Choosing the right contractor isn’t just a matter of comparing prices and selecting the company with the lowest price. According to Windows Plus, a vinyl siding contractor in Louisville, Kentucky, a good contractor will “use high-quality products backed by lifetime warranties from trusted manufacturers.”
If you choose a bad contractor, you may find yourself with problems with improper installation that won’t be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. So it makes sense to do your research carefully, interviewing, and comparing multiple contractors before you pull the trigger. Here are some of the things you should consider when hiring a vinyl siding contractor.
1: Company Insurance
There are a couple of types of insurance that any reputable contractor should carry. Ensuring that the contractor you’re evaluating has these, is a good way to quickly see if they are a reputable, safe, and quality company.
Comprehensive general liability insurance will protect you if the contractor damages your home or property over the course of the project. Otherwise, you will be forced to cover the costs for any repairs that might be needed.
Workers’ compensation insurance protects both you and the contractors working for those you hire. Otherwise, you may be responsible for an injured worker’s medical bills. Asking for proof of these types of insurance, including current certificates, will protect you and ensure that the company you are looking into is reputable.
2: Licensing
Another basic thing that will set a reputable company apart from a disreputable one is licensing. In the state of Kentucky, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors are all required to be licensed. Other contractors don’t have this requirement. Having an up-to-date license will also show that the company’s insurance requirements have been completed.
It’s an easy step to take to request proof of license before signing any paperwork.
3: Ask for References
Most reputable companies will be happy to provide you with proof of their good reputation. This is especially important if the company has only been in business for a short amount of time.
Get references to check that the business has a good reputation for satisfied customers. Here are some great questions to ask:
- Were you satisfied with the quality of the work?
- Did the company complete the work within the time frame quoted?
- Would you hire them again?
You can also learn about how the price paid compared to the quality of the work. No one is completely unbiased but sifting through references will certainly help you avoid those nightmare contractors.
4: Look into Their Track Record
There are other ways besides references that you can easily look into a company’s track record. One of these ways is through contacting the Better Business Bureau. Check out their track record for resolving complaints. Whether the contractor has ever lost a job-related court case, and if the company’s license has been suspended in the past and why.
If they have been able to resolve customer complaints in a satisfactory manner, this shows that they are more likely to be a company you would like to do business with. Legal battles are no one’s idea of fun.
5: Ask About Subcontractors
Does the company have its own hired permanent installers? Or, do they subcontract the work out? This shows the size of the organization and its ability to complete the work with more certainty. Subcontractors are often used for very specialized work.
Follow these recommendations when deciding which vinyl siding contractor in Louisville you should hire. Each plays a role in identifying a company you can be proud to work with. Best of luck!
