Certified Siding Installer Checklist: Licenses, Insurance & Warranties
A reputable certified siding installer should provide a valid state or city license/registration, current proof of insurance (general liability and workers’ compensation), relevant manufacturer certifications, and clear permit guidance. Always demand written manufacturer and workmanship warranties, along with a detailed contract before any work begins. Use the checklist below to vet your contractor or book a free NYC/NJ siding assessment with our fully licensed team today.
Essential Verification Checklist
- NYC License / NJ Registration: Verify the contractor holds a current NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license or a NJ HIC registration.
- Insurance on File: Demand a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing General Liability (NJ guidance often sets a $500k minimum) plus Workers’ Compensation.
- Lead-Safe Certification: If your home was built pre-1978, the contractor must be an EPA RRP lead-safe certified firm.
- Permits: Most construction in NYC needs DOB review and permits; your installer must advise on and handle the application process.
- Warranties: Get both the long-term manufacturer product warranty (e.g., Hardie 30-year product) and the installer’s written workmanship term.
- Contract: Ensure you receive a comprehensive, written contract detailing scope, materials, schedule, and payments.
Quick Checklist (Printable)
Before signing any contract for your siding replacement in New York or New Jersey, use this checklist to ensure you are hiring a properly vetted professional.
| Requirement | Why It Matters | Our Status | Verification Step |
| License/Registration Verified (NYC/NJ) | Legal authority to work in your area | Fully licensed | Look up on official state/city portal |
| Current COI: General Liability & Workers’ Comp | Protects you from liability for accidents | Fully insured | Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) |
| EPA RRP Certification (if pre-1978) | Required by federal law for lead-safe practices | Certified | Ask for firm’s certificate number |
| Manufacturer Certifications | Ensures proper installation for full warranty | Certified | Verify on manufacturer website (e.g., James Hardie) |
| Permit Plan | Confirms code compliance (NYC DOB/NJ) | Contractor handles | Ask who files the application and covers fees |
| Written Warranty Documents | Guarantees product performance & labor quality | Provided in writing | Get term length for product + workmanship |
| Detailed Written Contract | Protects both parties on scope and payment | Always provided | Check for schedule, materials, and price breakdown |
| Recent Local References | Proves track record in your neighborhood | Available | Request 3 recent contacts in your area |
Licenses & Registration: NYC vs. NJ (What to Verify)
Verification of a contractor’s legal standing is the first and most critical step. Licensing requirements vary significantly between New York City and New Jersey.
New York City (NYC) Homeowners:
If you live in Staten Island (St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville), Brooklyn, Queens, or any NYC borough, your siding installer must have a Home Improvement Contractor license issued by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Additionally, many major home improvements, including most siding replacements, require permits from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).
New Jersey (NJ) Homeowners:
In New Jersey, contractors must be registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC). They are required to show their NJHIC# in all advertising and contracts. This registration also mandates that they have appropriate insurance on file with the state.
How to Verify: Always look up the contractor’s credentials online via the official NYC or NJ government portals. Be wary of any contractor who works under someone else’s license without explaining their relationship.
Insurance You Should See (and Why It Matters)
Hiring an insured siding contractor protects your finances. If a worker gets injured on your property or your neighbor’s fence is damaged during installation, you don’t want to be held responsible.
The two documents you must request are:
- General Liability Insurance: This covers damage to your property or your neighbor’s property caused by the contractor’s work. State guidance in New Jersey often suggests a $500,000 minimum general liability policy.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This covers the contractor’s employees if they are injured on your job site. If the contractor lacks this, the liability could fall back on you.
Ask for the Certificate of Insurance (COI). The COI should list you as the certificate holder. This proves the coverage is current and ensures you are immediately notified if the policy is canceled before your project is complete.
Manufacturer Certifications & Training
What does it mean to hire a manufacturer-certified siding installer? It means the contractor hasn’t just read the instructions—they’ve invested time and money into specialized training directly from the siding brand itself.
For example, a contractor certified in the James Hardie Contractor Network has been vetted, trained on the specific installation techniques required for Hardie products, and must maintain required insurance and installation metrics.
The Benefit: This certification is your assurance that the work will be done to the highest standard. Most importantly, professional installation by a certified crew is often required to qualify for the full, non-prorated manufacturer product warranty.
