As Spring fast approaches, many homeowners are diving into home improvement projects to give their properties a fresh, new look.
If you’ve considered upgrading your home’s siding and dabbled in home siding replacement or repair, you already know that James Hardie is a leader in producing siding and other home materials.
And if you’re like most homeowners, you want the best for your home. That’s why you’ve already chosen James Hardie siding.
But your journey doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve chosen James Hardie, you still need to find a contractor who can properly install your new siding.
When you need a contractor, you need someone qualified. You need a team of skilled contractors who know how to work with that durable, quality, and sometimes difficult-to-handle James Hardie material. You need a James Hardie Preferred contractor.
But what exactly is a James Hardie Preferred contractor? And is it really that important to use a Preferred contractor? What can James Hardie Preferred contractors do for you? We’ll detail all of this and more in our post below.
Why Should You Hire A Contractor For James Hardie Installations?
It’s no secret that James Hardie materials are the best in the industry. But such high-quality materials demand an equally high level of experience and skills if they’re going to be installed correctly.
James Hardie siding often weighs much more than typical siding. Why is this? James Hardie siding is much more sturdy and durable than its counterparts, and it achieves its durability through extra weight.
As a result, it’s imperative to hire a crew that has the muscle, experience, and precision to correctly install your siding. If not, there’s a chance that your siding could be incorrectly installed.
Additionally, there are many quirks of James Hardie materials that vary from what typical siding requires.
For example, most siding requires its joints to be caulked. As a result, homeowners or inexperienced contractors may try to caulk a James Hardie siding joint. However, unlike with other siding, caulking a James Hardie siding joint will compromise the integrity of the material.
While this is just one example, there are many more quirks and pitfalls that can occur when installing James Hardie siding. You need contractors that know the nuances and specifications when it comes to using Hardie materials.
It’s also important to note that if you install your James Hardie siding without a contractor and make a mistake, your mistake is no longer covered by the warranty.
Since James Hardie siding is much more expensive than typical siding, it’s worth finding a vetted, skilled contractor to complete the installation process.
What Is A “Preferred” Contractor?
James Hardie delivers superior, quality materials to homeowners looking to take their home’s aesthetic and functionality to the next level. However, their products are only superior when they are installed correctly.
As a result, James Hardie stresses the importance of choosing vetted contractors who the company feels can correctly complete the job.
To help customers choose third-party contractors who can help get the job done right, James Hardie names these contractors “Preferred” contractors.
To become a James Hardie Preferred contractor, companies must display exemplary results throughout their careers. They must have a track record of completing quality work, having satisfied customers, and achieving undeniable excellence.
The qualifications to become a James Hardie Preferred contractor are:
- Pass a customer service background check with at least 10 satisfied customers
- Possess an excellent BBB rating (or excellent rating on any accredited agency)
- Display exemplary compliance with James Hardie installation practices
- Possess a sufficient credit report
- Possess liability insurance (of up to $1,000,000 per occurrence)
- Be state-licensed
- Be fully bonded
- Provide workman’s compensation insurance
- Pass regular installation audits by James Hardie representatives
As a result, the title is only awarded to contractors who excel in their line of work.
It is important to note that there is a higher title for some James Hardie contractors: Elite Preferred contractors. This is the highest designation James Hardie awards.
Benefits Of Hiring A “Preferred” Contractor
The most obvious benefit of hiring a Preferred contractor is that you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your siding will be installed correctly.
James Hardie material costs are what they are because they are the best in the industry. The last thing a homeowner needs is to invest in high-grade materials only for them to be incorrectly installed.
But homeowners gain other benefits when hiring a James Hardie Preferred contractor. For example, homeowners receive full warranties on James Hardie products which DIY installation or rogue contractors cannot offer.
When you use a Preferred contractor, you’ll also have strong insurance coverage. As a stipulation for being a Preferred contractor, companies must provide insurance for up to $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Customers also don’t need to vet the contractors, because James Hardie has done this for them. Usually, when selecting a contractor, homeowners must go through a rigorous online sleuthing process. From reading reviews to flipping through portfolios, a smart homeowner knows that the vetting process can be an extensive one.
But when you choose a Preferred contractor, James Hardie has done this vetting for you. They’ve spoken to customers, verified reviews, and continue to routinely check up on the contractors to ensure their work remains up to par.
As a result, you will enjoy a stress-free, confident contractor selection process.
Hire A James Hardie Preferred Contractor Today!
When you purchase James Hardie siding, you need contractors who can handle the James Hardie installation process.
Not only will hiring a Preferred contractor guarantee that your siding is correctly installed, but you will also keep your James Hardie warranty valid, your installation process will be protected by insurance, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your contractor has been fully vetted.
If you’re a homeowner in Pennsylvania looking to upgrade your siding, look no further. At Stucco Today, we’re thrilled to take care of your siding installations.
Give us a call to learn more about how we can best serve your home. Contact Stucco Today to book your appointment.
