Siding checklists

The quote checklist exists to make three numbers comparable. Confirm each bidder includes tear-off and disposal, the same water-resistive barrier, flashing at windows and roof-wall intersections, trim and soffit, and a stated unit rate for replacing rotten sheathing. Fixr puts tear-off alone at $1,000 to $2,500 on a vinyl job — enough to explain a whole "cheapest bid."

The contract checklist is about removing ambiguity while you still have leverage. Name the exact product, profile, and color. State who pulls the permit. State the rot repair rate. State the payment milestones. State the workmanship warranty term separately from the manufacturer's product warranty — they are two different things.

The walkthrough checklist happens twice: once when the walls are open, and once at the end. The open-wall inspection is the valuable one. Photograph the sheathing, the barrier, and every piece of flashing. If there is ever a leak, those photos are the entire argument.

How to choose

Quote checklist

Same measured wall area, tear-off, barrier, flashing, trim, rot rate, permit, disposal, cleanup. Any missing line is a future change order.

Contract checklist

Product and color by name, start and finish dates, weather protocol for open walls, payment milestones, workmanship warranty term, lien waivers on payment.

Open-wall inspection

Do this yourself, with a camera. Sheathing condition, water-resistive barrier laps, window head flashing, kickout flashing where a roof meets a wall.

Final walkthrough

Panels loose enough to move slightly (vinyl must not be nailed tight), trim tight, caulk only where it belongs, gutters reattached, magnet sweep for nails.

Paperwork to collect

Manufacturer warranty registration, workmanship warranty in writing, permit final inspection sign-off, and your own photo set.

Pre-1978 homes

Confirm lead-safe work practices and containment are actually being used, not just certified on paper.