Choosing to re-side your home is a major decision. The contractor you hire will determine the quality, durability, and final appearance of your investment. A great contractor delivers a flawless finish that protects your home for decades, while a poor one can lead to costly repairs, voided warranties, and endless frustration. The key to telling them apart is asking the right questions before you sign a contract.
To help you hire with confidence, we’ve compiled seven essential questions every homeowner must ask a potential siding contractor. These questions are designed to vet their legitimacy, expertise, and professionalism, ensuring you partner with a true expert. For homeowners in Northern California, from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area, getting clear answers is your best defense against a bad hire.
1. “Are you licensed and fully insured? May I see proof?”
This should always be your first question. It is a non-negotiable starting point that immediately separates the professionals from the amateurs. A legitimate contractor must carry two types of insurance.
- General Liability Insurance: This protects your property. If the crew accidentally damages your home, landscaping, or a neighbor’s property during the project, their liability insurance covers the repairs.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This protects you. If a worker is injured on your property, this insurance covers their medical bills and lost wages. Without it, you could be held personally liable.
What to look for: Don’t just take their word for it. Ask for current copies of their state contractor’s license and certificates of insurance. Verify that their license is active and in good standing with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A professional company like Hexteriors will gladly provide these documents, as it demonstrates our commitment to protecting our clients and our team.
2. “How much experience do you have with the specific siding material I want?”
Not all siding is created equal, and neither is contractor experience. A team that has spent years installing vinyl siding may not have the specialized skills needed to install fiber cement. James Hardie siding, for example, requires specific tools, techniques, and adherence to strict manufacturer guidelines to ensure its warranty remains valid.
What to ask:
- “How many James Hardie (or vinyl, wood, etc.) projects have you completed this year?”
- “Are your installers factory-trained or certified for this specific material?”
- “Can you show me a portfolio of local homes you’ve completed with this type of siding?”
An experienced contractor will have a deep portfolio and confidently explain their process for your chosen material. This is especially important for premium products where improper installation can be a very expensive mistake.
3. “Can you provide a list of recent references?”
Online reviews are helpful, but speaking directly with past customers provides invaluable insight. A confident contractor with a history of happy clients will not hesitate to provide a list of references.
What to ask the references:
- “Was the project completed on time and on budget?”
- “How was the communication with the project manager and crew?”
- “Were you happy with the final result and the cleanup process?”
- “Did you encounter any problems, and if so, how did the contractor resolve them?”
Hearing firsthand experiences will give you a clear picture of what it’s like to work with the company, from start to finish.
4. “What is your warranty on labor and workmanship?”
Your siding project comes with two warranties: one from the manufacturer covering the product itself, and one from the contractor covering their installation work. A manufacturer’s warranty, like James Hardie’s 30-year warranty, only covers defects in the material. It will not cover problems arising from poor installation.
What to look for: A reputable contractor will stand behind their work with a clear, written workmanship warranty. This warranty is their promise that the siding was installed correctly and that they will fix any issues related to their labor. Ask for the duration of the warranty and exactly what it covers. A strong workmanship warranty is a sign of a contractor who takes pride in their craft.
5. “Who will be my point of contact, and how will we communicate?”
A siding replacement project is a major undertaking with many moving parts. Clear and consistent communication is the key to a stress-free experience. You should never feel like you’re in the dark about what’s happening with your own home.
What to establish:
- A Dedicated Project Manager: Ask who will be overseeing your project and serving as your main point of contact.
- Communication Method: Will you communicate via phone calls, texts, or emails? How often can you expect updates?
- On-Site Presence: Will the project manager be on-site daily? Who is the crew leader you can speak to with immediate questions?
A professional contractor will have a clear communication plan in place to keep you informed every step of the way.
6. “What does your project timeline look like, from start to cleanup?”
Understanding the full scope of the project helps set realistic expectations. Ask the contractor to walk you through the entire process.
What the timeline should include:
- Removal of old siding and inspection of the underlying structure.
- Necessary repairs (and how they are handled if discovered).
- Installation of the weather-resistive barrier and flashing.
- Installation of the new siding and trim.
- Painting or finishing touches.
- A thorough final cleanup and debris removal.
Ask for an estimated start date and completion date, keeping in mind that weather can cause delays. A detailed timeline shows that the contractor is organized and has a well-defined process.
7. “Can I have a detailed, itemized contract in writing?”
A verbal agreement or a one-page quote is not enough. Before any work begins or money changes hands, you need a comprehensive written contract that outlines every detail of the project. This document protects both you and the contractor.
What the contract must include:
- Full names and contact information for both parties.
- A detailed description of the scope of work.
- An itemized list of all materials to be used (brand, style, color).
- A breakdown of total costs, including labor and materials.
- The payment schedule.
- The project timeline with start and end dates.
- Proof of license and insurance information.
- Details on both the material and workmanship warranties.
Review the contract carefully before signing. A transparent, detailed contract is the hallmark of a trustworthy professional.
Your Trusted Siding Partner in Northern California
Asking these seven questions will empower you to make an informed decision and choose a siding contractor you can trust. For homeowners across Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Lake Tahoe, Hexteriors is proud to provide clear, honest answers to all these questions and more.
We are a licensed, fully insured, and James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor with extensive experience in our region’s unique climates. We believe in transparent communication, superior craftsmanship, and complete customer satisfaction.
Ready to start the conversation? Contact Hexteriors today for a complimentary consultation and estimate. Let us show you why we are the right choice for your siding project.
