12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Siding Repair Company

Your siding isn’t just an outfit for your house—it’s the first shield against Colorado’s sideways hail, temperature swings, and relentless UV. When panels crack, warp, or go missing, water sneaks in, energy bills creep up, and HOA letters start appearing.

Hiring the right repair crew fixes all of that—but only if you ask the right questions before signing a contract. The 12 queries that follow cut through sales talk and surface the facts that actually matter: licensing, insurance, material expertise, cost transparency, and workmanship guarantees. We’ll flag common red signs, show you how to verify every answer, and explain when a weekend DIY patch simply won’t cut it. By the end, you’ll compare bids apples-to-apples and choose a partner who treats your home as carefully as you do.

If you’re in Denver or anywhere along the Front Range, keep an eye out for the Semper Fi Restoration team; a free, no-obligation assessment is only a phone call away.

1. Are You Properly Licensed for Siding Work in My State?

Before any crew sets foot on your property, confirm they’re legally allowed to do so. A legitimate siding repair company holds the licenses—or municipal registrations—required by the state and each city they work in. In Colorado, for instance, the state doesn’t issue a blanket “siding license,” but most municipalities (Denver, Brighton, Thornton, Longmont, etc.) demand contractors register and pass code-knowledge checks. Without those credentials, you could face stop-work orders, fines, or appraisal headaches when it’s time to refinance or sell.

Why This Question Matters

• Licensing proves the contractor understands local building codes, energy-code updates, and inspection protocols.


• It’s your first filter against fly-by-night storm chasers who flock in after hail events.

What a Good Answer Looks Like

• The contractor rattles off license or registration numbers that match the exact business name on their proposal.


• They volunteer copies of paperwork for every city involved and note any specialty trade licenses held by subcontractors.

How Homeowners Can Verify

1. Visit your city or county’s online contractor portal; type in the license number.


2. Confirm the status reads “active – no violations.”


3. Still unsure? Call the building department and ask if any complaints or suspensions exist under that name.


4. Repeat for each subcontractor touching your project.

2. Do You Carry Both General Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Even the best siding repair company can crack a window, nick a sprinkler head, or have a crew member twist an ankle on your driveway. If the contractor’s insurance coverage isn’t airtight, those accidents quickly become your financial headache. Asking about—and verifying—both policies keeps medical bills, legal claims, and property fixes off your ledger.

Why This Question Matters

• General liability covers damage to your house, landscaping, or a neighbor’s property during the job.


• Workers’ compensation pays medical costs and lost wages if an installer is hurt on site.


• Lenders, title companies, and many HOAs require proof of both before closing out a project.

Documentation to Request

1. A current Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing:
   
   
   
   • Your name and address as “certificate holder.”
   
   
   • At least $1,000,000 per-occurrence liability coverage.
   
   
   • Workers’ comp limits that meet Colorado statute.
   
   
   
   


2. Policy numbers and carrier contact info so you can confirm directly with the insurer.


3. Written notice of any subcontractors and their separate COIs.

Red Flags

• The policy is set to expire before your projected completion date.


• Coverage is listed under a different business name than the one on your contract.


• The contractor says they’re “exempt” from workers’ comp or will add you to the policy only after a deposit.

3. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have With the Specific Siding Material on My Home?

A crew that’s flawless with vinyl isn’t automatically qualified to patch fiber-cement or cedar shakes. Each material expands, fastens, and sheds water differently, and one wrong move—say, nailing HardiePlank too tight—can void a 30-year manufacturer warranty in an afternoon. Pin the contractor down on the exact product you own (or want) and how long they’ve been installing and repairing it.

Why Specialization Counts

• Vinyl panels need room to “float” with temperature swings; fiber-cement needs stainless or galvanized fasteners and special saw blades.


• Engineered wood, common in newer Colorado subdivisions, relies on perfectly flashed butt joints to stop snow melt from wicking in.


• Matching factory colors and texture profiles on partial repairs takes practice and the right supplier relationships.

What to Listen For

• A photo portfolio of projects using your material, completed in the last 5–10 years.


• Manufacturer certifications, such as James Hardie Preferred or LP SmartSide Master Installer.


• Discussion of regional climate adjustments—e.g., extra rain-screen spacing for wind-driven moisture along the Front Range.

