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Friday, May 6, 2011

Why All St. Charles Siding Contractors are not Created Equal


Have you been thinking about getting new siding for your home? Perhapes you are thinking about selling your home in a few years and want to start getting your home ready for it's "close-up". One mistake that many homeowners make is assuming that all St. Charles siding contractors are the same. Many homeowners are in such a rush to get the job done that they fail to ask the right questions and hire the person who says they can get the job done for a reasonable price. Your home is your most valuable asset and if you are leaving the exterior of your home up to some guy that you know little about is not a wise idea. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see when they visit your home - it is worth taking a little extra time to get it right.
Before you start getting in touch with St. Charles siding contractors, think about the type of siding you would like to have. Sometimes you will need to meet with a few contractors before you know the answer to this question. One may be an expert in fiber cement siding, like HardieBoard and HardiePlank shingles, while others may only offer vinyl siding.
Here are some of the questions you might ask upon meeting them.
  • Do you have a contractor's license in Missouri? May I see it?
  • Are you insured and bonded? Ask for details on thier insurance policy.
  • Is installing exterior siding products your primary business?
  • How long have you been installing siding?
  • Which types of siding material do you recommend? Why?
  • How long does it usually take from start to finish?
  • How soon would my job be completed if I hired you?
  • What will my cost be for this project?
  • Does this price include removal of old siding and clean up?

These may seem like simple questions, but they will give you enough information to make an informed decision. Whenever possible, conduct this interview in person with the owner of the business and get a written estimate that includes as much detail as possible about the contractor's recommendation. Obviously, the more St. Charles siding contractors you meet with, the easier it will become to make the right choice.

Once you had meet with a handful of siding contractors and all of your questions are satifactorily answered, it's time to make a decision. Make sure you have a comfort level with the siding manufacturer that you choose and don't be afraid to ask for references. Before you sign any paperwork , be sure you have a clear estimate of the cost of the job and a well defined project timeline. If nothing else you will be able to determine which St. Charles siding contractor suites you best and what materials they offer.