How to Choose a Siding Contractor in Vancouver, WA

Use L&I's Verify tool. Checking a contractor's registration there tells you whether they have a bond, liability insurance and no outstanding infractions. The registration number should appear in their advertisements and on your written bid; state law requires it in all advertisements, including business cards and internet ads. Verify also shows whether a contractor with employees has an active workers' comp account. Our vetted local siding pros have their registration checked the same way before any request reaches them; how we vet our siding pros lists the other checks.

To register, the state requires a Department of Revenue business registration, a continuous contractor surety bond and general liability insurance:

• Bond: $30,000 for general contractors, $15,000 for specialty contractors.
• Insurance: $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined single limit.
• Fee: $150.20.

Cities add their own business license on top. Vancouver requires a city business license, also called an endorsement, when a business's staff engage in business within city limits, and Battle Ground and Ridgefield ask for theirs too.

At least the measured wall area, the trim, window flashing, the weather barrier and a rot-repair rate. A Clark County installer's questions for every bid make a good checklist:

1. The wall area measured, and how openings were handled.
2. Whether trim, corner boards and fascia are replaced or reused.
3. Whether windows are re-flashed and wrapped, or the siding is cut to the existing trim.
4. The rate for sheathing and rot repair if it is found.
5. Which weather-resistive barrier goes on, and how penetrations are sealed.

The state's hiring advice adds start and end dates, products, warranties and whether permit fees and taxes are included. Check the totals against the Vancouver, WA siding cost guide.

Pressure to sign today, cash-only or large up-front payments, no written contract, and being asked to pull the permit yourself. The state's contractor-hiring advice lists them:

• A special price only if you sign today, or other high-pressure sales techniques.
• Cash only, large deposits or the whole cost up front, or payment in a personal name rather than the business name.
• No written contract or complete bid.
• Asking you to get the building permit. In most instances a hired contractor is required to take out the permits.
• A credential or reference that can't be verified.

Washougal adds that owners are ultimately responsible for the work on their property.

Get lien releases from major subcontractors and suppliers before the final payment. If your contractor doesn't pay its suppliers or subcontractors, those companies can make a claim against your property. The state recommends receiving the legally required Disclosure Statement Notice to Customers before work begins and requesting completed lien releases from major subcontractors and suppliers before the final payment. For projects over $6,000, it suggests considering a performance bond.