Permits & Code Compliance (NYC/NJ)
A certified siding installer should be your expert guide on permits. They know the local codes and should handle the permit process for you.
- NYC: Virtually all construction, including full siding replacement, requires review and permitting through the NYC DOB. This ensures your new siding meets the city’s strict fire and structural codes. Our team coordinates all necessary filings and schedules the required inspections.
- NJ: While generally less complex than NYC, major exterior work in New Jersey requires a building permit from your local municipality. Your contractor should advise on this and coordinate the filing.
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires us to be an EPA RRP lead-safe certified firm to handle any work that disturbs painted surfaces. We are certified to safely contain and manage any potential lead paint during the tear-off process.
Warranties: Manufacturer vs. Workmanship
You need two separate, written warranties before we begin work: the product warranty and the labor warranty.
- Manufacturer Product Warranty: This covers the siding material itself. For example, a major brand like James Hardie offers a 30-year non-prorated product warranty and a 15-year warranty on their ColorPlus® finish. This warranty protects against material defects.
- Workmanship Warranty: This is the guarantee from B&B Siding & Roofing that the labor and installation are defect-free for a specified period (we always provide a written term). If the siding fails because of poor installation, this warranty covers the fix.
Get Everything in Writing: The contract should clearly state the term length of both warranties, what is covered, any exclusions, and the exact steps to file a claim.
Red Flags to Avoid
When vetting your installer, watch out for these major red flags:
- No License/Registration: If they can’t provide a valid, verifiable number, walk away.
- No COI: Refusal to produce a current Certificate of Insurance is a non-starter; it puts you at massive risk.
- Refusing Permits: A contractor who suggests skipping the permit process is risking the safety and legality of your home.
- Vague Warranty: A verbal promise or a vague term is worthless. Demand a written document.
- Cash Demands: Avoid contractors who demand large cash deposits or full payment upfront. In New York, the Attorney General advises that home improvement work must be under a written contract with a clear payment schedule.
Choose B&B for Siding & Roofing And Get Your Free, Local Estimate in New Jersey and Staten Island!
Ready to hire a certified siding installer you can trust? Our team is fully licensed, insured, manufacturer-certified, and ready to walk you through every step, from permits to warranties. We serve homeowners across Staten Island, Brooklyn, and all of Central and Northern New Jersey (including Bergen, Hudson, and Essex Counties).
Our team consists of certified professionals, ensuring your project is handled by experts trained in the latest installation techniques. Don’t just take our word for it, our stellar reputation is evident in outstanding Google reviews from satisfied customers across New Jersey and Staten Island. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, reliable service, and exceptional results.
Ready to transform your home with a team you can rely on? Learn more about our services and see examples of our work by visiting our website. For a free, no-obligation estimate, give us a call. New Jersey residents can reach us at 732-863-2340, and Staten Island at 718-550-6892. Let’s discuss your project and bring your vision to life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions homeowners ask about roof repair and replacement in New Jersey and Staten Island:
What license/registration should a siding installer have in NYC vs. NJ?
In NYC, a siding installer must have a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license. In NJ, they must have a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs. Always ask for the registration number and verify it online.
What insurance documents should I request?
You must request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This document proves the contractor has General Liability insurance (protects your property) and Workers’ Compensation insurance (protects the workers). NJ guidance often suggests a minimum of $500,000 GL coverage.
Do I need an EPA lead-safe certified firm for older homes?
Yes, if your home was built before 1978 and the siding work will disturb painted surfaces, the contractor must be certified under the federal EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule. This ensures lead-safe work practices are followed.
Who handles permits in NYC/NJ for siding projects?
While the homeowner is responsible for ensuring compliance, the certified siding installer should coordinate and file all necessary permits with the NYC DOB or the local NJ municipality. We handle this complexity to make the process stress-free for you.
What’s the difference between manufacturer and workmanship warranties?
The manufacturer warranty covers the materials (e.g., 30 years for the siding product itself). The workmanship warranty is the contractor’s guarantee that their labor and installation are sound. Our team provides a written workmanship term to back our quality installation.
What must be in my contract?
Your contract should be in writing and legally binding. The NY Attorney General advises it must clearly detail the scope of work, the specific materials being used, a project schedule/timeline, and a clear payment plan with milestones. Never sign a blank or incomplete contract.