Top 10 Questions to Ask Siding Contractors in Nashville Before You Hire
Hiring the wrong siding contractor in Nashville can turn your siding project into years of stress and repairs. A single bad decision can leave you with code violations, denied insurance claims, and siding that fails the next time hail rolls through town.
The good news: if you ask the right questions up front, you can protect yourself and quickly separate true professionals from risky bids. These 10 questions are built around Tennessee’s licensing rules, Davidson County requirements, and Middle Tennessee’s climate so you’re not guessing or relying on vague “contractor checklists” that ignore local law and weather.
Question 1: Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured in Davidson County?
This is the non-negotiable starting point. Tennessee uses a tiered system based on project cost. For siding jobs between $3,000 and $24,999 in Davidson County, a Home Improvement License is required; projects $25,000 and up must be done by a state-licensed contractor. Most full siding replacements in Nashville fall in that $25,000+ range.
Davidson County also requires a permit bond: $10,000 for contracts under $25,000 and $40,000 for contracts at $25,000 and above, plus at least $300,000 in general liability insurance and workers’ comp or a valid exemption. On top of that, the contractor needs a local Davidson County business license to pull permits at all.
What to ask
- “What Tennessee license do you hold for this project size, and what is your license number?”
- “Can you send your Certificate of Insurance directly from your insurer and provide your bond details?”
- “What is your Davidson County business license number?”
You can verify licenses at the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance and confirm the business license by calling the county at 615-862-6050.
Table: Tennessee Siding Contractor License Requirements by Project Size
| Project Cost | License Required | Bond Amount | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $3,000 | None at state level (verify local rules) | Local rules | Local government |
| $3,000–$24,999 | Home Improvement License (Davidson County) | $10,000 | TN Dept of Commerce & Insurance |
| $25,000 and up | State Contractor License | $40,000 | TN Board for Licensing Contractors |
Red flag: “I’m bonded and insured” with no paperwork, or suggestions to “skip permits and save money.” That usually means no valid license, no real bond, and a big risk landing on you.
Question 2: How Long Have You Been Installing Siding in Nashville?
Generic “20 years in construction” is not enough here. Nashville’s humidity, temperature swings, and hailstorms create problems that out‑of‑state or general contractors simply don’t see every day. High humidity in Middle Tennessee feeds mold and mildew behind poorly detailed siding, especially where flashing and moisture barriers are skipped or rushed.
On top of that, Tennessee averages frequent hail events, and the Nashville area saw dozens of hail incidents recently, with radar detecting hail in the metro area more than 180 times in a single year. Hail cracks vinyl, chips coatings, and opens paths for water intrusion if flashing is weak or panels are loose. Temperature swings from winter freezes to summer heat can also warp or buckle lower‑grade products and poorly installed systems.
What to ask
- “How many years have you been installing siding specifically in Nashville or Middle Tennessee?”
- “Have you done projects in my neighborhood or nearby, and can you show examples?”
- “What changes in your installation approach when you’re dealing with Nashville humidity and hail?”
A strong answer connects material choices and installation details to mold control, water management, and local storm patterns, not just “we’ve done a lot of houses.”.
Question 3: Can You Provide References and a Portfolio of Recent Nashville Projects?
Good contractors can point to recent, happy customers in your area. Ask for at least three jobs completed in the last year, similar in size and scope to yours. That gives you a real picture of how they work today with their current crews and processes.
When you call references, dig beyond “were you happy.” Ask about schedule, communication, and how the contractor handled surprises. Angi and other home services sources recommend focusing on whether they honored the budget, communicated clearly, and stood behind their work when issues popped up.
What to ask references
- “Did they finish when they said they would and keep you updated when things changed?”
- “Did the final cost match the estimate, and were any extras explained in advance?”
- “How did they handle problems or warranty questions after the job?”
Look at their local portfolio, too. You want clear before‑and‑after photos of Nashville homes, not just stock images or photos pulled from manufacturers.
