Everybody wants the best contractor working on their project. If you’re planning a new siding installation or replacement, chances are high that you’re looking for Portland’s best siding contractor to work on your new siding. Here are some tips to help you sieve the best from hundreds of available options.
Nothing beats doing your research at the start of any project. This research should begin with knowing the types of siding materials you can use for your project and what sets each material apart. While most homeowners use vinyl sidings because of their versatility, low maintenance requirement, and ease of installation, you may find other options like wood siding, composite siding, or fiber cement siding interesting.
Armed with the information on what you want for your siding project, go on to ask friends, family, colleagues at work, or neighbors for siding contractor recommendations. You can be sure that these people will recommend professionals they’ve had a direct and positive working experience with. These recommendations can form a start to your list of potential hires. Add to the list by searching online for siding contractors near you. The internet will provide a few other options to add to your list.
Choosing the best siding contractor for your next project requires you to be strict with your quality standards. You can start trimming the list of potential contractors by researching each company online.
Take your time to read more about each company on independent review websites like Yelp, BBB, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor. Pay attention to what past customers had to say about customer service, pricing, and service quality. Strike out companies with multiple bad reviews from past customers, as they are more likely to repeat the same with you.
One of the tricks to get excellent services is to compare what three or more companies or contractors offer and decide the best. In this case, contact the shortlisted siding contractors and request a bid or quote for your siding project. Most contractors will schedule an appointment to come over.
Compare the quotes and how detailed each one is. While going through the quote, compare other factors like the contractor’s timeliness in responding to calls and messages, customer service, service costs, and accuracy.
Ask About Past Projects
With your list of potential hires thinned to just a few, now’s the time to focus on the details. Ask potential hires about their past projects and pictures of completed projects. The pictures give you an idea of what the contractor can do and how clean their job is. You can also easily tell if you’d be hiring them based on their past projects or not.
Ask for Written Estimates
Now that you’re sure of the possible siding contractors to hire, ask about the estimate for your project and how quickly the contractor can complete it. You can also ask the siding contractor about other possible engagements which may affect the completion timeline.
Review the written estimates from at least two other potential hires to be sure you’re not being cheated. You should also ask about guarantees and warranties at this stage.
Find Out About Permits
Many local contractors are responsible for handling construction permits. However, some contractors do not handle this part of the project. Before making a decision, ask about permits and who handles them.
Some contractors may charge extra to handle the permits, while others incorporate the charges into their estimates. Always remember that it is less stressful to have the siding contractor handle the permitting needs.
Ask About Payment Plans
A siding replacement project can be capital-intensive. Paying all the costs at once may impact your financial balance and eliminate your emergency funds. Ask the siding contractor about possible payment plans.
Please be informed that not all siding contractors offer payment plans. You may proceed with a one-time payment if you have the total budget for the project. However, consider the available payment plans if you want to spread payment over a period.
In the last stages of the hiring process, you want to make sure you’ve made the right choice. Here are some questions to ask your potential hire