When it comes to home improvement projects, few things can change the appearance of a house as dramatically as new siding. Whether you’re replacing old or damaged siding or simply updating your home’s appearance, it’s important to work with a reputable contractor.
Unfortunately, not all siding contractors are created equal, and it’s important to be aware of warning signs that suggest the contractor you’re working with is untrustworthy. Let’s explore some of the hallmarks of bad siding companies and contrast them with signs that you’ve got a great company on your side.
High-pressure sale tactics suggest you should run the other way
An excellent Chicago siding contractor understands that choosing a good company is essential, and they will give you time to make an informed decision about your project. If a contractor is using high-pressure sales tactics to get you to sign a contract quickly, it’s a red flag. A bad contractor may pressure you to sign a contract before you’ve had a chance to fully understand the terms, or may offer you a deal that seems too good to be true.
Seek for another company if can’t show license
A reputable siding contractor, such as All Star Products, will have the proper licensing and insurance to perform the work they’re contracted to do. Licensing and insurance protect both the contractor and the homeowner in the event that something goes wrong during the project. If a contractor can’t provide proof of licensing and insurance, it’s a warning sign that they may not be reputable.
You should also insist on meeting up in person, as bad contractors will make themselves scarce should there be a problem. Siding companies that have no physical address, or that want to conduct all business over the phone, might not have your best interests in mind.
Do not pay everything up front
Generally, you need to provide a deposit to secure the contract, but good companies don’t expect you to pay up front: they want you to be satisfied with the job, and will let you inspect everything before you hand over the rest. Bad contractors might take the money and run, so you should refuse to give payment in full until they’ve held up their end of the deal.
Bad companies don’t want to get anything in writing
Speaking of contracts, above-board companies will provide you with a written contract outlining the scope of the project, the materials to be used, the timeline for completion, and the cost of the project. Anyone who attempts to make you sign a contract without reading it, or doesn’t provide a contract at all, is probably pulling the wool over your eyes – run in the other direction, toward a good contractor that gives you a comprehensive write-up of what to expect.
Must be communicative and able to answer all your queries
A reputable siding contractor will communicate with you regularly throughout the project, providing updates and answering any questions you may have. For example, if you want to know how to maintain your siding, they should be eager to help you make the most of your investment. Great contractors care that their customers are happy, and they’ll do whatever they can to help you feel confident in working with them. Those who are cagey with their responses or have to look up answers to simple questions might not actually have the knowledge necessary to do a good job.
If you find yourself having to chase down your contractor to get an update on your project, this is a serious problem: they might be trying to avoid responsibility for poor workmanship, or they may have no interest in helping with any problems that arise later.
Professionals should act like professionals
There’s a lot of stereotypes about contractors, like that they swear around customers or treat property badly; this idea is created from disreputable companies who don’t care about good customer service.
Great siding contractors know that they are professionals, and they treat their clients with respect at all times. They conduct themselves with dignity, and they’ll never stoop to using poor language around their customers. If your contractors are habitually acting unprofessionally, this is a sign that they don’t take their work seriously – and they don’t care about how you feel.
Conclusion
When it comes to home improvement projects, reputable contractor are more reliable. If you’re considering hiring a siding contractor, be on the lookout for these warning signs that suggest the contractor you’re working with is unscrupulous. By being vigilant and doing your research, you can ensure that your siding project is completed to your satisfaction by a reputable contractor.
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