1. Don’t look too far. It’s best to hire a contractor operating within and around your area. Make sure that the siding professional you hire has a verifiable physical address and that they have a working phone number. To get you started, ask friends and neighbors for referrals.
2. Ask for customer references. Make it a point to ask your prospective siding contractor for a list of references. Any reliable building professional who is proud and confident of their work won’t hesitate to provide you with a list of their previous clients. As much as possible, contact these references personally to ask about the contractor’s performance and even see the siding work yourself.
3. Ask about licenses. In most states, siding contractors, or any contracting company for that matter, are required to secure licenses and permits before they can operate a business and offer contracting services. Ask for their license number and a proof of their permits, and take the time to verify these.
4. Verify insurance coverage. Siding replacement is a huge project. When something goes wrong during the project, you’re going to need liability protection against injuries or property damage. Ask the contractor for a copy of their policies and if possible, call the insurance provider to verify the coverage. Your siding contractor should offer workers’  compensation and liability insurance coverage.
5. Ask about warranties. Ask if the contractor offers labor and material guarantees and how long warranties will be valid. The more generous the terms, the better.

Siding replacement and installation can be a truly satisfying home improvement project that can dramatically increase the value of your home. Make sure you work with the right contractor who can not only provide you with quality service, but honest and professional recommendations on siding material and colors, too!