An investment in new siding should not be taken lightly. New Jersey homeowners are more confident when they get the right answers to important questions.
Questions to Ask a Siding Contractor in NJ
The installation of new siding is an investment. You want to have the utmost confidence that it is being installed according to manufacturer specifications. You want to know that you are paying a fair price and that there will be no surprises regarding the final cost.
1. What brands of siding do like to install?
A top-notch siding contractor in NJ should be prepared to describe the latest, most effective siding products. The contractor should be able to explain why certain brands are preferred over others. Some siding contractors in NJ work with premium siding products from top companies like CertainTeed, James Hardie and Alside.
CertainTeed is the nation’s leading siding manufacturer. The company offers a wide selection of products in many styles and colors. It offers premium vinyl siding and Cedar Impressions polymer shakes and shingles, among others.
America’s top-rated fiber cement siding company is James Hardie. Its products protect more than 8 million homes across America. James Hardie siding is known for its longevity and curb appeal.
Alside introduced vinyl siding to American homeowners in 1947. Today, the company offers innovative, high-quality vinyl and polymer products.
2. Do you offer design ideas and help?
A committed siding contractor will do more than order the materials and install them. Many NJ homeowners value the design ideas of an experienced, knowledgeable local contractor. It’s ideal to work with specialists who understand what the best manufacturers have to offer. They know how to recommend siding styles that will work well with your home’s architecture.
3. What can you tell me about insulation board for energy savings?
A northern NJ homeowner has the option to improve insulation when new siding goes up. For example, it is often possible to put up polystyrene insulation board during siding installation. It is also possible to choose special insulation-backed siding. Either way, you can potentially reduce drafts and utility costs for many years to come.
4. Can you help me with new shutters?
Many NJ homeowners want to upgrade the look of their home with both siding and shutters. If that describes you, you’ll want to make sure your siding contractor in NJ is up-to-speed on the subject of shutters. Many homeowners find that decorative shutters add to the aesthetic appeal of their residences. A capable siding contractor in NJ should offer design ideas that help homeowners with their shutter decisions.
5. Can you help me with new soffits too?
The right soffits are an important complement to new siding. Who wants discolored, warped or otherwise unattractive soffits alongside brand-new siding? You want to find a siding contractor in NJ who knows which soffits hold up in the Mid-Atlantic climate. Also, the right ventilated soffits are often key to ensuring proper airflow through your attic.
6. What kind of warranties do you offer?
First of all, it’s important to distinguish between manufacturer and contractor warranties. Warranties from established manufacturers instill customer confidence. By contrast, a new contractor may not be there to support their own contractor’s warranty years into the future.
Leading siding manufacturers offer warranties that deliver the peace-of-mind homeowners value. CertainTeed offers solid, long-term warranties on its various siding products. Alside offers a limited lifetime, transferable siding warranties. James Hardie offers a competitive 30-year, non-pro-rated warranty.
7. What factory certifications do you have, if any?
A home improvement contractor with factory certifications is often a good choice. Why? Because building materials manufacturers only certify contractors they trust. Certification signals a contractor’s commitment to the industry.
8. Do you have references?
An active, reputable local contractor will offer references upon request. The contractor should list relatively recent projects, ideally only a short drive away. Out-of-state companies and those that are less active often hesitate to offer preferences. Well-established local companies often post customer testimonials on their websites.
9. What kind of insurance do you have?
In New Jersey, home improvement contractors must carry two basic types of insurance. One is general liability insurance and the other is worker’s compensation insurance. Look for contractors who have more than the NJ state minimum in liability insurance. You want to be confident that your contractor has enough coverage should an accident occur. matter. Why? Because there may be a claim against your homeowner’s policy if there’s inadequate contractor liability insurance.
Worker’s compensation insurance is also required in New Jersey. It covers medical bills and wage loss when a worker is injured on the job.
10. How long will my siding installation take?
NJ homeowners appreciate contractors who are true professionals from start to finish. You want to work with a company whose crew will arrive on time. You want a contractor who will complete the job without delay. You want to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. It’s understandable that you’re eager to show off the dramatic new look of your freshly installed siding.
The time a siding installation takes is important. However, you also want to know that the crew will not leave your residence until everything has been cleaned up. You want all waste materials, including old siding, promptly removed from your property.
Contact CRS Today
CRS has served northern NJ homeowners since 1977. CRS is a full-service home improvement contractor. Look to us for roofing, siding, power washing and other services. We are factory-certified by major manufacturers like Owens Corning and GAF.
We’d welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Please contact us today!
