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How to Choose a Contractor

The most important aspects of choosing a contractor are establishing trust and a shared vision. These steps will help you find the right professional for your job.

TIPS FOR HIRING A CONTRACTOR

1
Ask friends and neighbors
Ask your neighbors, friends and co-workers for referrals.
2
Check licenses and insurance
Be certain the contractor(s) you are considering are licensed and insured.
3
Research your builders
Inquire about contractors with a local Consumer Affairs Office or Better Business Bureau.
4
Associations & affiliations
Is your contractor a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry?
5
Experience & Knowledge
Look for a contractor that has experience with the type of project you need completed.
6
Get multiple estimates
Meet with at least three insured/licensed contractors to get written estimates.
7
Come prepared & organized
Prepare a description of the project and your expectations prior to meeting a contrator.
8
Consistency Is key
Share the same information with each contractor.
9
Double check estimates
Ensure all requests are included and the price is based on the complete project.
We provide all prospective clients a list of references, including addresses and phone numbers.
Kyle Erdmann is vice president of Erdmann Exterior Designs Ltd. and is an Elite Preferred contractor in the James Hardie Contractor Alliance Program.
Hear more from Hardie customers >

Questions to Ask a Contractor

James Hardie looks to NARI, the National Association of Remodeling Industry for insight on how to best select a contractor. NARI suggests asking the following questions before signing a remodeling contract.

Years in Business

How long have you been in business?

Licenses and Accreditations

Are you licensed by the state or a trade organization?

Project Management

Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?

Project Team

Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?

Project Approach

What is your approach to a project such as this?

Similar Project Experience

How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?

References

May I have a list of references from those projects?

Referrals/Suppliers

May I have a list of business referrals or suppliers?

Contractor Reputation

What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?

Trade Associations

What local and/or national trade associations do you belong to?

Insurance Coverage

Does the company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
(Always verify this information by calling the agency.)

James Hardie Experience

What is your experience using exterior solutions by James Hardie: James Hardie siding with ColorPlus® Technology, HardieTrim® Boards, HardieSoffit® and HardieWrap® Weather Barrier?
 

For more information on the National Association of Remodeling Industry visit www.nari.org.

The James Hardie Contractor Alliance™ Program

The James Hardie Contractor Alliance Program is designed to match homeowners with professional contractors from around the country who are available to help you meet your needs for siding repair and replacement.
All James Hardie Elite, Preferred and Rewards Advantage contractors must have a Homeowner “Likely to Recommend” score of at least 90% with GuildQuality, a third-party customer satisfaction surveying service.
To view contractors in your area and their GuildQuality scores, check out the Contractor Alliance™ Program.