Investing in durable siding is an excellent way to protect your home from external elements, enhance curb appeal, and customize your contemporary aesthetic. James Hardie board is one of the most popular siding materials today, protecting over 8 million homes in America.
James Hardie siding is durable, beautiful, low-maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors and styles to suit any home. Its sturdy build, using sand, cement, and cellulose fiber, provides excellent protection against pests, rot, and fire, making it an ideal material for any home.
What to Look for in a James Hardie Board Installation Company
However, due to their unique build and composition, James Hardie boards require professional installation to ensure they are installed correctly and will last for years to come. Here are nine things you should look for in a James Hardie board installation company to ensure you get the best possible service.
1. James Hardie Board Installer Certification
Like all home improvement projects, you want to ensure the company you’re hiring is certified and qualified to do the job. With James Hardie boards, in particular, you want to ensure they are Certified Installers by the manufacturer.
This certification guarantees they have been adequately trained in installation techniques and safety procedures by the experts at James Hardie. Additionally, a James Hardie installation certification shows the company is knowledgeable on the latest products, trends, and techniques.
2. Reputation
There are a lot of fly-by-night companies out there that will do a subpar job and then vanish, leaving you with a big mess (and a big bill) to clean up. A good way to vet potential contractors is to ask around for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who have had similar work done. You can also check online review sites like Google and Yelp to see what other customers have said about their experience with a particular company.
3. Proper Licensing and Insurance
Licensing and insurance are the two most critical factors when hiring any contractor. A reputable James Hardie board installation company will have the proper licensing and insurance to protect both you and their employees in case of an accident.
In addition to a business license, they should also carry both workers’ compensation and liability insurance. This protects you from being sued if one of their employees is injured on the job or any damages occur to your property during the installation process.
4. Experience
What experience does the company have installing James Hardie boards? How long have they been in business? A company with adequate experience will have a good understanding of the product, various installation techniques, and how troubleshooting any issues that may arise. They are also well versed in the installation process and will be able to answer any questions you have along the way.
5. Transparency
A good James Hardie board installation company will be upfront and honest with you about the entire process, from start to finish. They should provide you with a detailed estimate that includes the cost of labor, materials, and any other fees associated with the project.
They should also be clear about their policies on payments, cancellations, and changes to the scope of work. You shouldn’t have to worry about hidden fees or being blindsided by a higher bill than you expected.
6. Clear Communication
Clear communication is critical in any business relationship, especially for home improvement projects. You should feel confident that the company you’ve hired is communicative and responsive from start to finish.
You should be able to easily get in touch with someone from the company whenever you have a question or concern. They should also keep you updated on the status of your project and provide you with a timeline for completion.
7. Competitive Pricing
While you don’t want to choose the cheapest option, you also don’t want to overpay for your installation. A good rule of thumb is to get multiple quotes from different companies before deciding.
This will give you a better idea of a fair price and help you avoid being taken advantage of. Additionally, be sure to compare apples to apples when getting quotes. You want to make sure you’re comparing similar services from each company.
8. Equipment and Tools
James Hardie boards are a bit different than other siding styles and materials and require special tools and equipment for installation. Before trusting a company with your project, ensure they have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right.
In addition, their employees should be trained on how to use these tools and equipment and should be familiar with the installation process. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient installation.
9. Customer Service
Quality and top-notch customer service should be a top priority for any company you do business with, including your James Hardie board installation company. From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, you should feel like you’re being treated well and that your needs are being met.
The company should be professional, courteous, and respectful of your time and property. They should also be willing to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.
Red Flags to Avoid
Since not all James Hardie installation companies are created equal, there are a few red flags you should be on the lookout for. These include:
- Lack of workers’ compensation or liability insurance. This could leave you on the hook financially if something goes wrong.
- Inadequate licensing and bonding. This could indicate that the company is not properly registered or insured and could cause problems.
- Unprofessional or rude employees. This is a good indicator of the company’s overall culture and could be indicative of the level of customer service you can expect.
- Requiring an upfront payment. While most companies ask for a small deposit to schedule the job, be wary of companies that require a hefty upfront payment.
Best Practices
Once you’ve considered all of the factors above, you should be well on your way to choosing the right James Hardie board installation company for your needs. However, there are a few best practices you should keep in mind.
For starters, be sure to get everything in writing. This includes the estimate, the scope of work, the timeline, and other vital details. This will help protect you if something goes wrong or if there are any misunderstandings.
Additionally, be sure to keep communication lines open throughout the project. This is vital to ensure everyone is on the same page and that any issues are addressed promptly.
Compare multiple quotes from different companies to get a better sense of the market rate. This will help you narrow down your options while avoiding companies that are overcharging for their services.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re unsure about something or want more information, don’t hesitate to ask. A good company will be happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.
Get James Hardie Board Installation from the Pros
Partnering with an experienced, reputable, and fully licensed company is the best way to ensure a smooth and successful James Hardie board installation. At GS Exterior Experts, we’re a certified James Hardie Board Installer, which means we have the tools, equipment, and training necessary to get the job done right.
We’re also fully licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that we’re a company you can trust. Backed with over 20 years of experience and top-notch customer service, we’re your go-to choice for James Hardie board installation. Request a free estimate today and let’s help transform your home and improve your curb appeal.
