into the walls. This guide will help you through the process of selecting a siding contractor who is skillful, reliable, and cost-effective.

How to Find the Best Siding Contractors Near You

It’s important to do your due diligence and understand the specific needs of your home when you start looking for a siding contractor. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be to find a quality contractor who can help you.

The best thing that you can do is search online to find siding contractors that are local to you or service your local area. Choosing a family-run business is often better than choosing a franchise, as you’ll get better service and quality work with the local business. At Harford Roofing & Exteriors, we are proud to offer our northern Maryland community with free estimates and the siding services from a family-owned and -operated business.

Once you find your siding contactor, talk with the representative over the phone for a few minutes and see what their customer service and expertise is like. Ask about their licensure and certifications and talk to them about your specific siding problems. This will give you a feel for the company’s wort ethics and help you make an informed decision about their services.

What You Need to Know When Hiring a Siding Contractor

Finding the right contractor isn’t about finding the lowest price. While your wallet is happier with the lower prices, it’s important to balance that with the quality of work done so you can rest assured knowing it will last for a long time. (1)

“Installing new siding can give your home’s exterior a facelift and make it look brand new. Siding not only amps up curb appeal, but it also improves energy efficiency and offers weather protection against Mother Nature.”
—Forbes

When you find a siding contractor who you are interested in hiring, it’s important to get them to visit your home and provide you with a quote. From there, you can ask any questions you have about the terms of the service, the timeline of repairs, and any fees that are discussed in the terms of the contract. Reading the fine print will only protect you, and if you did you due diligence, you’ll also find a siding contractor who is willing to be upfront and honest about their terms of service and potential costs.

It’s key to remember that an estimate is just that, however: an estimate. If the contractor comes up against unexpected repairs or material costs are higher than they expected, they will need to renegotiate the terms of the contract. That’s where finding the right contractor is important because a good local contractor will be better with communication.

Never underestimate the power of customer service. A contractor who prioritizes communication will make the entire process smoother and more pleasant for you. In fact, exceptional customer service often signifies a company that takes pride in its work, setting the stage for a fruitful, long-term relationship.

Questions to Ask a Siding Contractor Before Signing an Agreement

Choosing the right siding contractor is a crucial step in the process, but it can be difficult to find one that you trust. Here are some questions you should ask before committing to a contractor:

Are You Licensed and Insured? – A valid license and insurance are non-negotiable. This protects you from any liabilities and ensures that the contractor meets local regulations. This will also ensure that your homeowner’s insurance will cover them as a valid contractor, if you are using insurance to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

Can You Provide References? – Reputable contractors should readily provide references. Take the time to check these and make sure they adhere to your standard of work.

What Types of Siding Materials Do You Specialize In? – Different contractors may have expertise in various materials like vinyl, wood, or fiber cement. Make sure they specialize in the material you desire, or at least work with that material.

Do You Handle Permits? – Some contractors will apply for the necessary permits for your project, saving you time and effort. This is a sign of a contractor who wants to make the process smooth for you. In some cases, however, the homeowner has to be the one to apply for the permit. Your contractor should at least work with you and help you through the process in these situations.

What is the Estimated Timeline? – Delays are costly for both you and the contractor, but knowing the timeline can also help you set expectations with the contractor. A clear timeline helps you plan better and holds the contractor accountable.

Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate? – Understanding the full scope of costs upfront avoids unpleasant surprises down the line. Make sure the estimate includes labor, materials, and any other potential costs.

What Warranty Do You Offer? – Siding contractors often offer their own warranties to ensure the quality of work is up to their standards. A good warranty can give you peace of mind. However, be sure to read the fine print to better understand what is and is not covered.

These questions will help you ensure you’re hiring a contractor who is skilled, reliable, and aligns with your needs.

Can You Negotiate on Siding?

Many homeowners are often hesitant to negotiate prices, fearing that it might compromise the quality of the work. However, negotiation is a standard part of the contracting business and can lead to a win-win situation for both parties. What this means is that you can absolutely negotiate when it comes to siding projects for your home, but this doesn’t always look like a price negotiation.

First, do your homework. Collect quotes from multiple contractors to learn the local market rates for the specific type of siding you’re interested in. This information is your leverage during negotiation.

Don’t just focus on the cost of the materials. The contractor likely doesn’t have a lot of control over the cost of materials and can’t budge on these items. Installation, labor, and timeframe are also negotiable aspects of a siding project.

Sometimes adjusting the schedule to fit the contractor’s availability can result in cost savings. Additionally, this is why you should always ask for itemized quotes when getting a finalized estimate of work. Seeing the breakdown of costs allows you to question specific charges and possibly get them reduced.

Lastly, remember that negotiation is not just about reducing costs; it’s also an opportunity to add value. You might negotiate for better materials within your budget or additional services like painting or gutter cleaning as part of the package. Negotiating doesn’t mean you’re penny-pinching; it means you’re a savvy homeowner looking for the best value.

Is It Cheaper to Paint a House or Put Siding On It?

The question of whether it’s more cost-effective to paint your house or install siding is not a straightforward one. Several factors play into this decision, including your home’s age, condition, and the long-term value you’re looking to add. Based on purely up-front cost, painting a house is much less expensive than replacing the siding.

Unfortunately, paint tends to fade and peel, requiring costly and frequent paint-touch ups. Siding, particularly if it is vinyl or fiber-cement, does not need as much maintenance and can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Furthermore, in addition to looking nice, siding helps insulate your home better than paint, and provides better energy efficiency.

While painting might be less expensive upfront, the long-term maintenance and lost cost-savings rack up quickly, making siding the clear winner.

Advantages of Vinyl Siding

The main reason that vinyl siding is more popular than other types of house siding is because it is inexpensive. Its cost-effectiveness, combined with how easy it is to obtain, install, and maintain, make it a logical, versatile choice for home siding installation. Unlike other house siding options, vinyl siding does not need to be painted. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles that look attractive right out of the box. The color of vinyl siding does not crack, chip, flake off, or fade, so it never needs to be retouched – it will stay vibrant for years to come.

The main advantages of vinyl siding are:

• Doesn’t need painting
• Stays vibrant and attractive year-round, even with changes in weather and temperature
• Easy to repair or replace if damaged
• Inexpensive, so offers a great return on investment
• Low-maintenance
• Available in wide range of colors, styles, and textures
• Doesn’t lose value over time
• Incredibly durable
• Long warranty periods available from manufacturers
• Installation is quick and easy

Harford Roofing & Exteriors, At Your Side

At Harford Roofing & Exteriors, we are proud to provide a family-owned and -operated service to others in Harford County, Maryland. We are committed to not just being a home remodeling or siding contractor, but being a partner in your home’s long-term investment.  We serve northern Maryland, including Havre De Grace, Aberdeen, Bel Air, Creswell, and more!

We’re proud to help you keep your home safe throughout the seasons. Give us a call today at (443) 292-6020 to schedule your free estimate, or request an estimate online, and see the difference that Harford Roofing & Exteriors can make.

References:

1. Forbes, How to Find the Best Siding Contractors Near You, https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/best-siding-contractors-near-me/