How to Select an Exterior Contractor
Hiring an Exterior Contractor: 6 Things to Look For
Taking on a home project is an exciting and stressful thing to do! Partnering with an experienced, reliable contractor makes the entire process more enjoyable. But how do you go about selecting the right team for the job? Read on for our list of six things to look for when hiring a contractor for your next home improvement project.
Often homeowners put priority on price rather than what a contractor brings to the table. While budgetary concerns are valid, it is also essential to be aware of inexperienced or unethical contractors who will provide subpar service. You get what you pay for many times, so what may appear to be a deal now could result in costly repairs down the line.
With nearly 30 years of experience in home renovations, we’ve worked with thousands of homeowners, so we know what is running through your mind when shopping for a contractor. We’ve narrowed our recommendations for what to look for to six main points, as listed below.
- Proof of Insurance and Licensing
- Reliable Reviews and Recommendations
- Photos of Past Work
- Detailed Contracts
- Transparent, Frequent Communication
- Location & Years of Experience
1. Proof of Insurance and Licensing
First and foremost, you must confirm that your contractor is properly licensed and insured. Insurance will protect the contracting company as well as you and your home throughout the project duration. Licensing is required for a contractor to do business legally. Additionally, licensing requires an individual to demonstrate knowledge and skill in a given area. While licensing is critical, it is only the first step in certification, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the company is any good at what they do. Therefore, you must do your research to confirm they have the skills necessary to complete your job.
2. Reliable Reviews and Recommendations
Nothing is a more reliable representation of a company’s performance than reviews by previous customers. Online reviews are a great way to hear about your potential contractor’s work straight from homeowners who have been in the shoes you’re in now. We’re proud of our 4.8-star rating with more than 300 Google reviews and our 5-star rating on Facebook with 80 reviews. Here are a couple of rave Google reviews from recent customers:
Traci, January 2021:
From the start, All States was wonderful to work with. We had windows, doors, and siding replaced. They were the only ones who knew city codes specific to our needs and were able to address those in the original quote. They were willing to work around our time schedule. The workers were kind, quick, and efficient. The work was high quality and left our home much better than before! The level of personal attention and care will bring us back to them if a need ever arises again! Well done!
Becky, October 2020:
We would recommend All States to anyone for their siding needs. This company is high integrity and high quality through and through.
1. INTEGRITY – When inquiring about new windows in addition to our siding, our salesman Chad helped us out by recommending we reach out to the original installers – rather than take advantage of a possible sale, he partnered with us to save thousands of dollars.
2. QUALITY – Jason and his crew were diligent about ensuring we were completely satisfied with the final outcome, even adding an additional piece they had not originally planned for and basically rebuilding our entire chimney. They went above and beyond by installing new outdoor wall lamps for us.
3. COMMUNICATION – Before they left each day, Jason provided a quick update on progress and plans for the next day. Chad was engaged throughout and made several visits to check on us.
When and if we are ever in need of remodeling or other services, we will definitely call All States first.
3. Photos of Past Work
Examples of previous work are a great way to gauge the level of expertise your contractor has. Both the quality of work and the types of work performed will demonstrate whether the contractor will be able to handle the specific work you need to be performed on your home. You can view photos of our work at the bottom of the home page of our website or watch transformation videos on our YouTube channel.
4. Detailed Contracts
When it comes time for payment and work to take place, you need to be sure that everything has been outlined in a detailed contract. It should be clear who is responsible for what, how much it will all cost, when payment is due, and the expected timeline for completion. If you have questions about something not outlined in your contract, don’t assume it will all work out. Ask questions and get it all included in the contract, so there are no doubts on either side.
5. Transparent, Frequent Communication
Committing to a major home renovation is a considerable investment. It can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. You will likely have a lot of questions between meeting your contractor and finishing the project. Therefore, you want a company that is available to answer questions and eager to address your concerns no matter how annoying you may feel.
6. Location & Years of Experience
When choosing a contractor, you should always give preference to a local company with longevity in the industry. In the summer in Kansas, you often see roofing contractors pop up after a hail storm. Unfortunately, they tend to appear overnight and skip town with your payment before the work is done. Choosing an established local company will protect you from untraceable, unreliable contractors who perform shoddy work.
Choose All States Home Improvement for Your Next Project
All States Home Improvement is a local, family-owned and operated contractor with a 4.8-star rating on Google and nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. We are fully insured and licensed, and we will be a reliable partner for your next home renovation.
You Might Also Like:
Does Your Home Need a Facelift?
What Color Should You Choose for Your New Siding?