Follow-Up Tips

• Ask whether the damage is isolated enough for a panel swap versus full wall replacement.


• Request a sample piece to confirm texture and color match before you approve the order.


• If the home is older, have them inspect the original weather barrier to ensure a quick cosmetic fix won’t trap hidden moisture.

4. Can You Provide Local References and Recent Project Photos?

A reputable siding repair company should be proud to show its work—and its customers should be willing to vouch for it. Real addresses, phone numbers, and timestamped photos give you proof that the crew can deliver neat seams, tight flashing, and color-matched replacements under conditions similar to your own.

Why References Matter

• Confirms the contractor’s track record for quality, punctuality, and job-site cleanliness


• Lets you verify that workmanship still looks solid months—or years—after installation


• Provides a reality check against glossy marketing brochures

How to Vet References

1. Call at least three homeowners from projects completed within the last 12 months.


2. Ask if the job finished on budget and on schedule, and whether any callbacks were handled promptly.


3. If possible, drive by to inspect caulk lines, trim details, and panel alignment from the sidewalk.

Online Reputation Checks

Cross-reference what references say with public feedback: Google star ratings, BBB reports, and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor. Consistency across these platforms signals reliability; wide gaps or repeated complaints should send you back to the bidding table.

5. Will I Receive a Detailed, Itemized Written Estimate?

Sticker shock usually happens when a “ballpark” number balloons halfway through construction. The best way to avoid that drama is to insist that the siding repair company hands you a line-by-line estimate—not a one-page lump sum—before you sign anything. A true itemized proposal shows exactly where every dollar will go, making it easy to compare bids and spot padded margins or missing tasks.

Essential Line-Items to See

• Labor hours broken out by crew role (tear-off, installers, finish carpenters)


• Material quantities: square feet of siding, house-wrap, flashing, caulk, fasteners


• Equipment and disposal: dumpster rental, lift or scaffold fees, haul-away charges


• Permit or inspection fees for your city and county


• Contingency allowance (typically 10–15 %) for unexpected substrate repairs

Cost Benchmarks to Mention

National data puts siding repair between $3,500 and $15,000 per 1,000 sq. ft., but Colorado’s two-story homes and high-wind fastening specs can push totals higher. Other price drivers include:

• Multi-color trim schemes


• Second-story access that requires additional safety rigging


• Moisture-damaged sheathing that must be replaced

Protecting Your Budget

Clarify vocabulary up front:

• “Estimate” = educated guess that may rise


• “Bid” = fixed scope with limited wiggle room


• “Not-to-exceed” = hard ceiling; contractor eats any overage

Request the not-to-exceed structure whenever possible and keep electronic copies of the signed estimate. A reputable siding repair company will gladly explain every line and revise the document in writing before any change order moves forward.

6. What Warranties Do You Offer on Labor and Materials?

Price is only half the story—protection after the crew leaves matters just as much. A reputable siding repair company backs its work twice: once through the product manufacturer and again through its own workmanship pledge. The combined coverage tells you how long defects will be fixed at no charge and who pays for materials, labor, or both. Because Colorado’s UV and hail punish exteriors year-round, light-weight warranties can cost you thousands down the road.

Ask for the warranty terms before you sign; they should appear in writing on both the estimate and the final contract. If the contractor hesitates or says “the factory has you covered,” treat that as a red flag. Most manufacturers require precise installation to honor their promise—so you need the installer’s guarantee, too.

Types of Coverage

• Manufacturer defect warranty on the siding panels and trim (often 25–50 years, prorated).


• Contractor workmanship warranty covering installation errors ( 1–10 years is common).


• Optional add-ons for color fade, hail impact, or wind uplift beyond 110 mph .

Key Follow-Up Questions

1. Is the warranty transferable to a new owner?


2. Does hail or wind damage void the terms?


3. Who handles the claim paperwork—you or the contractor?

Documentation to Collect

• Formal warranty certificates with serial numbers and registration deadlines.


• A signed labor warranty on company letterhead.


• Photos of completed work for your records and future claims.

7. What Is the Expected Project Timeline From Start to Finish?

Ask for a calendar, not a shrug. A clear timeline helps you schedule work-from-home days, alert the dog walker, and keep the HOA off your back. More important, it shows that the siding repair company understands material lead times and Colorado’s fickle weather patterns.

