A bad siding contractor can cost you tens of thousands in repairs, water damage, and structural problems—so skipping the background check isn't worth the risk. Hiring someone without verifying their credentials, insurance, and track record is how homeowners end up with buckled siding, poor workmanship, and no recourse when things go wrong. Here's exactly what to verify before signing a contract.
Check Their License Status
Every licensed siding contractor should carry a current state or local contractor license. Requirements vary by location—some states require general contractor licenses, while others have specific siding or exterior finishing credentials. Go directly to your state's licensing board website (not the contractor's word) and search their license number. Verify it's active, has no disciplinary history, and matches their legal business name.
If a contractor claims they don't need a license because they're "small" or "insured anyway," that's a red flag. Most states require licensing regardless of company size. A quick 10-minute check on your state's licensing portal beats months of headaches.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Liability and workers' compensation insurance aren't optional—they're legal necessities in most jurisdictions. Request certificates of insurance directly from their insurance agent (not from the contractor's files, which can be outdated or forged). The certificate should list:
- General liability coverage of at least $1 million
- Workers' compensation insurance if they have employees
- Valid dates that extend through your project duration
Call the insurance company's verification line if something seems off. If a contractor claims their policy is "in the mail" or refuses to provide proof, walk away. This is your protection if their worker gets injured on your property or they damage a neighbor's fence.
Review Their Track Record
Check at least three independent sources:
- Google Business and Yelp reviews – Look for patterns, not individual complaints. One negative review among 50 five-star reviews is normal; multiple complaints about poor communication or water leaks aren't.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Search their accreditation status and complaint history. Accredited contractors who resolve complaints are generally more reliable than those with unresolved issues.
- Contractor-specific sites – HomeAdvisor, Angie's List, and The Spruce all allow homeowners to rate siding contractors. Compare ratings across platforms.
Ask for references directly—five past customers from the last two years is standard. When you call them, ask specifically about water infiltration issues (the most common siding failure), timeline adherence, and how they handled problems.
Get Criminal and Civil Background Records
Most siding contractors won't have criminal records, but it's worth a check. County court records are public and searchable online—look for fraud convictions, lien filings, or lawsuits filed against the contractor. Finding them sued three times for non-completion is valuable intel.
Verify They Understand Your Local Building Codes
Siding installation standards vary by climate zone. Wet coastal areas, freeze-thaw regions, and hurricane zones all have different requirements for underlayment, fastening, and flashing. A good contractor should be able to explain how local codes affect your project—not gloss over it.
Ask them about the building permits required for your job. If they skip permits or downplay their importance, that's concerning. Unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.
Check for Open Liens
Contractors who don't pay suppliers or subcontractors create mechanic's liens against your home. Search your county's recorder office for any liens filed against your property address or against the contractor's company. This takes 15 minutes and could reveal major red flags about their financial health.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you've verified their credentials, request a detailed, written estimate that includes:
- Materials, labor, timeline, and payment schedule
- Warranty terms (both materials and workmanship)
- Cleanup and site restoration responsibilities
- Change order procedures
Tools like Mercoly let you compare verified siding contractors side-by-side, making it easier to cross-check multiple candidates against these same criteria without starting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should a typical siding replacement project cost? A: Vinyl siding runs $8–15 per square foot installed; fiber cement costs $12–25 per square foot; wood and composite run higher. A 2,000 sq. ft. home typically ranges $16,000–$50,000 depending on material and your region.
Q: What's the difference between a contractor license and insurance? A: A license means they passed exams and meet state qualifications; insurance covers injury or damage they cause. You need both—a licensed contractor without insurance leaves you liable if something goes wrong.
Q: How long is typical siding work supposed to take? A: Most single-family homes take 1–3 weeks depending on size, weather, and complexity. Crews working on your home should communicate delays at least 48 hours in advance.
Use these steps to hire a siding contractor who'll stand behind their work.