Fixing up or redoing your home’s siding is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, from understanding costs and material types to obtaining permits and finding the right contractor.
Factors Influencing Siding Costs
Several key elements determine the overall cost of a siding project:
- Material Selection: The type of siding material chosen—such as vinyl, wood, fiber cement, brick, metal, or specialty options—is a primary cost driver due to varying material and installation requirements.
- Home Size and Design: Larger homes naturally require more siding material. The architectural complexity, including multiple stories, gables, and unique angles, increases labor time and complexity.
- Labor and Installation: Labor rates vary geographically. The complexity of installing specific materials (e.g., stone vs. vinyl) also impacts labor hours and specialized equipment needs.
- Geographical Location: Material transport costs and local labor market rates can cause significant regional cost variations.
- Removal of Existing Siding: The cost of safely removing and disposing of old siding materials is an additional expense.
Average Costs of Labor
Labor costs for siding installation typically range from $1 to $12 per square foot. This wide range is largely due to the varying difficulty and specialized equipment required for different siding materials. To potentially save money, consider choosing a siding material that is less complex to install. Additionally, scheduling your siding replacement during the off-season (early spring or late fall) when contractors are less busy can sometimes result in lower prices, as summertime is often their busiest period.
Full Siding Cost Estimate Breakdown (Vinyl Siding Example for 1,000 sq ft home)
The total cost of a siding project extends beyond just materials and primary labor. Here’s a detailed breakdown for a common vinyl siding installation on a 1,000-square-foot home:
| Siding Installation Line Item | Cost Range |
| Siding installation permit | $200 |
| Finishing strips (6 strips x $3.30 each) | $19.80 |
| Starter strips (15 strips x $2.75 each) | $41.75 |
| Outlets/vents/hydrants (fixtures) | $300 |
| Inside corner (9 pieces x $5.40 each) | $48.60 |
| Outside corner (2 pieces x $9.85 each) | $19.70 |
| J-Channels (55 pieces x $3.60 each) | $198 |
| Nails | $40 |
| Shutters (12 pieces x $39 per) | $468 |
| Additional (delivery charge, garbage rental) | $295 |
| Old siding removal costs | $1,000 |
| House wrap or weather barrier Installation | $150 – $300 |
| Flashing | $50 – $200 |
| Insulation board (optional) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Paint or coating for trim | $100 – $300 |
| Scaffolding or ladder rental | $150 – $400 |
| Caulking and sealants | $50 – $100 |
| Subtotal (misc. parts & services) | ~$3,630 – $4,580 |
| Labor costs (for 1,000 sq ft) | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Vinyl siding materials (for 1,000 sq ft) | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Estimated Grand Total | Close to $20,000 |
This total specifically for a 1,000 sq. ft. home highlights that the overall project cost is a sum of various components, not just the per-square-foot price of the siding material itself.
Estimated Siding Price by Material Type (Per Square Foot, Installed)
The cost of siding varies significantly by material, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options:
Budget-friendly options:
- Vinyl: $2.50 to $10.75 per sq. ft. (most common and versatile)
- Aluminum: $3.00 to $7.25 per sq. ft. (durable, rust-resistant, but prone to denting)
- Engineered Wood: $3.40 to $9.25 per sq. ft. (wood aesthetic, better moisture/insect resistance, requires careful installation)
- Vinyl Shake or Shingle: $6.50 to $12.75 per sq. ft. (mimics cedar, lower maintenance)
Mid-range options:
- Wood: $2.25 to $15 per sq. ft. (classic, natural, high maintenance, prone to warping/cracking)
- Steel: $4.25 to $8.75 per sq. ft. (extremely durable, fire-resistant, heavy to install, rust-susceptible without coating)
- Stucco: $5.50 to $7.50 per sq. ft. (textured, durable, good insulation, prone to cracking in wet climates, skilled installation needed)
- Fiber Cement: $4.50 to $11.25 per sq. ft. (looks like wood/stone, superior durability, heavy, requires periodic repainting)
- Board and Batten: $3.50 to $10.50 per sq. ft. (classic design, often wood or engineered wood)
- Composite: $5.00 to $10.00 per sq. ft. (mix of wood fibers, plastics, resins; balanced durability and affordability)
High-end and Luxury options:
- Brick Veneer: $8 to $13 per sq. ft. (lighter, easier to install than full brick, similar aesthetics, minimal maintenance)
- Stone Veneer: $8.50 to $17.50 per sq. ft. (more affordable than full stone)
- Brick: $11 to $27 per sq. ft. (highly durable, excellent insulation, skilled installation, mortar maintenance)
- Stone: $21.50 to $38.75 per sq. ft. (luxurious, weather-resistant, costly, labor-intensive due to weight)
- Glass Panels (Specialty): $20.00 to $40.00 per sq. ft. (modern/luxury niche design)
Specialty or Rustic Designs:
- Concrete Siding: $4.00 to $8.00 per sq. ft. (durable, low-maintenance, heavy, challenging installation)
- Log Siding: $4.00 to $14.00 per sq. ft. (rustic look, significant maintenance)
Note: For a similar aesthetic at a lower cost, consider brick-look, stone-look, or wood-look vinyl siding.
