Welcome back to our series on what to look for when hiring a Madison-area siding contractor.
As mentioned in Part 1, it’s important to be aware of what to inquire about with a potential contractor, which is why we’ve created this series to get you up to speed — because the siding contractor you choose is just as important as the type of siding you choose for your home.
In Part 2 of our series we’re covering the following:
- Getting a clear timeline, including start date & end date
- Clarifying a siding contractor’s experience level
- What licenses & credentials a contractor has
- Whether or not a contractor has any additional certifications and/or trainings
- The importance of making sure the contractor you choose is fully insured
TIMELINE
TIMELINEProject Start Date
When can a potential contractor begin work? Get an exact date, and also understand that really good contractors are typically really busy and may need to book out. Yes, you may want the work done ASAP, but it’s more important to get it done right, so don’t settle for a contractor who doesn’t meet the criteria set out in this series just because they’re available. Also keep in mind that things can occur that delay the start date. For example, bad weather, or a delay in delivery of siding materials.
How Long Will it Take?
Just as important as the start date is the expected completion date. In speaking with at least a handful of siding contractors (which we recommend), you might spot one or more of them overpromising or overcommitting with a remarkably short timeline, which could be a red flag.
A Quick Note …
Discussing all of the points in this series, including timeline, with a contractor is a great way to get a read on their communication skills, which will be incredibly important once the project starts. You’ll want to do your best to ensure that the siding installer you choose will have solid communication skills to keep you up to date in a timely manner regarding things like project progress, possible delays, or any questions you might have.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
EXPERIENCE LEVELUnderstanding a siding contractor’s experience level is a critical aspect of your research.
When I hire someone to do work on things like on my car or plumbing, I look at the initial conversation kind of like a job interview. And when you think about it, that’s exactly what it is. You are looking to hire someone to do a job, and that initial conversation can go a long way in helping you determine whether or not they’ve got what it takes to handle your siding installation competently and with precision.
An easy way to determine how experienced a siding contractor is, is to ask them for their licenses and credentials, as well as things like additional certifications and trainings — and of course, make sure they are fully insured before you sign on the dotted line. Let’s dive into each of these topics individually …
LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS
LICENSES AND CREDENTIALSBe sure to ask about a contractor’s licenses and credentials. A licensed contractor with valid credentials will be willing to share information, and provide proof upon request.
Before you agree to hire a siding company, make sure they have all of the appropriate licenses and credentials that are required within Dane County and Wisconsin. An easy way to check on these items is to call your city administrative offices to attain your local requirements.
Typically, legitimate contractors are happy to provide their licensing and credentials. Another easy, reputable benchmark is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Simply go to the Better Business Bureau’s website to check: (1) if the company is listed; (2) if they have a good BBB grade.
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & TRAININGS
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & TRAININGSDo the siding contractors you’re considering have any additional trainings or certifications? If so, you’re on the right track …
Training is an important part of continuous learning in our industry, and it can be gained in different ways, including: certifications, certificates, seminars, workshops, classes, and the like. These types of trainings help keep a siding company’s team current, and well-versed regarding the latest trends in siding — including safety, installation and technology.
Some companies share their trainings and certifications right on their website. That said, if you don’t see them, ask! Both for myself, and my team, I have found that ongoing education yields better service and better installations for homeowners.
For example, 
CertainTeed is the most popular siding manufacturer we work with. They make great products, have an outstanding warranty and also offer a rigorous certification program called the 5-Star™Vinyl Siding Contractor program, to select siding contractors.
Entrance into the program must be earned by siding contractors. In order to be eligible to attain this 5-star rating, siding contractors must successfully complete each of these items and meet all of the following criteria …
- Completion of CertainTeed’s Master Craftsman Coursework.
- Completion of robust continuing education coursework that covers things like product installation, sustainable building, and business best practices.
- To be a 5-Star Contractor, the siding company must provide proof of Workers Compensation (where required by law) and General Liability insurance.
- A high rating with the Better Business Bureau must be maintained at all times.
- The siding contractor must also be approved to use CertainTeed’s high-quality vinyl siding products and accessories in the work they perform.
A you can imagine, working with a contractor that has a CertainTeed 5-Star rating is beneficial for homeowners because a contractor with this rating has already been vetted as a siding installation expert, which means they are capable of delivering superior product installation.
MAKE SURE THE SIDING COMPANY YOU CHOOSE IS FULLY INSURED
A fully-insured siding contractor is a must. So find out, in advance of hiring a contractor, if they are fully insured. If they’re not, find another contractor.
An insured contractor means that both the siding contractor is protected, and that you are protected, in the unfortunate event of an accident on your property. A siding company that does not have up-to-date insurance should be avoided at all costs.
That all said, make sure the siding company you choose has AT LEAST general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have questions about siding, or any of the topics we’ve listed in this series, feel free to contact us any time. We’re always happy to help, even during the winter months!