CertainTeed 5-Star Contractor

One organization that is particularly helpful in separating the more dedicated contractors from their less professional counterparts is the Vinyl Siding Institute, or VSI. VSI is the national trade association for manufacturers of vinyl siding products and offers rigid certification programs.

In addition, CertainTeed has established a new standard of excellence for siding contractors - the CertainTeed 5-Star Contractor Program. To be certified as a 5-Star Master Craftsman, installers must complete and pass our Vinyl Siding Master Craftsman test and our Restoration Millwork Mast Craftsman test in addition to the VSI Certified Installer course. Those who achieve this certification have received the highest level of training on CertainTeed Vinyl Siding and Restoration Millwork Products. Only the best and brightest receive this special designation.

Be sure your contractor is licensed, too, by your state and/or city. Not all states require contractors to be licensed. If your state does license contractors, then he might have had to pass a written examination in his specialty, although few licenses make this a requirement. A number of cities also require professional licensing. Check with your local licensing authority for details. A contractor may also answer this question by telling you he has a business license. However, a business license is a tax requirement only and is not directly relevant to the contractor's competence.

Note: In addition to passing the three courses mentioned above, a 5-Star Contractor must show proof of insurance, both Liability and Worker's Compensation.