Additional Cost and Project Considerations
- Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Adding insulation (e.g., rigid foam boards) behind siding increases upfront costs but leads to long-term savings on energy bills. Insulated vinyl siding is a notable example for enhanced thermal protection.
- Permits and Inspections: Most significant siding projects require permits, costing $50 to $500 depending on location and scope. These ensure compliance with local building codes. An inspection post-completion may also be required to confirm adherence to safety and structural standards. Always contact your local planning or development authority to verify requirements.
- Seasonal Timing: Labor costs can be higher during peak seasons (late spring to summer). Scheduling during early spring or late fall might yield discounts due to lower contractor demand, provided weather conditions are suitable.
- Environmental Considerations and Sustainability:
- Eco-Friendly Options: Fiber cement, steel, engineered wood (often contain recycled content), and natural wood (biodegradable, renewable) are more sustainable choices.
- Energy Efficiency: Some materials, like insulated vinyl or fiber cement (with proper underlayment), inherently improve a home’s insulation, reducing utility bills and carbon footprint.
- Regional Considerations and Climate Impact:
- Climate Suitability: Choose materials that can withstand your local climate (e.g., fiber cement/stucco for humidity/rain, steel/brick for extreme cold/wind, specific considerations for vinyl in extreme heat).
- Local Building Codes & Aesthetics: HOAs and local codes may restrict material choices. Regional architectural styles also influence popular material selections.
- Maintenance and Longevity: Each material has distinct maintenance needs and lifespans:
- Vinyl: Low maintenance, 20–40 years lifespan, occasional cleaning.
- Wood: Up to 30 years, but requires regular sealing/painting.
- Fiber Cement: Up to 50 years, low maintenance, periodic repainting (every 10-15 years).
- Brick & Stone: 50+ years, minimal maintenance (occasional mortar repairs).
DIY vs. Professional Installation
- DIY: Offers cost savings on labor for small projects or experienced homeowners. However, it carries risks related to skill level (precision, sealing, tools), safety (ladders, heavy materials), time commitment, and potential voiding of manufacturer warranties if not installed by a licensed professional.
- Professional Installation: Involves higher upfront cost but provides expertise, precision, safety, time efficiency, and typically includes workmanship warranties. Professionals ensure compliance with local codes and necessary inspections, offering peace of mind. For large or complex projects, professional installation is generally the safer and more reliable option.
Tips for Hiring a Siding Contractor
- Ask Around: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who’ve had recent siding work done. If satisfied, ask for their contractor’s contact information.
- Online Search and Reviews: Research contractors online, checking their websites and customer reviews for reliability and quality of work.
- Get Multiple Bids: Reputable contractors offer free estimates. Obtain at least three bids to compare costs, scope of work, and identify any outliers (too low or too high). Some contractors use technology like Hover to generate accurate measurements from photos, providing precise estimates and even visualizing different siding options on a 3D model of your home.
- Ask Questions: During the estimate presentation, ask detailed questions about the process, materials, timeline, and any concerns you have. A good contractor will patiently answer, ensuring your comfort with the project. Inquire if they use visualization tools to help you confidently select materials and colors.