Quality siding is important for many reasons. After all, it protects your home's exterior from the elements and insects and helps insulate your home. It's one of the first things people see when they approach your property, so it's a big factor in curb appeal. As you finalize your decision, you should gather some quotes from siding companies, and here’s why.

1. Compare Prices

When you're looking for a contractor, never take the first price offered. It's always good to compare quotes from different contractors so you can ensure that you're getting a fair market rate. A good rule of thumb is to contact at least three different siding companies to see how their pricing matches up. When comparing prices, think about things such as the materials used and the amount of time it will take for the project to complete. You should also understand that some siding companies may charge more than others if they have more experience and are in high demand.

2. Have a Discussion

When you call siding companies for a quote, it's a great opportunity to discuss with professionals over the phone or if they come to your home for a consultation. After all, when you're discussing the quote, you're not just asking about money. It's a chance to learn more about the siding materials used. You can ask the contractor questions about their business and how long they've been in operation. It may also be a good time to request some references that you can quickly contact as you make a decision. You can walk away or hang up from such a conversation, either confirming that this contractor is a potentially good choice or one that you should remove from your list.

3. Evaluate Contractors

After you've concluded a round of quotes and related discussions, sit down and thoroughly evaluate the contractors you're considering. Take your list with the prices and compare it to services and other information you learned about the siding companies. After all, getting a quote doesn't mean you have to make a decision right then. It's a way to gather information for you to use for your evaluation.

4. Learn About Options

When you have a discussion related to quotes, you'll be able to further learn more about your siding options. You may not be familiar with other options, especially if you've only had one type of siding material your entire life. You may find a contractor who specializes in cedar wood siding, vinyl, cement board, and more. After the call, you can continue to do your own research related to materials that you just learned about.

5. Get Specific Details

When the siding companies give you a quote, you don’t just have to go on that one number. Ask for more details during the estimate. According to HomeGuide, depending on the cost of materials, labor, and a few other variables, the cost to add new siding to a 2,500-square-foot home can be anywhere between $8,400 and $25,200. As you can see, that final number can be quite a big range. You can get a specific number when a contractor evaluates the specific size of your home and the exact siding material you want.

For example, vinyl is one of the most economical siding materials you can use on your home. So, you can expect a vinyl siding project to cost you less money than cement board, brick, or stone services. Once you get a detailed estimate, it'll be much easier for you to review your home budget or check your housing insurance policy to see what type of upfront payment or reimbursement you can get for your siding project.

Your local siding companies do extensive quality work to ensure your home looks beautiful and has protection from the outside. These professionals usually have no problem answering questions that homeowners, such as yourself, may have. After all, a siding installation is a big project to undertake, especially if the contractor has to work on your entire exterior. So take the time, as you gather quotes, to ask as many questions as possible, so you can walk away knowing you've made the right decision. For a siding company you can trust, contact Dillman Brothers for a quote.