Components of a Realistic Schedule

• Material order & delivery: 5–10 business days (longer for special-order colors)


• Dumpster drop and site prep: ½ day


• Tear-off and substrate inspection: 1–2 days


• Installation, trim, and flashing: 2–4 days, weather permitting


• Punch list and final inspection: ½–1 day


• Built-in weather buffer: 1–3 extra days for wind, rain, or early snow

Communication Expectations

Confirm how updates arrive—daily text, project-tracking app, or phone call—and who is your single point of contact. You should know by 8 a.m. if weather or supply hiccups bump the schedule.

Penalties & Incentives

A professional contract spells out:

• Reasonable delay penalties after a grace period (e.g., $100 per day)


• Early-completion or on-time bonuses


• Force-majeure clauses covering severe storms so no one pays for blizzards Mother Nature dishes out

8. Who Handles Building Permits and HOA Approvals?

Nothing stalls a siding project faster than missing paperwork. City inspectors can issue stop-work orders, and an HOA can levy fines if colors or trim profiles aren’t pre-approved. Ask the siding repair company to spell out—on paper—who completes each application, pays the fees, and schedules inspections. If they shrug, keep shopping.

Permitting Process

Most Colorado municipalities treat siding as “exterior alteration,” which means:

• Application & Fee – Contractor submits scope, material specs, and valuation; fees vary ( $75–$200 ).


• Plan Review – 1–3 business days for staff to confirm fire-rating, energy code, and wind-uplift details.


• Inspections – Typically two: sheathing/water-resistive barrier before panels go up, and a final once trim and caulk are complete.


• Close-Out – Passing sticker posted; homeowner receives a digital Certificate of Completion—required for future home sale disclosures.

Denver often requires photo documentation, whereas Brighton and Thornton may want an in-person nailing inspection, so verify your contractor’s familiarity with each jurisdiction.

HOA & Historic District Needs

• Color & Material Match – Many HOAs restrict sheen and pigment; submit manufacturer color chips with the form.


• Architectural Review Board Timing – Meetings can be monthly; a contractor should build this lag into the schedule.


• Neighbor Notifications – Some covenants mandate written notice to adjacent homeowners 10 days before work starts.


• Historic District Extras – In areas like Old Town Longmont, city landmark staff may demand wood-grain fiber-cement instead of vinyl—make sure your contractor budgets for those upgrades.
  
  Providing a checklist of required HOA documents and letting the contractor courier the package saves you headaches and keeps the project on track.

9. What Safety Measures Do You Take to Protect Workers and My Property?

A truly professional siding repair company treats the jobsite like a mini construction zone—complete with the same OSHA standards you’d see on a skyscraper. Their safety plan should protect two groups simultaneously: the crew swinging the hammers and the homeowner whose roses, windows, and pets live inches away from the action. Ask for specifics, not generalities; a vague “we’re careful” usually means they aren’t.

Crew Safety Protocols

• Fall protection: harnesses tied off to certified anchor points, or guardrails on scaffold platforms above 6 ft.


• Ladder safety: stabilizers, levelers for sloped ground, and daily inspection logs.


• Personal protective equipment (PPE): hard hats, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.


• On-site first-aid kit and at least one CPR-certified lead.


• Toolbox talks every morning to review weather, tasks, and hazards.

Property Protection

• Plywood or OSB sheets over flower beds, AC units, and decorative stone.


• Magnetic nail sweepers run at the end of each day.


• Tarps and debris nets to catch falling scraps and dust.


• Designated material staging area to keep driveways clear.

Insurance Tie-In

A documented safety program lowers accident rates, which keeps liability premiums down—one more sign you’re hiring a disciplined, financially sound contractor. Always confirm that the protocols outlined above are written into the contract.

10. How Is the Payment Schedule Structured, and Do You Provide Lien Waivers?

Money misunderstandings can sour even the smoothest siding job, so nail down when and how cash changes hands before a single panel is removed. A transparent schedule protects your budget, keeps the crew motivated, and ensures suppliers get paid—eliminating the nightmare of a mechanic’s lien filed against your house. Pair that timeline with written lien waivers, and you’ve covered every financial base.