Red flag: No recent references, only old or vague testimonials, or obvious reluctance to have you talk to prior customers.
Question 4: What Warranties Do You Offer on Materials and Labor?
A lot of homeowners hear “lifetime warranty” and relax, only to find out later that it covers much less than they assumed. In reality, you’re dealing with at least two separate promises: the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship or labor warranty.
Manufacturer warranties usually cover material defects for 20 to 50 years. James Hardie fiber cement siding carries a 30‑year limited warranty, while CertainTeed offers limited warranties that can reach 50 years and may be transferable. These protect you if the product itself fails, but they rarely cover the labor to remove and reinstall siding, which can be half to three‑quarters of your total project cost.
Labor or workmanship warranties are issued by the contractor and typically run 1 to 10 years; five years or more is considered strong in the siding world. This warranty covers installation errors and workmanship issues and becomes crucial if panels buckle, leak, or fail because of incorrect flashing or fastening.
Table: Siding Warranty Types Comparison
| Warranty Type | Typical Duration | What’s Covered | What’s Not Covered | Who Provides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | 20–50 years | Material defects, limited color fade | Installation errors, storm damage, labor | Siding manufacturer |
| Labor / Workmanship | 1–10 years | Installation and workmanship defects | Material defects, normal wear, storms | Contractor |
| Materials / Supplier | 5–25 years | Supplier product defects | Installer errors, unrelated failures | Materials supplier |
One more essential point: if the siding is not installed to manufacturer specs, the manufacturer can deny a claim entirely, even with a written warranty. That is why the certifications you’ll ask about in Question 10 matter so much.
What to ask
- “How long is your labor warranty, and what exactly does it cover?”
- “Can I see the actual manufacturer and labor warranty documents before we sign?”
- “Does your installation keep my manufacturer warranty valid?”
Red flag: Vague promises like “you’re covered” with no written terms, or labor warranties under a year on a major siding project.
Question 5: What Type of Siding Materials Do You Recommend for Nashville’s Climate?
If a contractor recommends one material for every house, in every neighborhood, that’s your sign they’re selling inventory, not solving a problem. Nashville’s weather should drive product choice.
Vinyl siding is often the budget‑friendly choice, roughly $4 to $13 per square foot installed, and it doesn’t rot or peel like wood in humid conditions. It can be a solid option for many homes, but it does crack more easily in cold snaps and can warp or soften near high heat sources or in prolonged intense sun.
Fiber cement, especially James Hardie’s HZ10 line, costs more up front, in the $6 to $15 per square foot installed range, but it is built for humid Southern climates and rated to withstand winds up to about 150 miles per hour when installed correctly. It resists mold, rot, and insect damage, and it holds up far better under hail impact and temperature swings than vinyl or wood. The tradeoff is a bit more maintenance over the decades and a higher initial investment.
What to ask
- “Why this material for my house in Nashville, and how will it perform with our humidity and storms?”
- “What are the tradeoffs in cost, durability, and maintenance between vinyl and fiber cement for my specific home?”
You want to hear the contractor walk through pros and cons in plain language, not just “this is what everyone uses.”.
Red flag: A single material pushed as “the only smart choice” with no discussion of climate, budget, or long‑term performance.
Question 6: What Is Your Project Timeline and Who Will Actually Be On‑Site?
A clear, realistic timeline tells you a lot about how a contractor runs jobs. Most full siding replacements take roughly 7 to 14 days, depending on house size, stories, material, and weather. A small 1,000 to 1,500 square foot home might wrap up in 3 to 5 days, while 2,500+ square foot homes with more details can easily run 7 to 10 days or more.
You should see a basic sequence like this: old siding removal and disposal, structural inspection and repairs if needed, weather‑resistant barrier and flashing, new siding installation, trim and finishing, followed by a thorough cleanup. Nashville’s rain can push timelines a bit, since siding and sheathing need to dry before work continues.
