The six things a siding bid has to say
Tear-off or overlay. Going over existing siding is faster and cheaper and it hides everything underneath, including water damage and the reason the old siding failed. Tear-off is the honest version and it costs more because it is more work. A bid should say which one it is.
What happens at the sheathing. Once the old siding is off, the sheathing is visible for the first time in decades. A bid should state what is included and what triggers a change order, with a unit price per sheet rather than an open-ended "as needed".
House wrap and flashing. The weather-resistive barrier and the flashing at windows, doors and penetrations are what actually keep water out; the siding is the rain screen in front of it. This is the most commonly omitted line in a cheap bid and the most expensive one to get wrong.
Product line and thickness. "Vinyl siding" covers a very wide range. Panel thickness, whether it is insulated, the wind rating and the colour warranty all vary by line. A bid should name the manufacturer and the specific series.
Trim, corners and penetrations. Corner posts, J-channel, window and door trim, soffit and fascia, and how lights, vents, hose bibs and meters are cut and sealed. This is where a job looks finished or looks fast.
The rot allowance. Every older house has some. A contractor who has not put a number or a unit rate against it is going to have that conversation with you later, mid-job, when you have no leverage.
What actually matters about the company
A current licence, and general liability plus workers compensation certificates you have seen rather than been told about. Siding is worked from ladders and lifts across a whole elevation; an uninsured crew on your house is your exposure, not theirs.
Whether the installers are employees or subcontractors. Not disqualifying either way, but it changes who you can call in year three, and you are entitled to a straight answer.
A written workmanship warranty with a named party honouring it. Manufacturer warranties cover the material against defect; almost every siding problem a homeowner actually experiences is installation, which the material warranty does not touch.
Local work you can drive past. Siding either looks right at the corners and around the windows or it does not, and a photograph taken at distance hides both.
Signs to walk away from
A price that only exists today. Storm-chasing and door-knocking outfits price on urgency because urgency is the only advantage they have.
A large deposit before any material is ordered, or a request for payment in full up front.
A bid on a single page with one number and no scope. That is not a discount, it is an absence of commitment.
An offer to cover, waive or absorb your insurance deductible. That is insurance fraud with your name on the claim.
How we bid it
We measure the elevations, we say plainly whether we are recommending tear-off or overlay and why, we state the wrap and flashing, we name the product line, and we carry a stated allowance for sheathing with a unit rate so a surprise has a price before it happens.
The inspection is free across Maryland and Northern Virginia, usually within twenty four hours, and the photo report is yours to keep whether or not you hire us. If storm damage is part of it: you file and own the claim, your carrier decides coverage, and we are a licensed contractor rather than a public adjuster. On an approved claim your deductible is typically your out-of-pocket cost.
Get it looked at, free
We inspect across Maryland — Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Carroll and Baltimore counties. Free inspection, photo report within 24 hours, and the report is yours to keep whether or not you hire us.