A siding contractor can make or break your home's exterior—and your budget. Before signing any contract, spend 30 minutes checking their online reputation; it's the fastest way to avoid costly mistakes or poor workmanship. Here's how to dig deeper than a Google search alone.
Start with Google Reviews and Local Listings
Pull up Google Maps and search your contractor's name. Look for businesses with 50+ reviews and a rating above 4.2 stars; anything lower suggests recurring complaints. Read the most recent reviews first—a 4.8-star average means less if the last five reviews mention incomplete jobs or missed deadlines.
Pay attention to specific complaints. Generic gripes ("bad experience") are less informative than detailed ones ("crew damaged my gutters during installation and never fixed them"). Siding work is inherently disruptive; legitimate concerns should mention workmanship, cleanup, or timeline issues—not just noise or dust.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Visit bbb.org and search for your contractor's name and city. The BBB lists complaint history, how the company responds, and whether disputes were resolved. A contractor with an "A" rating and a few resolved complaints is normal; one with multiple unresolved issues is a red flag.
Note the complaint types. Siding-specific problems to watch for include:
- Improper flashing installation (leads to water damage)
- Poor caulking or sealant application
- Mismatched color or texture with existing siding
- Incomplete or delayed warranty paperwork
A contractor addressing these complaints constructively is worth considering; one ignoring them or blaming customers isn't.
Review Industry-Specific Platforms
Check Angie's List, Home Advisor, and Yelp for contractor reviews and ratings. These platforms often have detailed review filters—you can sort by siding material type (vinyl, fiber cement, wood, composite) and see how contractors perform on your specific needs.
Home Advisor also shows average project costs in your region. If a contractor's estimates fall significantly below or above these ranges, ask why. Siding installation typically costs $8–$15 per square foot for vinyl and $10–$18 for fiber cement, including labor.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Visit your state's licensing board website (search "state contractor license lookup" plus your state name). Confirm the contractor holds an active siding or general contracting license. Some states require separate licenses for specific work; verify this applies to your project.
Call your homeowners insurance agent and ask if the contractor is insured. Legitimate siding contractors carry general liability insurance ($1–$2 million typical) and workers' compensation. Never hire an uninsured contractor—you'll be liable for injuries on your property.
Search for Complaints on Social Media
Check Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the contractor's pages and customer posts. Negative comments often appear here before they hit formal review sites. Look for patterns: one complaint may be a disgruntled customer, but three mentions of the same issue (e.g., "crew left nails in my yard") suggests a systemic problem.
Ask for and Contact References
Request at least three recent siding projects (completed within the past 12 months). Call or email these homeowners directly. Ask:
- Was the timeline met?
- Did the crew clean up daily?
- How's the siding holding up after [months] in your climate?
- Would you hire them again?
Personal references often reveal details reviews won't—like whether the contractor communicated delays or handled unexpected damage (rotted wood beneath old siding).
Verify Warranty Claims
Check the contractor's website or ask directly about warranty terms. Most siding contractors offer 5–10 year workmanship warranties. Search for the contractor's name plus "warranty claim" online to see if unhappy customers have posted about denied claims.
Request written warranty documentation before signing anything. Vague verbal promises aren't binding.
Use a Comparison Platform
Platforms like Mercoly help you compare multiple siding contractors side-by-side, view vetted reviews, and request quotes in one place—saving time and reducing the risk of missing a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I find conflicting reviews—some excellent, some terrible? Look for patterns in complaints. If negative reviews cite the same specific issue (poor caulking, missed deadlines), that's a real concern. If they're vague or from one reviewer, weigh them against your overall research.
Q: How long should a siding installation take? A typical single-story home takes 5–10 days for vinyl or fiber cement siding; larger homes or complex jobs may take 2–3 weeks. Ask contractors for a detailed timeline and daily schedule.
Q: Can I trust online reviews completely? No. Read 10–15 reviews before deciding, focus on specific complaints over vague ones, and always verify licensing and insurance independently.
Start vetting contractors today—get quotes from multiple verified providers on Mercoly to compare credentials and reviews side-by-side.