Most siding disputes are caused by items that were not discussed prior to signing a contract. Typically, the issue is caused by coverage not included, change work not defined, and a warranty that contains language that is not clear. The following questions will help surface potential problems prior to signing a contract that can be resolved by negotiations to modify the terms prior to work starting.
Verify coverage before anything else
It is reasonable to expect that a contractor is able to provide current proof of insurance, typically a Certificate of Insurance, within a day or so. It is best to request that this document be emailed directly from the agent or carrier to you rather than a scanned copy of an old document sitting in a file.
What to confirm on the certificate
- General liability limits, and whether they are per occurrence or aggregate across all active jobs
- Workers’ compensation coverage for every person who will be on the ladder, including any day labor
- Whether subcontracted crews carry their own policies, and whether the contractor collects certificates from them
- Whether the policy covers water damage from an opened wall left exposed overnight
Ask who is the holder of the license and whether he/she is running the job. (Most licensed contractors are the owners of the companies. There are, however, cases where the owner does not do the field work. Make sure you know who is the accountable person on the job.)
Read the portfolio for what happened behind the siding
Finished photos will show whether a siding contractor has matched colors and completed the trim work. However, photos do not show the interior sheathing nor the condition of any of the flashing that may have been damaged or dislodged by the existing siding. Ask for photos of the interior sheathing or for photos of 2-3 completed jobs showing the siding after it has been removed and prior to the new siding having been installed.
Questions that reveal real craft
Ask what would happen if they encounter soft sheathing while removing the old siding. Ask for a stop point and how they would document it. Ask for the price per sheet and for this to be amended to the contract before signing. Ask what weather-resistive barrier they are using and how this would integrate with the window flashing. When those answers come back vague, it is worth calling a siding company Canton OH homeowners already trust and comparing how they describe the same details.
Even a “recent” reference is far better than current work, but ask for 2-3 jobs completed 2-3 years ago instead. Most siding installation problems take one freeze/thaw cycle to become apparent. And these problems will have happened on a NATIONAL installation as well as on that of the local Canton OH siding contractor you are speaking with.
Separate the warranties you are actually being offered
Many “lifetime warranties” have different layers of coverage for different components and even different time frames. Furthermore, many of these warranties are held by different people than those providing the workmanship warranty. The homeowner should request a copy of all written warranties as opposed to the contractor simply reading from a brochure.
| Coverage type | What it typically covers | Typical term | Common exclusions |
| Manufacturer product warranty | Material defects, excessive fading, cracking | Limited lifetime, often prorated after a set period | Improper installation, impact damage, color variation within tolerance |
| Contractor workmanship warranty | Fastening, alignment, flashing, water intrusion from installation errors | One to ten years, varies widely | Storm damage, settlement, work by other trades |
| Certified installer extended coverage | Labor to remove and replace defective material | Tied to manufacturer certification status | Lapses if the contractor loses certification or closes |
What happens to your Workmanship Warranty if the business is sold or goes out of business? Will the Workmanship Warranty transfer to a future buyer and will there be a fee and/or time frame for filing to continue coverage?
Pin down payment and change order mechanics
While it is fair to inquire as to the amount of deposit needed for material as opposed to labor, a payment of greater than 1/3 before delivery should prompt further inquiry as to the rationale behind the request for an increased deposit. The remainder of payments should be structured to occur at verifiable milestones as opposed to temporal metrics.
Clauses worth confirming in writing
- Who pulls permits and who pays for them
- Unit pricing for sheathing, trim, and fascia replacement discovered during tear-off
- Written approval required before any change order proceeds
- Lien waivers from the contractor and material suppliers at final payment
- Disposal, dumpster placement, and daily site cleanup responsibility
Agree on communication before tear-off begins
Finally, ask about the protections to be used for exposed wall areas at the end of the workday and how the work area will be protected if a rainstorm moves in prior to completion of the next day’s work.
Agree on the single contact person and channel for all inquiries. How will you know when they will arrive and leave each day? How will you know in advance of weather-related closure? How will deliveries arrive at your home without blocking your driveway? How will your punch list be managed? Who will walk the property with you to ensure all work has been completed? How long will any work items take to complete? Will payment of the final installment be withheld until all items on the list have been completed?
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