I cannot state strongly enough that if you need Hardie siding in the DC area, you should hire Preferred Siding. I got estimates from 5 companies, all of which were in the Elite Preferred or Preferred category. Preferred Siding stood out, not only because of their experience with Hardie (they have done many projects, and do only Hardie), but because of the personal attention the company owner gives you. There are many choices to be made, from picking the precise Hardie product, to the trim you will use (or if you need new trim), and the overall design. Steve will patiently walk you through all these decisions. His experience and design sense is apparent. His crews have been with him a long time, and do the job exactly as Steve directs and in accordance with Hardie recommendations. the crew that did my job was excellent in every respect. Steve responds to phone calls promptly. Kathy, his wife, runs the office, and is equally responsive. She will send you pictures of Hardie jobs they have done to help you choose the color, and will share her opinion if you ask, based on previous customer feedback and the style of your house.