14 Questions to Ask Your Siding Installation Company

Their Responses Can Help Guide Your Decision to Invest in Your Home

Your home’s exterior protects your investment, so choosing a siding company is a major decision. With so many contractors out there, how do you know which one is right for your siding installation project?

The answer: ask the right questions before signing a contract.

Get ready to ask about:

• Licensing.
• Labor practices.
• Warranties.
• Timelines.
• Experience and quality.
• Costs.
• Products.
• And more!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 14 essential questions and how a contractor should answer them to help you compare your options and decide who you can trust with your home’s exterior.

General Questions

Ask these questions to learn more about the siding company you’re considering.

Do You Have Any References From Satisfied Customers?

If the siding company you choose doesn’t have hundreds of positive reviews on Google, then you’ll want to ask for references from homeowners they’ve helped in the past.

Well-established siding companies will have authentic testimonials on their website and a positive reputation in your community.

Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Never let an unlicensed, uninsured contractor perform work on your property. Doing so puts you and your home at risk for damages that you may never financially recover from.

Siding contractors you’re interviewing should willingly give you proof of their business license and information about their insurance policy.

Do You Have a Siding Installation Contract?

Reputable companies have a contract for you to sign if you agree to hire them. The contract should detail the amount you’ll pay and when payments are due, the scope of the work to be performed, and an estimate for when the work will begin and be completed. Carefully read the contract before you sign, and always ask for a signed copy for your records.

Who Will Be Installing My Siding?

Find out whether the siding company you’re considering hires and trains their own in-house crews, or if they use day laborers. Although plenty of day laborers are highly skilled, an in-house crew shows that the siding company cares about meeting high standards of craftsmanship.

Siding Installation Cost Questions

Ask these questions about how much you’ll pay for new siding. This also includes when your first payment is due. When a siding company cares more about the quality of their work than the quantity, you won’t be asked to pay a dime until you’re satisfied with the product and installation.

How Much Does Siding Installation Cost?

Siding installation costs will vary depending on the type of siding you choose, market conditions, where you live, and the size of your home. Although you can search online for national average costs, the best answer to your question comes in the form of an estimate from a local siding company you can trust.

What Is Included in the Cost of Installing Siding?

Ask this question to make sure your home improvement project includes everything you expect. Siding installation usually includes a new house wrap (sometimes called a vapor barrier), the siding attachment system, the siding itself, and trim. Soffits and fascia may be included, or they may be add-ons.

Can I Get an Estimate?

Ask for a siding installation estimate. If the company gives you one without measuring your home, seeing it in person, or showing you samples of their products, you may want to look for a more customer-focused company. It’s all but impossible to give a down-to-the-penny estimate without seeing your house in person.

Do I Need To Pay a Deposit?

Some siding companies ask you to pay a deposit to get on their schedule, and others don’t. If you’re required to pay a deposit, confirm it’s outlined in the contract, and get a receipt for it.

Questions About Siding Products

Ask these questions to learn more about the type of siding the company will install on your home.

Will You Be Installing Vinyl Siding, or Something Else?

Learn as much as you can about the siding product they plan to use on your home. Even better, choose the siding product you want from a company that specializes in installing it. Some types of siding use specialized attachment methods, so the siding crew should be trained on them.

Does Your Siding Add Insulation to My Home?

New siding that blocks drafts and air leaks will make your home slightly more energy efficient, but siding with form-fitted insulation works far better. Ask about the R-value new siding will add to your home’s existing insulation and whether there is any documentation about how energy efficient the siding is.

Do Your Siding Products Come With a Warranty?

Find out whether the siding product itself comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. A lifetime warranty is the best you can get to protect you, your home, and your wallet.

Questions About Siding Installation

Ask these questions about what to expect during siding installation.

How Long Does It Take To Install Siding?

Siding installation can take as few as two days to as many as 14 days to complete, depending on weather conditions and the size or complexity of your home. Ask your siding company how long they anticipate the project taking.

When Will You Begin My Project?

The answer to this question will help you understand when you can expect work to begin. A reputable siding company should communicate with you about any delays to your project as soon as they are aware of them.

Is There a Warranty on Siding Installation Labor?

You’ve already asked about warranties on siding products; now it’s time to ask whether they offer a labor or craftsmanship warranty, which protects you against any errors during the siding installation process. A company that stands behind their work will warranty their labor.

Be an Informed Consumer

When it comes to investing in your home, asking detailed questions isn’t excessive — it’s smart! This is your home, your budget, and your peace of mind on the line. Reputable siding companies welcome your questions, because it gives them a chance to show they’re serious about getting the job done right.

So ask, compare answers, and trust your instincts. Being a well-informed homeowner puts you in control and makes your siding project a success!