Any kind of home renovation is worth investing time and research in, but an exterior remodeling project carries some additional weight. For one thing, the materials used in your project—whether they’re replacement windows, siding, or exterior doors—will not only be exposed to the weather but also expected to protect your indoor areas from it, come what may. Moreover, your exterior remodeling project will probably be visible from the street. So, unlike an interior remodel, the results of your exterior renovation will have a dramatic effect on your home’s curb appeal.
To get the best results, you’ll want to hire the best exterior remodeling contractor for your particular project—before you go shopping for products. It’s important, of course, to invest in products you love that also have a track record for reliable performance in your region of the country. But it’s better to hire an exterior remodeling contractor that offers the high-quality products you need and has demonstrated expertise in installing them than to purchase the products first and look for a contractor afterward. No matter how terrific a brand of siding, windows, or doors is, it’s unlikely to deliver the advertised performance if it’s not expertly installed.
5 Questions to Ask Any Exterior Remodeling Contractor You’re Considering
Online reviews and referrals from friends or neighbors can help steer you toward good exterior remodeling contractors who serve your community and perform the type of work you need. Those opinions are subjective, however, and may not apply to your specific project. You’ll need to ask any exterior remodeling partner you’re considering some key questions, such as:
1. How long have you been performing exterior renovations in this region?
Few companies survive for long without demonstrating a commitment to keeping customers happy. Although a business’s longevity is not the sole predictor of a satisfying partnership, it’s a good indication that the contractor treats customers well and adheres to industry standards. Additionally, a contractor that has been working in your community for many years will not only have the skills that come with experience but also be familiar with local design trends and products that have performed well in the local climate. At Johnson County Siding & Window Co., for example, we’ve logged over 40 years of providing exterior remodeling service in the Kansas City area, and our vast experience gives us an edge in every aspect of our trade, from guiding customers through product selection to installation expertise.
2. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
This is a basic question to ask while you’re still exploring your options, and the answer should be yes. Then make sure to verify your chosen contractor’s credentials before you sign a contract for your exterior remodeling project. It’s also a good idea to check the contractor’s Better Business Bureau rating for any red flags. The rating you want your contractor to have is A+.
3. Do you have examples of your work that are similar to my project?
Well-established remodelers should have plenty of examples of their workmanship with various types of upgrades. Seeing is believing, but for additional evidence of a commitment to excellence, ask whether they’ve won any industry awards and scored highly on GuildQuality customer satisfaction surveys.
4. What’s included in the project estimate?
Your ideal contractor should be willing to discuss your exterior remodeling project in detail and thoroughly examine the worksite to get a realistic idea of the scope of your project. This discussion should include the selection of products and materials, the steps the contractor will take to protect your property during the job, and how debris will be disposed of when the project is completed.
5. What makes your exterior remodeling services stand out from the rest?
This is a great question to ask because it will help you evaluate whether you’ll enjoy working with any particular exterior remodeler. At Johnson County Siding & Window Co., our answer would include:
- Our commitment to conducting business with integrity and our low-pressure consultations aimed at educating our customers about their options rather than pushing high-priced products
- An advanced level of expertise that encompasses extensive product knowledge, certified installation skills, and in-depth professional design consultations, so you can feel confident about the selections you choose for your home
- The five-year labor warranty we provide on all of our exterior remodeling jobs, which you’ll be hard-pressed to receive from other contractors serving this area
Do you have an exterior home remodeling project in mind for your home in the Kansas City area? If so, the experts at Johnson County Siding & Window Co. would be delighted to discuss it with you. Contact us today to get started.
