By Omer Okic, owner of Ultimate Exteriors · 28 years on Des Moines homesOriginally published October 2022 · Updated November 2026
Before you hire a siding contractor in Des Moines, get recommendations, confirm the Iowa contractor registration and insurance, ask what materials and house wrap they use, and get every promise in writing.
- Ask neighbors and drive by real jobs
- Check Iowa registration, insurance and reviews
- Ask about materials, house wrap and flashing
- Compare quotes line by line, not just the total
When it's time to repair or replace your siding, don't hand the job to just anyone. Rushed siding work can leave waves in the walls, gaps at the trim and water getting behind the panels, and it usually needs fixing years sooner than a job done right. Here's how to find the right siding company in Des Moines.
Start with recommendations
A referral from a friend, neighbor or family member is still one of the best ways to find a siding contractor. Ask what work was done, what it cost, whether the crew showed up when they said they would and how the job looks a few years later. Good contractors are also happy to give you addresses of homes they've sided so you can drive by and see the work yourself.
Check the basics
- Iowa contractor registration. Contractors working in Iowa must be registered with the state. Ours is #C132501.
- Insurance. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation.
- Reviews. Look at Google, the BBB and Nextdoor, and read how the company responds when something goes wrong.
- A local address. You want someone who will still be around for a warranty call.
Ask the right questions
Most siding companies offer a free estimate. Use that visit to ask:
- What siding brand and product line are you quoting, and why?
- Will the old siding come off, so you can check the wall underneath?
- Is house wrap included, and how do you flash around windows and doors?
- How are rotten boards or sheathing priced if you find them?
- Who installs it: your own crew or a subcontractor?
- What warranty covers the material, and what covers your labor?
Materials matter. We install CertainTeed siding, including foam-backed CERTAplank, and LP SmartSide engineered wood, and we'll explain the trade-offs between them. Our guide to vinyl vs. fiber cement vs. LP siding for Iowa homes goes deeper.
Compare quotes the right way
The lowest number isn't always the best deal. Two siding quotes can be thousands apart because one includes removal, house wrap, trim and soffit and the other doesn't. Put the quotes side by side and make sure they cover the same siding line and the same scope. Our siding cost guide shows typical Des Moines price ranges and what moves them.
Get it in writing
Every promise belongs in the written estimate: the product and color, what's included, how surprises are priced, the payment schedule and the warranty. If it isn't written down, assume it isn't included.
Quick answers
How do I choose a siding contractor in Des Moines?
Get recommendations, confirm Iowa contractor registration and insurance, read reviews, ask about materials and house wrap, and compare written quotes that cover the same scope.
Should a siding contractor remove the old siding?
For a full replacement, usually yes. Removing it lets the crew check the wall for rot and install house wrap and flashing properly.
Ready to talk siding?
See our siding replacement and repair services, or get a free siding estimate from Omer.