Thursday, April 19, 2012

Choosing a Vinyl Siding Contractor

You've let it go year after year and the time has come when you've decided that the exterior of your home has seen better days and that it's time to make an investment in vinyl siding.   One would think, that with all of the hemming and hawing over whether or not to side your home, a fair amount of time would be spent finding the right home improvement contractor to carry-out the project. However, too often homeowners do not take their time, and rush into hiring a contractor only to be disappointed later.
Vinyl Siding Installation

The decision to vinyl side your home is not a small one.  A vinyl siding project is a significant investment in the value of your home.  The contractor you hire is of importance to the quality of the finished project as you will want the end result to meet or exceed your expectations.  You will want an experienced vinyl siding installer who guarantees his work.  In addition, you will want a trusted and reliable contractor as the contractor you choose, which includes his team or his subcontractors, will have access to your property for a number of days, during which you may not always be around.  Therefore, it is important to learn as much as possible before signing a contract.

An important part of the learning process is to interview the contractor.  Most reputable home improvement contractors will come to your home, evaluate your needs, and provide you with a free estimate.  This meeting provides a very good time to ask the contractor some important questions such as:
  • Are you a licensed home improvement contractor? 
  • Do you carry insurance (General Liability & Workers Compensation)? 
  • Do you guarantee your work? 
  • Can you provide references
  • Do you pull all the required building permits? 
  • Do you hold any professional certifications
  • How long have you been in business and what is your experience?
Choose your home improvement contractor wisely. Check on references. Take a drive to see some of the homes where the contractor has completed jobs or to see jobs that are currently in process. Take the time to do your homework and a much smoother outcome will be achieved.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Minimizing Waste Through Cardboard Recycling

At Benchmark Siding, we take pride in our work.  It is our aim satisfy our customers with the quality of our work, the personal attention to their needs, and with the work area cleanliness.

Construction material debris is a product of all home improvement projects. For example, when it comes to vinyl siding installation, vinyl siding panels arrive in long rectangular cardboard boxes. Often times, contractors will discard this cardboard into a dumpster with all the other construction material debris produced on a job. However, we at Benchmark Siding strive to minimize waste, and to contribute to the maintenance of the environment whenever possible. Cardboard is recyclable.  Therefore we do not toss it out with the construction debris.  It is our practice to have the cardboard removed from the site and sent to a recycling center and we are proud to do our part.

We at Benchmark Siding, leave our work area clean for the good of our customers and for the good of our environment.