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How To Choose A Log Siding Home Contractor
Is it time to build your new log siding home? You will need a complete set of plans and a reliable, professional contractor. To choose a log siding contractor, check their license, insurance, bonding, and years in business. Examine online reviews, ask for client references to assess their past work, and get detailed, itemized bids from at least three companies to compare costs.
It’s best if the contractor has log siding-specific experience, uses the right equipment, is communicative, and provides a detailed written contract that includes a workmanship warranty. The more time you spend upfront selecting the right contractor, the fewer problems you will encounter later.
Verify Credentials And Experience Of Log Home Siding Contractors
Before you can verify the credentials and experience of building contractors, make a list of them from reliable sources. You can check with family, friends, and colleagues who have used home contractors in the past. Online sources, such as Google, Yelp, Angi, the Better Business Bureau, and building supply houses are good places to find them. Here are some steps to take:
- Licensing, Insurance, and Bonding: Confirm the contractor is licensed, bonded, and carries general liability insurance; ask to see proof of their policies.
- Track Record: Inquire about the company's history and ask for contacts of clients with similar log siding projects to check references.
- Log or Log Siding-Specific Expertise: Look for contractors who specialize in log home construction or have extensive experience with log siding installation, as they'll have the right training and equipment. If you don’t find workers with log siding experience, traditional contractors can probably do a good job.
Assess The Contractors’ Professionalism
Once you narrow the list of contractors to three, assess their professionalism. Communication is a key element in working with contractors. A good contractor will be easy to reach, responsive to questions, and provide clear, timely updates on the project’s progress. Ask each one about pre-installation checklists, mid-project inspections, and final walkthroughs to ensure high-quality work.
Following up on contractors’ reputations is paramount. Check several online reviews mentioned above instead of only one because the one you select may be biased. Look for feedback and unresolved complaints, and if possible, visit their business premises to gauge their stability. Confirm they use quality materials appropriate for log siding, and ensure they have a clear process for quality assurance and offer post-installation support.
“You will need a complete set of plans and a reliable, professional contractor.”
Review And Compare Construction Bids And Contracts
It’s now time to review and compare bids from the three contractors you have selected. Ask for detailed estimates, written contracts, and payment methods.
- Detailed Estimates: Get at least three detailed, itemized bids from different contractors to compare the total costs of materials, labor, and disposal.
- Written Contracts: Always ensure the final agreement is a detailed, written contract that outlines the scope of work, timelines, permits, insurance, product choices, and includes a workmanship warranty from the contractor.
- Payment Methods: Find out if there are any upfront costs, such as a down payment or fees before construction begins. Determine if you will make payments over time or guarantee full payment when the project is complete.
- Change Order or Delay Process: Specify the procedure and cost for changing the contract, or if delays occur.
- Dispute-Resolution Clause: The contract should contain a section for disputing and resolving any discrepancies in costs, changes, delays, terminations, or fraudulent issues.
Other Items To Research
Other relevant items you should research include memberships in trade associations and the financial stability of the contractors’ businesses. Look for contractors who are members of reputable trade associations, such as those within the Log and Timber Homes Council under the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as they are required to meet certain consumer protection standards.
To check a home building contractor's financial stability, request their financial statements, tax returns, and a credit report from a credit reporting agency to assess their payment history and creditworthiness. Conduct thorough online research for news articles, online reviews (like on the Better Business Bureau), and public records for any financial disputes, liquidations, or past financial problems.
Buy The Best Log Home Siding Products For Peace Of Mind
Once you have selected a contractor, make provisions for purchasing pine log siding, corner systems, trims, fasteners, stain, and caulking. You can order these materials directly from The Log Home Shoppe and save a bundle. The contractor should agree to this provision while supplying essential materials, labor, and transportation. Ask if the contractor offers future maintenance or repair services for the log siding after the project is complete.
