Spring is here, and it’s time for some exterior home improvements. Whether you think you might need a new roof or want to update your home’s look with siding, it’s imperative to find a trustworthy contractor. What should you look for when searching online? What questions should you ask? What makes one choice better than another? We’ll answer these questions and more in this month’s blog.
Look for Credentials
First and foremost, your contractor should be licensed and insured. This means that your contractors have the education and training to complete your job and that you’re free of any liability if a worker gets hurt while working on your property. It also means that the contractor is responsible for any damage to your home as they are working on it.
The Better Business Bureau and Angi can be helpful resources for finding local contractors.
Manufacturer certifications indicate that contractors have participated in training and have demonstrated exemplary skills and best business practices. Often, this allows them to offer premium warranties to their customers.
Experience
Contractors with a long history of experience in home improvements have proven that they are trustworthy. Research local contracting websites and look for before and after pictures to see the type of work quality they bring to the table. Working with an experienced, solid team will lessen the chances of ending up with a job you’re not happy with at the end of it.
Referrals and Reviews
If your neighbors, family, or friends in the area have had similar work done on their homes, ask about their experiences. Would they recommend their contractors? Ask for specifics about thorough communication, transparency, post-construction cleanup, and response to questions.
When looking at Google reviews, sort by “newest.” This shows you reviews that reflect the current team and quality of their work through the homeowers perspective. If you find a negative review, ask your contractor about it. They should be able to give you an honest answer about why that particular homeowner had an issue.
Transparency
Transparency starts with a well-defined, detailed estimate of scope of work, including cost, materials and more. Review estimates from multiple companies and ask questions so you and the contractor are on the same page prior to starting the job. Otherwise, you may end up paying more than you expected or be unhappy with the final result. If your proposed contractor isn’t providing answers to what you’re looking for, they may not be the right person for your job.
Contractor Selection Checklist
To make this easy for you, we’ve put together a quick checklist for you to use as you start looking for roofing and siding contractors. This will help you identify the best team for your exterior home repair.
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- Is it an established local business?
- Are they licensed?
- Are they insured?
- Do they offer photos of their past work?
- What do the most recent reviews say?
- What kinds of warranties do they provide?
- Is the estimate detailed and transparent?
- What happens if you aren’t satisfied with the work?
- What happens if the team runs into something they didn’t expect?
- What kind of cleanup do they provide?
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Call Vekton Corporation for More Information
Vekton has over 33 years of experience in exterior home improvements, including roofing, siding, windows, doors, and more. Call 585-248-3240 to talk to one of our experts. We’re here to help you make your home stunning, durable, and safe.