5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Exterior Remodeling Contractor

Selecting a remodeling contractor is one of the most important choices you’ll make when upgrading your home. Exterior home remodels are long-term investments that need to do more than just boost curb appeal – they need to add value. If you’re considering making any major upgrades to your home, ensuring you choose the right contractor is key to a positive experience.

While it’s tempting to price shop, a quality home exterior remodeling contractor offers more than just a decent price. They provide top-quality craftsmanship, honest communication, and trustworthy guidance during the entire remodeling process.

Whether you choose to work with Energy Exteriors NW or another contractor, you’ll want to ask these key questions before signing any contracts:

1. How many years have you worked in home exterior remodeling?
2. Are you licensed and insured?
3. Do you hold any certifications?
4. What is your process?
5. Do you guarantee or warranty your work?

Asking these questions will help you make an informed decision on critical factors other than price alone.

1. How many years have you worked in home exterior remodeling?

Less experienced contractors sometimes offer lower prices to bring in more business. If you don’t want to be someone’s “learning home,” start by looking at how long the company has been in business, then follow up with questions related to their years of experience specific to your project.

Ask how many and what kind of homes they have constructed, the types of materials they have used, and for them to provide references or reviews. An established business with a history of producing quality workmanship will have no problems answering these questions. 

2. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

Legitimate home exterior remodeling contractors should be fully licensed and insured. In the state of Washington, home contractors must also be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and bonded before they are legally able to bid on jobs.

Making sure you have this information will protect you against liability in the event of on-site accidents or any unforeseen damage to your home. You can look up the registration, bond, and insurance information for contractors in the state of Washington here: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/

3. Do you hold any certifications?

In addition to being highly trained and skilled in product installation (doors, windows, sidings, etc.) for specific brands, some contractors go the extra mile to obtain special manufacturer and industry certifications. For example, all Energy Exteriors NW installers of door, siding, and window replacements are factory-trained and certified to ensure superior workmanship.

4. What is your process?

Making sure you understand a contractor’s  processes and policies can help set expectations and prevent surprises. A reputable exterior home remodeling contractor will be able to provide clear information and estimated timelines for all phases of the job, from the consultation and estimate, to scheduling the installation, to final inspection.

Keep in mind that contractors are often booked months in advance. Project timeframes provided should be realistic and take into consideration the number of jobs already scheduled, the availability of materials, and anticipated weather impacts.

5. Do you guarantee or warranty your work?

Warranties are direct indicators of a contractor’s faith in their work. Be sure to ask about warranties offered on materials and labor as part of your decision-making process. Product defects should be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and professional installation by a workmanship warranty.

A good contractor will specify what their warranty includes and how long it covers the work. This offers piece of mind against anything that might occur after your project has been completed. Energy Exteriors NW backs our work with strong warranties and a satisfaction guarantee that reflects our dedication to excellent client service and superior product quality.

Additional Recommendations for Selecting the Best Contractor

While these five fundamental questions are a good place to start, taking a few additional steps will help ensure you make the right decision.

• Get quotes from multiple exterior home remodeling contractors.
• Base your decision on more than just the lowest quote or cheapest price.
• Look for local contractors who are familiar with local building codes and weather conditions.
• Read online reviews and testimonials from past customers.
• Consider the quality and reputation of the products and brands they work with.
• Get everything in writing and ensure you understand how long the quote is good for.

Finding the right contractor is one of the most important parts of any home renovation. Selecting the right team will not only provide you with the best results but will also streamline the process and make it less stressful.

Energy Exteriors NW would be proud to be part of your selection process. If you’re in the market for a reliable, experienced, and customer-oriented exterior home contractor, reach out to us through our contact page for a free quote.