What is a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor? (& How to Choose One)

james hardie elite preferred contractor

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A James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor is the top rank in the Hardie program. To get this title, a company must pass strict checks and training. They also need good reviews from past jobs.

Hiring one means your siding is put on the right way. It keeps the warranty safe, makes the product last longer, and shows the crew knows Hardie work.

Understanding the James Hardie Elite Preferred Program

James Hardie created the Contractor Alliance Program to set clear standards for siding installation. Within the program, contractors are ranked by levels, and Elite Preferred is the top tier. This recognition is only given to companies that meet strict requirements year after year.

When you hire a contractor with this title, you know they have been verified by James Hardie to follow all product guidelines. This ensures your siding looks great, performs as designed, and keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid.

Requirements to Become an Elite Preferred Contractor

Not every siding company qualifies for this title. Contractors must meet detailed standards set by James Hardie, including:

  • Passing yearly installation audits to confirm they follow all specifications
  • Maintaining a high customer satisfaction rating on surveys
  • Carrying proper insurance, licenses, and bonding
  • Showing consistent volume and years of experience with Hardie products
  • Completing specialized James Hardie training and ongoing education

These steps protect homeowners by making sure only reliable contractors earn the designation.

Why Hiring an Elite Preferred Contractor Matters

Proper Installation Protects Your Warranty

James Hardie gives one of the best siding promises. But this promise only works if the siding is put on the right way. The boards must be set with care and matched to Hardie’s rules.

A trained builder knows these rules and follows them on every job. This makes sure the siding lasts and the promise stays in place. It also gives you peace of mind that your home is safe and protected for many years.

Specialized Training from James Hardie

Elite Preferred contractors complete training directly from James Hardie. This means we know the best practices for cutting, fastening, and sealing the product. Training reduces mistakes and ensures your siding lasts as long as it should.

A Proven Track Record

Contractors must complete many Hardie projects to qualify. This experience allows us to handle different home styles, complex layouts, and Minnesota’s unique weather conditions.

Verified Reputation and Customer Care

James Hardie reviews customer feedback before granting this level. Companies must consistently earn high satisfaction scores, so you can feel confident about service and results.

How to Pick the Right James Hardie Builder

Look at Local Work

Ask to see jobs done close to your home. Local work matters. In Minnesota, siding has to stand up to snow, rain, and even woodpeckers. A builder who works here knows how to deal with those things.

Check Reviews

Look online at Google, BBB, or GuildQuality. Reviews show if people liked the work. They also tell you if the builder was easy to talk to and if the job was finished on time.

Ask About the Plan

Ask how the job will be done. Who will help with design? Who will give updates each day? Who will clean up after the work? A clear plan makes the job easier for you.

Check Insurance and License

Make sure the builder has insurance and a license. This keeps you safe if someone gets hurt or if something in your home is broken.

Look at Warranties

Ask about the James Hardie warranty. Also, ask about the builder’s own promise. One covers the siding. The other covers the work. Both together give you peace of mind.

Why Work With Craftsman’s Choice

Craftsman’s Choice has put Hardie siding on many homes in Minnesota. We have worked in Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, and nearby towns. Our jobs range from taking off old wood siding to giving houses a full upgrade with Hardie lap, panel, and trim.

Our team is easy to work with. We keep you updated, help with design choices, and bring crews who know what they are doing. People choose us because we have local experience and because we care about each project. When you hire Craftsman’s Choice, you get siding that looks good, lasts long, and is backed by a team you can trust.

Ready to Choose the Right Contractor?

Picking a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor gives you peace of mind. It means your siding will be put on the right way. The title shows the team has special training. It also shows they have the skill and the record to do the job well. With the right contractor, your siding lasts longer and your warranty stays safe.

At Craftsman’s Choice, we are proud to hold this title. We have helped many families across Minnesota with new siding. Call us today to set up a free visit. You will see why so many homeowners trust us with their siding projects.

Ben Juncker

Author

When Ben Juncker was sitting in his high school career planning class, siding installer was not on his list of potential career paths. As with most people in the construction industry, certain questionable life choices led to a point where they were wearing a tool belt, working with their hands. His path started just this way and he would not change a thing. Those early years in his business of scraping and clawing their way to profitability and stability, have helped him to build a culture of hard work and perseverance at Craftsman’s Choice. Ben started his company in 1998 and they installed their first James Hardie job in 2000. Since that time Craftsman’s Choice has become one of the nation’s top James Hardie Remodelers. They have won James Hardie’s prestigious President’s Club award every year since it’s inception in 2015.