What to ask
- “What is the projected start date and total duration for my specific home?”
- “Who will be on‑site each day, and who is my main point of contact?”
- “Do you use your own crew or subcontractors, and are they all licensed and insured?”
Ask for a written schedule and the name of the person supervising your job. An organized contractor already has that mapped out.
Red flag: Promises to “re‑side your whole two‑story house in two or three days,” no mention of weather or inspection timing, or fuzzy answers about who will actually show up and lead the crew.
Question 7: What Is Your Payment Schedule and Structure?
A fair payment schedule keeps everyone honest. A risky one puts all the leverage on the contractor. Best practices and construction finance experts suggest a structure like this: around 20 percent down to secure materials and schedule the job, then several progress payments tied to clear milestones, with 5–10 percent held until final walkthrough and punch‑list completion.
Tennessee adds extra protection here. State guidance and legal aid resources note that home improvement contractors cannot require more than one‑third of the contract price as a down payment, which lines up with what reputable firms already do. Anything beyond that is a red flag, especially on a first‑time relationship.
Table: Milestone‑Based Payment Schedule Example
| Payment Stage | % of Total | When It’s Due | What Should Be Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 20% | At contract signing | Materials ordered, crew scheduled |
| Progress Payment 1 | 25% | Old siding fully removed | Demolition and basic repairs |
| Progress Payment 2 | 25% | About 50% of new siding installed | Half the house sided |
| Progress Payment 3 | 25% | Around 90% completed | Final details underway |
| Final Payment | 5% | After final walkthrough and cleanup | Punch list finished and approved |
What to ask
- “How much do you require as a down payment, and what triggers each later payment?”
- “Is your estimate itemized so I can see material, labor, and permit costs separately?”
Red flags: Requests for full payment upfront, cash‑only demands, vague payment timing, or resistance to itemized estimates. If a contractor wants most of your money before the demolition even starts, you have no leverage when things go sideways.
Question 8: Will You Handle Permits and Code Inspections?
Permits are not optional in Nashville for siding replacement. They are required by Metro Codes Administration and exist to protect you and your home’s resale value. A proper permit triggers inspections that verify the work meets local building standards, including fire safety, moisture management, and structural requirements.
If you skip permits and unpermitted work is discovered later during a home inspection or insurance claim, you can face fines, be forced to redo work, or even lose buyers. Insurers may also deny related claims if they find major work that ignored required permits.
Reputable contractors will simply say “We handle the permits and inspections for you,” and they’ll be registered in Nashville’s e‑Permits system that allows licensed contractors to pull permits and schedule inspections online.
What to ask
- “Do you obtain all necessary permits for this siding project, and are inspection fees included in your estimate?”
- “Can I see copies of the permits and inspection approvals once the job is done?”
Red flag: Any mention of “we can skip permits to save you money” or “we prefer not to deal with the city.” That puts all the legal risk directly on your shoulders.
Question 9: What Experience Do You Have with Storm Damage and Insurance Claims?
Nashville weather is not gentle. Hail and strong winds are part of life here, and siding takes a beating. In recent years Tennessee has seen dozens of hail events annually, with hail large enough to crack vinyl, bruise and chip coatings, and open tiny paths where water works in behind panels.
Storm damage restoration is its own specialty. Contractors who focus on this work know how to spot subtle damage, document it for adjusters, and navigate insurance claim requirements so you don’t leave money on the table. They understand the difference between new and old damage, which photos and notes insurers need, and how to speak the adjuster’s language.
Common storm‑related siding issues in Middle Tennessee
- Dented or cracked siding panels
- Chipped paint or surface coatings on fiber cement
- Loose or missing sections from wind uplift
- Hidden water damage behind siding and trim
What to ask
- “How many storm damage siding projects have you done in the Nashville area?”
- “Do you assist homeowners with documenting damage and meeting with insurance adjusters?”
- “What materials do you recommend here to stand up better to hail and high winds?”
