Siding installation is one of the most critical parts of any siding replacement project. You can have high-quality materials, but if they are installed poorly, their performance will suffer.
To get the most out of your siding installation, you need to choose a professional contractor, preferably a siding specialist. By using a specialist rather than a generalist contractor, you can rest assured that they are familiar with industry best practices and have hands-on experience with your siding of choice.
A professional company will offer great workmanship, transparency, effective communication, and a comprehensive warranty.
Lack of Communication During Siding Installation
Lack of communication is the number one complaint in our industry. When your contractor is vague on details, your installation can end up costing more money than you had budgeted.
When I started Hawthorn, it was vital that I created a process that kept our clients informed every step of the way.
I never want our clients to experience a lack of communication with us, and that applies to:
- The first meeting
- The design process
- The project agreement
- The installation
I will happily answer your questions, and I’m always available to hear your concerns. I also take the time to explain to our clients why we are doing things a certain way. Homeowners aren’t building experts, and it can be beneficial for them to understand the performance value of our processes.
Having great communication with your clients is one thing, but having effective communication with your installation crew is crucial. When there are miscommunications on site, it can be stressful and costly.
When aspects of the project change, we keep the process as simple as possible. Design changes mid-project can be tricky, but it’s possible if it happens early enough.
As with any construction, unforeseen issues crop up, and changes to the plan need to be made. We ensure that we communicate with our crew members about the best possible solutions and ok those with our clients to ensure we stay on time and budget.
Poor Workmanship
Poor workmanship is another common problem in exterior remodeling. Unfortunately, the industry has set the bar low for what is acceptable on a siding installation project.
Many companies are happy working towards the minimum manufacturer specifications. At Hawthorn, that is unacceptable, and we make sure every project we do is above and beyond the baseline specs. So there’s a big difference between doing a job to spec and doing it best, and we know which end of the spectrum we fall on.
With a generalist contractor, there is a higher chance of poor workmanship on your project. This is because they dabble in many different areas rather than focusing their attention and expertise on siding.
James Hardie siding, in particular, requires specialist equipment, hands-on knowledge, and excellent craftsmanship. James Hardie has high specifications regarding clearances, nails, and several other aspects of their installation. If you are installing James Hardie siding, then you want a James Hardie preferred contractor for the job.
How To Choose A Siding Installation Contractor
When choosing a contractor, there are a few things you should look for:
- Check that they are fully insured
- Ask for references
- Look at projects they have done using your particular siding choice
- Read the Google reviews and visit their website
- Set up an appointment and gauge willingness to answer your questions
- Ask what services they offer and whether they are specialists or generalists
Hawthorn, the Saint Louis Siding Contractor You Can Trust
We are James Hardie siding specialists, and James Hardie preferred contractors.
We value:
- Communication
- Transparency
- A client-focused approach
Our goal is to help you create the home of your dreams, so if you have questions about siding installation, contact us to set up an appointment.
