Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Siding Contractor

As a business owner, knowing the right questions to ask before hiring a commercial siding contractor is vital to the success of your project. When it’s time to upgrade your building or construct a new one, choosing the best siding contractor for your project takes research.

Here are 17 questions to ask while vetting your commercial siding contractor:

Vet Your Commercial Siding Contractor with These 17 Questions

1. When did you start your commercial siding business?

Learn about the history of the company you want to hire. Experience means everything when it comes to commercial siding installation. You’ll want to hire someone with enough expertise to handle your remodeling project with excellence and attention to detail.

2. Could you tell me about your crew?

The commercial siding contractor you hire needs to have trusted workers they can rely on to deliver a superior project on time.

3. Will a project manager oversee the work I need to have done?

A project manager is a critical key to your commercial renovation’s success. They ensure the work is done correctly.

4. Do you carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance?

If the contractor you’re vetting doesn’t carry liability and workman’s compensation insurance, don’t hire them. Take time to explore other options. This vital insurance protects you should an accident happen on your property.

5. Are you licensed with the state?

Don’t assume the basics are covered. Ask if the contractor is licensed by the state. This means they are qualified to perform commercial contracting in your area. They should have no problem showing you their state licensure and proof of insurance. If they aren’t licensed, keep looking.

6. What type of payment schedule do you have?

If they ask for all the money upfront, run! That’s a sure sign of a scam. Typically, you should expect a down payment, a payment in the middle of your project, and a final payment. Be detailed about what you require before you make the final payment and include it in the contract.

7. Are your suppliers local?

If your siding contractor’s suppliers are local, they will be more apt to have materials delivered on time. If materials are sourced from out-of-state, delays could occur in transit, slowing construction time. If their suppliers are not local, ask who they are and how apt they are to deliver on time.

8. When can my project begin?

Find out the contractor’s schedule and when your commercial siding project is feasible for them. If they can’t get it done when you need it, keep looking.

9. What kind of timeline are we looking at for my project?

Don’t just ask for a project start date. Find out the projected end date upfront. Are there consequences in the contract if they don’t deliver?

10. Do you have a claims record?

Claims records indicate how often past clients were unhappy with a company’s work. Get access to the claims record and see how they were handled. You don’t want to get into the position of hiring an attorney because the contractor didn’t finish your project.

You can also check with the Better Business Bureau and Angi for more information on the commercial siding contractor you’re considering.

11. Could you please provide me with some references?

Ask the commercial contractor for references from recent clients who had them do work that is similar to your project.

12. How is your safety record?

When contractors take safety precautions, accidents are avoided—indicating they care about getting your job done right the first time. If they have a poor safety record, it could be because they cut corners in the area of safety—which indicates they may try to cut corners on your project.

A safe job site shows that a company cares about its workers and has policies that they abide by to ensure their safety. At American Way Exteriors, our employees’ and customers' health and safety are one of our primary concerns. That’s why we comply with all safety, health, and environmental policies.

13. Have you worked on projects similar to mine?

The answer should be yes. Siding is a significant investment; you want an experienced company to install your siding. The contractor you’re vetting should have a lot of experience with commercial siding projects like yours. You may want to keep looking if your project is not within the contractor’s scope.

14. How are differences of opinion resolved?

Ask how the company resolves conflict and what clients should do if they have a complaint.

15. Could you clarify—is your bid an estimate or a fixed price?

Get the answer to this in writing. Before your project begins, make sure there are no price surprises in your future.

16. What differentiates you from your competition?

Listen carefully to their answer. They should stand out from the others because they deliver high-performance, high-quality materials with a professional sales approach, stellar customer service, and detailed installation—on time!

17. What type of warranties come with your work?

Make sure your commercial siding contractor offers warranties on their workmanship. You should also receive a manufacturer’s warranty on the materials used in your siding installation.

Get a Reliable Commercial Siding Contractor in Dayton

As a business owner, when you need a building renovation or new commercial construction, it’s vital that you find a reputable siding contractor to rely on.

At American Way Exteriors, our dedicated crews specialize only in the services they install. This means the products you hand-selected are installed by the best in the industry.

We communicate in detail while planning your project, and communication doesn’t stop once it begins. Your designated project manager will follow up with you, and you’ll get reminders and photos at every stage of your Dayton area home's siding installation. Contact American Way Exteriors for your commercial siding needs.