When looking for a siding contractor in Ann Arbor, it is important to take your time and determine which one will suit your specific needs. This process also includes looking for potential red flags indicating a not-so-reputable contractor who might cut corners and use low-quality materials. You also need to look out for scams.
Schedule a FREE inspection & estimateRed Flags to Be Aware of When Choosing a Siding Company in Ann Arbor
When you are choosing a siding company in Ann Arbor for new siding installation, replacement, or repairs, some vital red flags to be aware of include:
- Poor online reviews: If the company has numerous poor online reviews, it indicates something is not right. You should check with the Ann Arbor Better Business Bureau as well to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.
- Questionable low estimates: When one company has really low siding estimates compared to other companies, it could indicate they are using poor-quality materials or are cutting corners.
- Vague or incomplete contract: If a detailed contract is not provided or completely filled out, do not sign it. A contract should clearly detail the scope of the work, project timeline, total costs, materials to be used, and warranty coverage.
- Poor communications: It is vital to have consistent communications with a siding contractor. If they do not respond to your questions or ignore your phone calls or emails, find a different contractor.
- No online presence: Another red flag is when a siding company has no online presence. Even if they do not have a website, they should have a presence on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, or at the very least, a Google Business Profile.
- Cannot or refuses to provide references: Any contractor unwilling to provide you with references should be a major warning sign. Reputable contractors are more than happy to provide you with a list.
- Wants you to pay in full before any work is completed: When a contractor asks you to pay for the entire siding project upfront, run. This could be a scam, where they will take your money, and you will never see the contractor again.
- No physical address: It should be a concern if the siding company has no physical address. Even if it is a “mom-and-pop” type operation, they should still use their home address if they do not have a commercial space.
- Cannot or refuses to provide a copy of their license and insurance: If the siding contractor will not provide you with a copy of their license or insurance, it most likely means the state does not legally license them to conduct business, let alone have insurance in case there is an accident or property damages.
- Will not provide a warranty on workmanship: If the siding company does not offer a workmanship warranty or some sort of guarantee, they will not stand behind their work if something goes wrong. You are better off looking for a different contractor.
- Will not provide a warranty on materials: If the siding contractor does not offer a materials warranty, you need to be highly concerned. This could indicate they are using subpar or used materials. All siding manufacturers provide some type of limited warranty.
- High-pressure sales tactics: If the siding company’s salesperson seems overly pushy and wants you to sign off on a siding project, be wary. Reputable siding companies will allow you time to compare estimates and never be pushy or use high-pressure sales tactics.
- Door-to-door solicitations after major events: After severe weather, heavy snow storms, or other weather events, be cautious of door-to-door solicitors. These can be scams; they only want to claim the insurance payout from your homeowner’s policy without doing any actual work.
How To Choose the Best Siding Contractor in Ann Arbor
Use these green flag tips to help you choose the best siding contractor in Ann Arbor:
- Select a local siding company with years of experience: Look for a local company that supports the community and is an expert at siding installation.
- Verify the contractor is licensed and insured: Ask the contractor to provide a copy of their license and insurance. Confirm their license is valid with the state. You can also call their insurance provider to verify their insurance is active.
- Check out their reviews and testimonials: Take some time to read through their online review and custom testimonials. If they had a bad review, see if they responded and how they resolved the situation.
- Ask about workmanship and materials warranties: The best siding contractors in Ann Arbor will warranty their workmanship and also let you know the limited warranty coverage available on different siding products and brands.
- Compare project costs between contractors: You should get at least three quotes from three different contractors. When reviewing the quotes, ensure the contractors use similar brands and quality materials.
- Request a written and signed contract: The siding company should provide a written and detailed contract covering everything in the estimate, including who is responsible for obtaining any building permits and a project timeline.
- Ask about post-project cleanup: A reputable contractor will take care of all post-project cleanup and remove all scraps and debris, old siding, and anything else once they are done.
- Understand your vision: An experienced siding contractor will understand your siding design ideas and help you choose the best materials to realize your vision.
- Ask what project financing options are available: If you are unable to pay for the entire project costs, quality contractors should be able to refer you to different financing companies that can lend you the funds.
- Ask when payment is due: Most siding contractors in Ann Arbor usually do not require payment in full until after all work has been completed, you have performed an inspection, and are completely satisfied with their work. Typically, siding jobs require a 50% payment up front and the rest on completion.
Why Choose Mighty Dog Roofing as Your Siding Company in Ann Arbor?
At Mighty Dog Roofing, our siding company in Ann Arbor stands by the quality of work and materials. Our White Paw Service includes exceptional customer service, no-pressure sales, and complete customer satisfaction with the results. Other reasons you should choose us as your siding contractor include:
- Locally owned and operated family company backed by a national franchise
- Over 20 years in business
- Free inspections and estimates
- 5-year workmanship warranty
- Manufacturer limited warranties
- Commitment to customer satisfaction
- 5-star Google Reviews
- Financing assistance
- Will work with you on down payment
- Best selection of siding styles and high-quality siding materials, including James Hardie
- Complete care and support throughout the entire siding project
- Full cleanup post-project
- 24/7 emergency service
We also offer complete home exterior services such as:
- New and replacement roofing
- Free roof inspections
- Roof maintenance program
- Emergency roofing services
- Gutter installation and repair
- Window replacement and repair
For further information about our siding services or other services and to request your free inspection and estimate, contact us today.
Schedule a FREE inspection & estimate
Sources:
Buck, M. (2024). Siding Terminology 101: How to Talk About a Siding Project Like a Pro.
Frankel, L. (2024). House Siding Design Ideas to Inspire Your Home Renovation.
James Hardie. (2024).