How To Evaluate Contractors' Siding Quotes

Evaluating Siding Quotes

After receiving multiple quotes, carefully consider each one. Your project quote should be transparent, thorough, and detailed, reflecting what it takes to install new siding on your home. Include every detail, such as material costs, start and finish dates, and the hourly rate. The quote should also cover factors like disposal, permits, and portable toilets, along with labor costs.

Pay attention to both the numbers and their presentation. A good contractor will organize the information. If your quote is not properly itemized, ask for a revised version before signing a contract.

Your Siding Quotes May Vary

For a 2,500-square-foot house, the average homeowner can pay anywhere between $5,000 to $45,000 for siding installation for their home, depending on the material used. Because of the price difference in materials, your siding quotes can vary dramatically. We encourage homeowners to research the type of siding material that is best for them, based on price range, maintenance of material, insulation, and times and difficulty of the installation.

On the low end, vinyl siding costs between $2 to $7 per square foot compared to brick siding which can cost between $8 to $10 per square foot. The most expensive siding material is natural stone, with some contractors quoting up to $50 per square foot. Both brick and stone have a more complex installation process than vinyl siding. The additional time needed contributes to their higher cost.

Extremely low bids can be a sign of a scam — and extremely high bids could be just as concerning. It’s important to understand why an estimate or quote is extremely high or low.

Factors Leading to Higher Bids

• High-end contractors typically have more equipment and overhead.
• Larger homes require more materials and longer installation, increasing costs.
• The complexity of your home’s shape affects the price; multi-story or architecturally complex homes cost more.
• Removing old siding adds to the cost, while installing over existing siding may not.
• Warranties impact costs; verify what the installer and manufacturer cover.
• Be aware of hidden costs like permits and fines, and discuss responsibilities with your contractor.

Factors Leading to Lower Bids

• Contractors without proper insurance may offer lower bids but put homeowners at risk.
• After storms, scammers may exploit homeowners with too-good-to-be-true offers.
• Extremely low bids may indicate desperation and potential issues.

Research Your Contractors

Vetting your contractors will ensure you find the best, reliable, siding installer for your project.

• Visit a contractor’s website to ensure it is professional-looking and updated.
• Check review sites and make sure they are accredited through the Better Business Bureau.
• Look at a contractor’s content information to make sure they have a physical address and not a P.O. Box (which can be a worrisome sign).
• If something feels off about a contractor or business — go with your gut.

To help homeowners easily vet and find a trusted siding contractor, Modernize recently created a free contractor checklist. You can access the interactive checklist by visiting the Modernize Homeowner Portal or by downloading it here.

Homeowners Can Negotiate Bids

Remember, you can always negotiate with your contractor on the price for a successful project before signing a contract. Discuss your budget with your contractors. Agree that any unexpected project expenses will be presented in writing to help you remain within your budget.

Keep All Paperwork

Lastly, keep all estimates, quotes, and contracts in a folder so you can reference these details easily if you have any questions or concerns throughout your siding installation.