Comparing contractors is not about selecting the lowest bid for “siding replacement, 2,400 sq ft.” Rather, carefully reading the quotes for completeness, checking on the credentials of potential contractors, scrutinizing the warranties, and inspecting their installation techniques prior to signing a contract are very important factors to consider.
Normalize the quotes before you compare them
A quote for “siding replacement, 2,400 sq ft.” of a lump sum amount is of no value. Develop a written scope of work for distribution to all bidders prior to quoting. Include the product to be used (e.g. Product line and profile), all trim work, the underlayment to be used, the type of fasteners to be used, and how unforeseen damage to the sheathing will be handled.
Unforeseen damage to siding sheathing and framing will occur. Try to get the contractor to price these items as a separate add-on rather than as a reduction in the original bid. A contractor that will not price these items in advance is reserving the right to price them later when you have no alternative but to allow them to do the work.
Line items that should appear on every bid
- Tear-off, disposal, and dump fees, stated separately from installation
- Weather-resistive barrier type and the method of integrating it with window flashing
- Treatment of penetrations, including dryer vents, hose bibs, and electrical boxes
- Soffit, fascia, and gutter work, or an explicit statement that it is excluded
- Permit responsibility and inspection scheduling
- Payment schedule tied to milestones rather than calendar dates
Verify credentials at the source, not on the proposal
Don’t rely on a contractor’s license number on their bid. Verify the status of the contractor’s license on the state licensing board’s website, and verify that the classification(s) held by the contractor permit the contractor to perform exterior cladding work. Verify the expiration date of the license and check for any disciplinary action taken against the contractor.
Insurance verification requires similar discipline. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance issued directly by the insurance carrier (not a printout from the contractor’s office). Make certain it includes general liability and workers compensation coverage and confirm that the policy is in effect for the term of time you anticipate needing their services. Subcontracted installers should also issue certificates for their workers as a contractor’s general liability policy does not cover the uninsured installers working under them.
Manufacturer certification is a real signal
Manufacturer certification of installers of major cladding products often leads to extended labor warranties. Check with the manufacturer to verify whether your potential contractor has achieved certification for the specific products that they propose to use and, if so, which of their employees hold that certification. Will those employees be on your job?
Read the warranty as two separate documents
A manufacturer’s product warranty and a contractor’s workmanship warranty are two separate items that typically last different lengths of time and cover different kinds of failures. Therefore, both should be read and compared.
Product warranties for siding cover defects in the product for a number of years, but most prorate towards the end of the term and often don’t include the cost of labor to complete the repairs. Workmanship warranties on the other hand cover mistakes made by the contractor. Most siding contractors offer a 2-year workmanship warranty on fiber cement siding. A 5-year workmanship warranty is common with most established siding contractors, and some have even better workmanship warranties when tied to a manufacturer’s warranty and installed by a certified installer that follows the specifications for that product.
| Comparison point | Weak response | Strong response |
| Workmanship term | One to two years, verbal | Five years or more, written and transferable |
| Water intrusion | Excluded or unaddressed | Named as a covered defect |
| Response obligation | No stated timeline | Defined inspection window after written notice |
| Survivability | Voids if the company dissolves | Manufacturer-backed labor coverage |
Test installation method and material knowledge in conversation
Ask the contractor how he would clear siding from the ground, how he treats butt joints, whether he face-nails or blind-nails and what type of fastener he uses over foam sheathing. How does he maintain the 1 inch required gap at the roof-to-wall junction?
A good material recommendation for your home will come with a rationale for why that material is better for your particular situation and exposure. This is in contrast to a contractor who only has a certain material in stock and recommends it for that reason. If you are building a shortlist in the Lehigh Valley, it is worth asking an established Allentown PA siding company to walk you through those trade-offs, since the estimator for a quality contractor will explain the reasons why he recommends one type of cladding over another.
Choosing among finalists
Ultimately, you’re going to be choosing between a few good candidates. Look at their past work, preferably completed within the last two to five years. Fiber cement, engineered wood, vinyl and metal siding all perform differently under the influences of thermal expansion and contraction, moisture and impact. A good estimator will tell you why a particular product is better for your house and your exposure to the elements. Specialty residential exterior siding installers tend to better detail the corners, trim work and other exterior finishes and conversions like caulk joints and interface areas.
- Call references and ask specifically about change orders and how they were priced
- Confirm the crew that did the reference job is the crew assigned to yours
- Ask what would delay the schedule and how notice would be given
It is wise to document every answer to your questions. It is likely that the most competent contractor will answer your questions in writing before he signs a contract with you to complete your siding replacement. He will, most likely, perform his work in precise and exacting detail after signing the contract.
