Set a realistic budget for your siding installation

Determining your budget will dictate the style, quality, and type of siding you choose and will help you evaluate the bids you receive. When deciding how much to spend on installing siding, estimate what percentage of your income is actually available for the project and how much you may need to borrow.

I recommend: LetsRenovate.com has an excellent estimator to help you determine a realistic budget for your project including vinyl, aluminum, or concrete composite siding installation. This tool uses your zip code to target current prices in your area. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has a worksheet to help you determine how much lenders are likely to approve for your renovations.

Find qualified siding contractors

Finding licensed, insured, and bonded siding contractors is essential to ensuring that your siding installation meets all building codes and that the appropriate permits are acquired.

I recommend: Both ServiceMagic and ReliableRemodeler.com provide referral services that allow you to locate qualified contractors in your area and request bids.

Verify that your siding contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured

Confirm that your contractor has General Liability Insurance to cover any damage that might occur to your property, Workers Compensation Insurance to cover the siding contractor or any employee of the company who might be injured while working on your property, and Bonding to protect you if the contractor goes out of business or is unable to complete your project. Ask to see your siding contractor's state or local contractor's license, Certificate of Insurance (or insurance company and agent's name), and Certificate of Bonding.

I recommend: The Contractor's License Reference Site connects you to your state's contractor license board. DoItYourself.com offers a similar service, allowing you to search for contractor license and registration information by region of the country.

Get at least three written bids from siding contractors

A good bid, whether for new siding installation or siding repair, should include a detailed materials list with specifications, labor costs, specific time frame of your project, and a payment schedule.

I recommend: BetterSidingContractors.com offers 4 frees estimates from local contractors.  HomeBlue.com matches you to prescreened siding contractors in your area.

Get written contracts from you siding contractor that includes explicit payment schedules

Starting your siding installation or siding repair project with a well-drafted contract is essential and can prevent future problems. It is important to settle on a schedule of payment. Beware of siding contractors who ask for full payment before the job is completed.

I recommend: The sample contract from 411HomeRepair.com shows the elements that should be included in your contract. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs also has an excellent contract form that may be modified to suit your project.