Red flag: A contractor who shrugs off storm damage as “just cosmetic,” discourages you from filing a claim, or has no clear process for documenting and communicating with your insurer.
Question 10: Do You Hold Manufacturer Certifications?
Here is where true pros separate themselves. Manufacturer certifications show that the person installing your siding has trained directly with the product maker and meets their quality and insurance standards.
James Hardie’s Alliance program, for example, is for contractors with strong installation records, solid BBB standing, liability insurance, and consistent adherence to Hardie’s installation guidelines. CertainTeed’s credential programs, including Master Craftsman and SELECT ShingleMaster for exterior pros, work in a similar way and require exams and ongoing performance standards.
These certifications matter for your wallet, because improper installation can void manufacturer warranties completely. An uncertified installer who ignores required clearances, nailing patterns, or flashing details might save you a bit upfront, but you could lose a 30‑ or 50‑year warranty when a claim gets denied.
What to ask
- “Are you a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor or a certified installer for the siding brand you recommend?”
- “Can I verify your certification on the manufacturer’s website?”
Red flag: “We’ve been doing this so long we don’t need certifications” or “certifications are just marketing.” When manufacturers are willing to publicly stand behind a contractor, that is something you want working in your favor.
Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Nashville Siding Contractors
A quick gut check can save you from a very expensive lesson. Watch for these warning signs and feel free to walk away the moment you see them.
- RED FLAG: No verifiable license or insurance
They cannot produce a valid Tennessee license, proof of bond, or a Certificate of Insurance. You can’t confirm them on verify.tn.gov or through search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov. - RED FLAG: High‑pressure “sign today” tactics
You hear things like “this price is only good if you sign now.” Tennessee consumer protection resources and reputable contractors alike call this a classic scam move. - RED FLAG: The lowest bid by a mile
A bid far below the others usually means cut corners, unlicensed labor, lower‑grade materials, or surprise charges later to “fix” things they should have included from the start. - RED FLAG: Cash‑only or big upfront payments
Requests for cash or more than one‑third down go against Tennessee best practices and state guidance on home improvement contracts. You lose both leverage and paper trail. - RED FLAG: No written contract or vague estimate
If they won’t give you a detailed written contract and itemized estimate, you have no clear scope, no cost breakdown, and nothing to enforce if they wander off‑plan. - RED FLAG: No recent, local references
They dodge questions about Nashville projects, can’t name neighborhoods, or only offer old testimonials instead of current, reachable customers. - RED FLAG: Poor communication from day one
Missed appointments, slow replies, and unclear answers before you pay a deposit usually get worse once the job starts. - RED FLAG: No local address or marked presence
No office, no local address, unmarked trucks, and an online history that’s hard to trace often point to storm chasers and short‑lived operations.
If something feels off, trust that feeling. You’re not just hiring a price; you’re hiring a team to protect your home for decades.
How These Questions Protect Your Nashville Home
When you ask these 10 questions, you’re doing far more than making small talk. You’re checking for:
- Proper Tennessee licensing, bonding, and insurance so you’re not on the hook legally or financially if something goes wrong.
- True Nashville experience, from humidity and mold to hail and wind, so your siding is chosen and installed for real Middle Tennessee conditions.
- Solid warranties, fair payment terms, and clean permit handling, which together protect your investment, your resale value, and your peace of mind.
- Professional craftsmanship backed by manufacturer certifications, so your James Hardie or CertainTeed warranties actually mean something when you need them.
At Petra Exteriors, this checklist isn’t theory. It’s how we work. Our team is licensed, bonded, and insured in Davidson County, trained on James Hardie systems, and deeply familiar with Nashville’s neighborhoods and weather patterns. We pull the permits, walk you through warranties in plain language, build realistic project timelines, and stick to clear, milestone‑based payment schedules.
If you’re ready to talk through your siding options with a contractor that treats your home like their own, schedule a free Nashville siding consultation with Petra Exteriors. Bring this list of questions. We’ll answer every single one.
