Top 10 Questions You Should Always Ask A Siding Contractor
August 1, 2025
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When it’s time to replace or upgrade your home’s siding, finding the right contractor can make all the difference. The right team brings experience, transparency, and a track record of solid results. Before signing a contract, it’s important to ask the right questions. This helps you avoid unexpected costs, poor workmanship, or delays. It also gives you a better sense of who you’re trusting to work on your home.
Below are 10 questions every homeowner should ask before choosing a
siding contractor. These will help you feel confident in your decision and protect your investment.
What Kind of Siding Materials Do You Offer?
Not all siding performs the same. Some materials handle Illinois weather better than others. Ask the contractor which siding types they work with and what brands they use. This helps you understand the quality of the products and what kind of results you can expect.
You’ll also want to know why they recommend a certain material for your home. A good contractor should explain how each option holds up over time, how it looks once installed, and what kind of upkeep it needs. Look for reliable names like James Hardie and
Mastic when comparing options.
Are You Licensed, Insured, and Certified?
Before moving forward, ask for proof of licensing and insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong during the project. A contractor should carry both general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. If they can’t provide documentation, that’s a red flag.
You should also ask if they hold any certifications from siding manufacturers. Brands like
James Hardie and
CertainTeed certify contractors who meet their installation standards. This shows they’ve been properly trained to work with specific materials and follow best practices.
How Much Experience Do You Have With Siding Installation?
Siding installation requires precision and experience. Ask how long the contractor has been working in the field and what types of homes they’ve worked on. A team that’s handled a variety of materials and home styles is more likely to spot problems early and deliver a clean, lasting result.
Request to see photos of completed projects or ask for addresses of homes they’ve worked on. This gives you a better idea of the quality and consistency of their work, especially if they’ve completed jobs similar to yours.
What Is Included in Your Siding Estimate?
A clear, detailed estimate helps you understand exactly what you’re paying for. Ask the contractor to break down all costs, including materials, labor, removal of old siding, and any repairs that might come up during the job. If something isn’t listed, ask about it before moving forward.
You’ll also want to know if the estimate is fixed or if pricing could change. Some contractors give rough quotes that shift later, while others provide firm pricing up front. Make sure the terms are spelled out in writing to avoid surprises.
What Is the Project Timeline?
Ask when the project will start, how long it will take, and what happens if there are weather delays or other interruptions. A reliable contractor should give you a clear schedule and walk you through each phase of the job, from preparation to final inspection.
Also, find out how many days workers will be on-site and whether they plan to complete the project all at once or in stages. Knowing the timeline helps you plan around the work and makes it easier to hold the contractor accountable for staying on track.
Who Will Be Working on My Home?
It’s important to know who will actually be doing the work. Some contractors use in-house crews, while others rely on subcontractors. Ask who will be on-site each day, who manages the team, and who your point of contact will be throughout the project.
You should also ask if the workers have experience installing the specific type of siding you’ve chosen. Consistency and training make a big difference in the final result. A contractor who uses the same crew regularly is more likely to deliver quality work and a smoother overall process.
Do You Offer Warranties on Materials and Labor?-
Warranties provide peace of mind that the job will hold up over time. Ask what kind of coverage comes with the siding materials and what guarantee the contractor includes for their workmanship. These are usually separate, and both are important.
Some manufacturers include extended coverage when their products are installed by certified contractors. Labor guarantees can vary, so it’s worth asking what’s covered, how long it lasts, and what steps to take if a problem shows up later.
How Do You Ensure Proper Installation and Ventilation?
A quality siding job helps protect your home from moisture damage and energy loss. Ask how the contractor handles flashing, moisture barriers, and airflow around windows, doors, and rooflines. These details play a big role in the long-term performance of your siding.
Before installation begins, they should inspect the sheathing, make any necessary repairs, and use the right materials to manage water and air movement. Skipping these steps can lead to expensive problems later.
Can You Provide References or Customer Reviews?
A trustworthy contractor should have no problem sharing references or pointing you to recent reviews. Ask for contact information from homeowners who had similar siding projects completed. Hearing about their experience can help you feel more confident in your decision.
It’s smart to check online reviews as well. Look at platforms like Google or the Better Business Bureau. Consistent comments about clear communication, respectful crews, and quality work say a lot about how the company operates.
What Sets You Apart From Other Siding Contractors?
This question gives the contractor a chance to speak to their values, process, and reputation. Listen for clear answers about workmanship, customer service, materials, and how they handle challenges on the job. Vague responses can be a sign that they aren’t confident in what they provide.
The right contractor should be able to explain why homeowners choose them over others. That could mean better communication, stronger warranties, cleaner job sites, or more consistent results. You're not just hiring someone to put up siding, you’re trusting them with your home.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home
The contractor you choose will shape the quality, appearance, and durability of your siding for years to come. At FTC Oury Group, we take that responsibility seriously. Our team brings decades of experience, trusted products from top manufacturers, and a commitment to getting the job done right the first time.
If you're ready to upgrade your home’s exterior, we’re here to walk you through every step. Call today to schedule your free estimate and see why so many homeowners across the Chicagoland area trust FTC Oury Group.
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