When hiring a contractor for a task as important as gutter or siding installation, picking the wrong candidate could have devastating consequences. Learning how to check references and reviews is vital to becoming an educated consumer. As the old saying goes, “not everything that glitters is gold.” One must get below the surface to ensure they are hiring a legitimate, qualified business. It’s best to check references and reviews well before you make your final decision.
Are You Hiring a Gutter and Siding Contractor? Here’s How to Check References and Reviews with Confidence
You don’t need to feel timid or embarrassed about asking a gutter and siding contractor for references. It is standard practice in the industry to give references when asked. They might need to call a few clients to get permission before giving our client’s numbers. Try to get the contact information of three different former clients for a good idea on how the contractor works.
If they are beating around the bush, it might mean that they can’t think of any satisfied customers who would give them a good reference. This may be a red flag.
You also shouldn’t feel embarrassed to ask for proof of their license, insurance, and bonding. Because there are many scary pitfalls of hiring someone without those three credentials, it’s important to cover all the bases.
What Questions Should I Ask the References?
Think about the qualities a contractor should possess that are the most important to you — especially if you have been burned in the past. Here are some examples:
- Did this contractor respond quickly to emails or phone calls?
- Were you happy with the finished product?
- Did they finish the project on time and within budget?
- Did you have any major issues with the contractor, and if so, did they make it right?
How to Check for Neighborhood References
Are you a member of a neighborhood Facebook group or do you use another neighborhood social media app? Make a post asking whether or not someone else in the group has used that particular company before. If someone has, ask if you can send a PM with a few questions about their experience.
How to Check Gutter and Siding Contractor Reviews
You might be no stranger to online reviews, but you should learn how to read them wisely. Look for a company with a good handful of reviews. Do people have the same experience? Is there overwhelming evidence that says this is a trustworthy contractor? Do you see some red flags in the mix?
Here’s the bottom line: extremely positive or negative reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. Also, if there are hundreds of reviews posted for a company, the average star rating should be pretty accurate.
Get Quick and Easy Gutter and Siding Financing
When you have finally settled on the perfect gutter or siding contractor, you’ll need to tackle the task of how you’re going to pay for the project. Whether or not your contractor of choice has partnered with HFS Financial to provide contractor financing, you can always fill out the 60-second application on your own. We have made the process of getting personal home improvement loans extremely fast and easy. At HFS Financial, “You Dream It, We Finance It!”