A Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating for a siding contractor can make or break your hiring decision—but the letter grade alone doesn't tell the full story. Understanding what an A+ actually means, how complaints factor in, and what red flags to watch for will save you money and headaches on a major home renovation project.
The BBB Rating Scale Explained
The BBB assigns letter grades from A+ (highest) to F (lowest) based on a formula that weighs complaint history, complaint resolution, licensing, and business practices. For siding contractors specifically, you'll typically see ratings ranging from A to C, with F-rated companies usually already out of business or under legal investigation.
An A+ or A rating means the contractor has minimal complaints on file, responds promptly to issues, and maintains proper licensing. But here's the catch: a newer contractor might have a B rating simply because they have a shorter track record, not because they've done poor work. A contractor with 50 completed projects and one legitimate complaint may actually be more reliable than a startup with a pristine record.
Why Complaint History Matters More Than the Letter Grade
BBB ratings heavily penalize unresolved complaints. If a siding contractor ignored three customer complaints about water damage or incomplete work, that drops their rating significantly. Conversely, if they received five complaints but resolved all of them to the customer's satisfaction, the rating impact is minimal.
When reviewing a contractor's BBB profile, scroll past the letter grade and read the actual complaints. Look for patterns:
- Recurring issues (e.g., multiple complaints about improper flashing or sealing)
- Response time (did the contractor reply within days or ignore complaints for weeks?)
- Resolution (did they fix the problem at no cost, or did customers have to dispute?)
- Recency (are complaints from 2019 or from last month?)
A contractor with an A rating but several unresolved complaints from the last year is riskier than one with a B rating and all complaints resolved in 2021.
The Cost of Low BBB Ratings
Siding installation typically costs $8,000–$25,000 for a single-story home, depending on material (vinyl, fiber cement, wood) and square footage. At those price points, choosing a contractor with multiple complaints can cost you thousands in rework, litigation, or living with substandard installation.
Contractors rated C or lower are often one dispute away from losing their license or shutting down. While they might still complete your job, you have minimal recourse if something goes wrong. Better Business Bureau complaints can take months to resolve, and if the contractor disappears mid-project, you're left paying another contractor to finish the work.
What to Do Beyond the BBB Rating
A high BBB rating is necessary but not sufficient. Take these additional steps:
- Check state licensing boards for disciplinary records, separate from BBB data
- Request references and call at least three (ask about timeline, punch-list items, and how the contractor handled changes)
- Get written estimates from 2–3 contractors with similar ratings; lowball bids often signal cutting corners
- Verify insurance and bonding; a properly bonded contractor protects you if they abandon the job
- Read Google and Yelp reviews alongside BBB ratings for a fuller picture of customer experience
Tools like Mercoly let you compare siding contractors side-by-side, including their BBB ratings, reviews, and credentials in one place, making it easier to spot outliers or standouts.
Red Flags That Override a Good BBB Rating
Even an A-rated contractor deserves scrutiny if:
- They push for payment in full upfront (legitimate contractors typically ask 30–50% down, 50–70% upon completion)
- They lack liability insurance documentation
- They can't provide recent local references
- They pressure you to sign before giving a detailed written scope of work
- They offer a price 30%+ lower than other comparable bids (likely using cheaper materials or skipping steps)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a B-rated siding contractor safe to hire? Yes, if they have few complaints and resolved issues quickly. The B rating often reflects volume of work rather than poor quality; a contractor handling 100+ projects annually may have a slightly lower rating than one doing 10 jobs with no complaints.
Q: How long does BBB keep complaint records? BBB typically maintains complaints for three years on their public profiles, though older resolved complaints have less weight in the rating algorithm. Always ask for explanations of older complaints if you see them.
Q: Can a siding contractor improve a low BBB rating? Yes, by resolving outstanding complaints and maintaining clean practices going forward. Ratings update regularly, so a contractor who was rated C in 2022 could be B or A now if they've cleaned up their record and handled recent jobs well.
Ready to compare vetted siding contractors in your area? Start your search today.