The beginning of an exterior renovation project is an exciting time for any homeowner. Whether you have only a vague idea of your desired aesthetic or a clear mental picture of your dream home, every design magazine you flip through and every siding sample you hold in your hands brings you closer to falling in love with your home’s exterior.

One of the most important steps on that journey is selecting a skilled and experienced contractor to handle your siding installation project with care. A good siding contractor will be licensed and insured, employ a crew trained on proper installation methods for your chosen siding material, and have an excellent track record of customer satisfaction. Here’s how to choose the right siding contractor for the job.

Define your siding goals

Before researching siding contractors in your area, you should clearly define your goals for your re-side project.

Is it time to replace your siding?

You might want to replace your siding to enhance curb appeal and increase your home’s value. Or, you may be concerned about growing climate threats. The right siding material can provide greater protection from weather events like fire and flooding. For example, Hardie® siding products are Engineered for Climate®, meaning they are engineered to resist damage from your climate's unique weather challenges, from extreme cold to gale-force winds.

If you’re re-siding for an updated aesthetic or greater resilience, you may have some flexibility with your timeline when hiring a contractor. But, if you notice any of these signs of siding disrepair, you may want to act quickly to avoid further damage to your home:

• Extensive insect damage
• Many missing shingles
• Bubbling underneath your siding
• Cracked, warped, or sagging siding
• Signs of rot or growth of mold or fungus

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to act, check out our guide on when to replace your siding.

Choose the right siding material

When choosing between different siding options, it may be tempting to opt for the lowest-cost material. But make sure to calculate the lifetime value of the product you choose. For example, vinyl siding may require more frequent repairs and earlier replacement than fiber cement siding, and it may also leave your home vulnerable to damage from weather events.

Hardie® fiber cement siding products, on the other hand, are designed for the long-haul and backed by industry-leading warranties. And with a versatile array of design options, you don’t have to compromise on style. Depending on your plan, choosing Hardie® products may even earn you a discount on your homeowners’ insurance. Learn more about why Hardie® is the #1 siding brand in North America.

Envision a design you’ll love for life

Develop a clear vision for your re-side project so you can communicate with your siding contractor and ensure you’re on the same page. Make sure your siding color and design choices are timeless and fit well with the neighborhood. You can request a free sample or use the Hardie™ Designer, powered by Hover®, to visualize your exterior design ideas and share them with your contractor.

Budget for your siding project

Develop an understanding of how much siding replacement costs before requesting estimates from local contractors. That way, you’ll have time to look into financing options and evaluate your budget to determine how much you can afford to spend. Check out our siding project planning guide for more financing tips or request the re-side guide to dive deeper into the Hardie® product catalog.

Evaluate local contractors

Before you request an estimate or interview a siding contractor, you should check up on a few basic details and watch out for red flags. At a minimum, you’ll want to verify the following.

• Insurance and Licensing: Look into state and local licensing requirements for siding contractors, especially if your city or county requires you to work with a licensed contractor to get a permit. You should also make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance in case of property damage — ask to see a copy of the policy declaration page.
• Experience and Expertise: Check how long the siding company has been in business and look at the scope of their past projects, and make sure installers receive training on the installation process for the siding material you choose.
• Reviews and Referrals: A recommendation from a friend or neighbor is a great place to start, but make sure to also check customer reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB. If you notice multiple complaints about problems the company failed to correct, that should be a red flag.

You can eliminate some of the guesswork by choosing a siding contractor in the James Hardie^TM ALLIANCE network, since James Hardie vets insurance coverage, monitors Google reviews, and verifies training and experience for contractors in the network.

Contractors credentialed with Preferred or Elite status also have more years of experience, a longer-term affiliation with James Hardie, and a track record of quality siding installation projects. Find a James Hardie contractor near you.

Request and compare siding quotes

When you’re ready to compare siding contractors in greater detail, request an estimate from a few local contractors. You can also request a siding quote to be connected with up to three ALLIANCE contractors in your area.

Bear in mind that the lowest bid may not be the best option. Make sure to compare quotes apples-to-apples, considering factors like the contractor’s experience and credentials, to ensure you choose the best value and not just the lowest price. Your contractor should provide you with a detailed breakdown of the cost estimate, including:

• Material costs
• Labor costs per hour
• Debris removal
• Equipment rental
• Permit fees
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Sales tax

A good contractor will present this information in an organized manner and may also include a percentage of the cost above the total that homeowners should budget for in case there are delays or other unexpected expenses.

As you compare your options, make sure to check that the timeline and payment schedule meet your needs. You may also factor in any contractor financing offers when making your decision.

Interview each contractor to find the right fit

When you meet with each contractor, ask additional questions to get a sense of their experience.

• Review their portfolio: Ask to see before and after photos of previous projects and testimonials from customers. Make sure they have experience in your local area and have worked extensively with your chosen products.
• Get the warranty info: Some top contractors offer workmanship warranties beyond the Hardie® product warranty, so make sure to ask. Note that all Hardie® fiber cement products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty, and ColorPlus® Technology finishes are protected by a 15-year limited warranty covering paint and labor.
• Ask about their training: Check that the installation crew receives training on the manufacturer’s installation method, since ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions during fiber cement installation could void the warranty.
• Ask about their installation process: Ask the contractor to review their installation process from start to finish. Keep your ears open for common mistakes — for example, the contractor should know how to adequately prepare the surface, install the flashing, and fasten and space the siding to allow for temperature changes.

Once you’ve gathered price estimates and collected all the details about the siding contractor’s background and process, choose a contractor that is affordable and well-equipped to help you achieve your siding goals.

Make sure to trust your gut, especially if you’re torn between two options — it’s important to feel comfortable collaborating with your chosen contractor, and you may have an intuitive sense of the project manager’s communication style from the interview process.

Prepare for your siding project

After you choose a contractor and agree on a schedule, it’s time to prepare for your exterior siding project. You may need to relocate your patio furniture, protect your landscaping, move your family cars, and even protect fragile artwork and decor inside your home during the installation process.

Be sure to set expectations for the rest of the family, too — the neighborhood kids may need to find another driveway for shooting hoops, your spouse may need to pause outdoor projects, and you may need to plan trips to the dog park so that your furry family member isn’t too disappointed by the lack of access to your yard.

The bottom line

Choose a contractor you can trust. You may act on a strong recommendation from a friend, as long as you thoroughly vet the contractor yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, check out contractors in the James Hardie^TM ALLIANCE network, and remember that contractors with the Elite designation have the most expertise and a long-term affiliation with James Hardie. Request a siding quote to embark on your exterior remodeling journey today.

*Based on Freedonia 2022 Global Siding (Cladding) demand estimates and James Hardie sales in North America