Typical Milestones

1. Deposit (10–30 %) – Shows good faith and lets the contractor order materials.


2. Material Delivery or Project Midpoint (30–40 %) – Paid once the siding is on site or half the labor is complete.


3. Substantial Completion (20–30 %) – Triggered after punch-list items drop below a set dollar amount.


4. Final Payment (10 % or balance) – Released only after you sign off on the finished work and receive all documentation.

Secure Payment Practices

• Use check or credit card for an auditable trail; avoid large cash draws.


• Make each payment contingent on a dated invoice and photo progress update.


• Never front more than one-third of the total unless custom colors require a factory pre-pay.

Lien Waiver Importance

Every time you cut a check, request a conditional lien waiver signed by the contractor and major suppliers. Exchange it for an unconditional waiver with the final payment. These forms prove everyone has been paid, blocking material distributors or subcontractors from recording a lien against your title months later—a small step that keeps your siding repair company honest and your property records spotless.

11. How Do You Manage Unexpected Damage or Change Orders Discovered Mid-Project?

Even a meticulous siding inspection can’t see through sheathing or behind vapor barriers. Once the old panels come off, crews sometimes uncover soggy OSB, carpenter-ant tunnels, or wiring that was never to code. How your siding repair company reacts—financially and logistically—determines whether the project stays calm or spirals into cost overruns and finger-pointing. Nail this policy down before demo day.

Common Surprises

• Rotten wall sheathing from years of hidden leaks


• Missing or torn house-wrap that must be replaced to satisfy code


• Framing damage where gutters overflowed


• Asbestos or lead paint on older homes, triggering specialized disposal

Change-Order Process

1. Crew pauses work and documents the issue with timestamped photos.


2. Contractor delivers a written change order detailing scope, materials, added labor hours, and revised timeline.


3. You review and sign electronically—no handshake approvals.


4. Updated cost hits the running total, and progress resumes only after both parties agree.

Pro tip: insist that any single change exceeding a set dollar amount (e.g., $500) kicks off this formal process to avoid death-by-a-thousand-cuts.

Budget Cushion Advice

Set aside a 10 % contingency fund when planning your siding repair. If surprises stay below that buffer, you’re under budget; if they exceed it, you’ll still have cash ready while you negotiate next steps instead of halting the crew mid-project.

12. What Does Post-Project Cleanup and Final Inspection Involve?

The job isn’t finished when the last panel is nailed in place. A professional siding repair company treats cleanup and inspection as part of the scope, not an afterthought. Confirming these steps up front guarantees your lawn isn’t sprinkled with metal shards and that any cosmetic touch-ups happen before the crew rolls away. It also locks in the paperwork you’ll need for warranties, insurance records, and future resale disclosures.

Cleanup Standards

• Daily magnetic sweep for nails and screws


• Bagged debris hauled to the dumpster—not stuffed behind shrubs


• Re-seeding or straw cover if heavy equipment scars the lawn


• Reinstalled downspouts, exterior lights, and house numbers

Final Walk-Through

1. Contractor and homeowner tour every elevation together.


2. Identify paint mismatches, loose trim, or caulk gaps; note them on a punch list.


3. Crew addresses items on the spot or within 48 hours.


4. You sign a completion form only after all boxes are checked.

Documentation You Should Receive

• “Paid in Full” invoice and zero-balance statement


• Manufacturer and workmanship warranty packets, fully registered


• Before-and-after photos stored in a shared folder for insurance files


• Maintenance tips for washing, touch-up paint codes, and seasonal inspections

Ready to Protect Your Home?

By running through these 12 questions, you’ve built a fast-acting lie detector for any siding repair company that knocks on your door. Licenses and insurance keep surprises out of your mailbox, itemized estimates keep surprises out of your wallet, and solid warranties keep surprises off your siding for years to come. In short, the list separates pros who plan to be here next decade from storm chasers who’ll vanish next week.

If you’re a homeowner anywhere along Colorado’s Front Range and you’d rather skip the guesswork, the veteran-owned team at Semper Fi Restoration is happy to answer every question—and put the answers in writing—during a free, no-obligation assessment. One call secures expert diagnostics, transparent pricing, and the peace of mind that your home’s first line of defense is in trusted hands.