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Jan 25, 2021
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Top 9 Questions to Ask Siding Contractors Before Signing a Contract

One of the biggest stressors of starting a home siding project is ensuring that you’re hiring a contractor that’s reputable and reliable.  Thoroughly vetting these pros ensures that the contractor you select will provide exemplary craftsmanship and customer service.  While it takes initiative on your part, we strongly urge you to ask the below questions prior to signing a siding installation contract.

1. How Much of a Down Payment is Needed For My Siding Project?

As a rule, 1/3 of the project price is an appropriate down payment.  This allows the contractor to purchase the siding materials that are needed to get the project going.  If a contractor requests full payment upfront, it’s a red flag and leaves the homeowner no recourse other than the legal system if the project isn’t completed correctly, in a timely manner, or even at all.

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2. Have You Ever Done Business Under a Different Name?

The contractor’s reaction to this is often more telling than their actual words.  Few contractors will admit that they’ve closed the doors of their previous company and started a new one due to litigation or bankruptcy.

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3. How Will This Siding Look on My Home?

Quality siding contractors can show homeowners exact product samples in order to assist in the decision-making process.  In addition, digital renderings can be used so that homeowners can experiment with various siding colors in order to pick a winning combination.

Rendering
This 3D rendering allowed the clients to visualize how their siding would look.

4. Will Your Siding Quote Be Broken Down by Line Item?

Contractors that have nothing to hide offer transparent contracts that show all costs as separate line items.  This also provides homeowners documentation of color selections and materials being used.

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5. When Will the Job Start & How Long Will It Take?

Bear in mind that factors such as material availability and weather can cause these dates to shift.  However, this information gives you a baseline to create reasonable expectations.

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6. Where Are Your Company Headquarters?

If you get a vague answer, PO box, or an address that’s several states away, it’s likely you are dealing with a storm chasing contractor.  These individuals often descend on hail damaged areas and perform shoddy work if the job even gets completed.  If it does and there are workmanship issues that present themselves down the road, it’s unlikely the siding contractor will come back to make adjustments.

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7. Do You Have a Reference List of Past Customers I Can Contact?

Speaking with past customers and asking them questions can allow you to deduce whether the contractor performs quality work, how they handle curveballs, and whether the project was completed on time and budget.  Here’s a list of contractor reference questions we recommend asking.

Watch Our Twin Cities Craftsmen Install Steel Siding:

8. Are You Licensed to Do Work in My State?

Building codes vary by municipality.  It is critical to the success of your siding project that your contractor be licensed so that any legal issues that arise from your area zoning office are handled by the contractor.

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9. Can You Provide Documentation of Your Insurance Policy?

Some contractors offer deeply discounted prices by not carrying liability and workers compensation insurance.  This spells real trouble for the homeowners, as they are then responsible for any property damage or physical injuries to installers.

House Siding Installation Projects:

Seamless Siding Installation Reviews:

I was extremely pleased with the quality of work done by Lindus. They installed six large picture windows, replaced all my old siding with new LP® Smartside®, replaced the soffit and fascia, and installed their LeafGuard® Gutters. I highly recommend checking them out.  Their responsiveness, ability to make suggestions that met my needs, and professionalism were top notch. Pricewise, they were in the ballpark with competitors, maybe slightly more, but they're worth it." 

Ryan C.
Webster, WI
August 23, 2022

My wife and I concluded that we needed gutters, but our house is 40+ years old and it would be appropriate to replace our facia and soffits. Why not siding too? I contacted Lindus Construction and Matt came to our house and walked us through the process.  Thanks to the crews and we would recommend using Lindus Construction."

Stewart B.
Eagan, MN
July 12, 2022

"Lindus Construction teams did first class work on my brother's roof, upper windows & steel siding. They are great in their communications. Kelsey coordinated scheduling & our needs so we could stay ahead of crew needs.  Tony, George and their teams have high standards. Well done! I highly recommend Lindus!"

Tom H.
Savage, MN
July 8, 2022

"Highly recommend. Quality of work and installers was excellent. I am enjoying siding, windows, gutters and a front door. They will be my first call when I come up with another project."

Marlys R.
Newport, MN
May 4, 2022

"Once it was scheduled it went pretty quickly, even in extreme weather conditions. TJ did a good job of overseeing his crew and keeping me informed. During final inspection by Josh, he found some errors made years ago when our roof was last shingled ( not by Lindus). He corrected the errors. The final result- seamless steel siding, window trim, and LeafGuard® Gutters is beautiful."

Judy D.
Mound, MN
April 12, 2022

"The project has gone well. Josiah has been a pleasure to work with. The crew members are amazing. A very hard working group of people."

Melissa B.
Mendota Heights, MN
April 11, 2022
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