Whether you’re planning to have siding installed on your home for the first time or it’s time to replace the current siding with an upgrade, determining the type of siding material is one of the first steps in the process. Since new siding can be a significant investment, it’s a good idea to use the expert help of a contractor or siding specialist who can supply a bid or estimate based on the square footage and includes the type and amount of material needed, labor, and any additional costs that factor into the price.
Tips to Get Started
Like any home improvement project, there are steps to take prior to getting started. With a siding project, there are several you’ll need to do to ensure the project runs smoothly, on time, and on target price wise.
- Measuring for square foot pricing
- Estimating siding cost
- Additional factors affecting cost
- Permit
- Contractor
- Weather
Measuring for Siding to Determine Price Per Square Foot
To get an estimate for pricing purposes the calculation is – wall lengths multiplied by the height of the house. For example, take a two-story home that is 25-feet by 45-feet (2,250 square feet of flooring) with an exterior of 2,800 square feet. To do the calculation, totaling the wall lengths then multiplying by the home’s height. For the two-story house the calculation is 25-feet + 45-feet +25-feet + 45-feet x 20-feet which equals 2,800 square feet.
Prices vary for price per square foot. Using $3 to $10 per installed square foot, the siding project can range from $8,400 to $19,600. That estimate is for installation, only. If your home has siding that must be removed, add an additional $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the size of the home and the amount of siding to be removed.
Siding Cost Breakdown
Using the same 2,800 square foot two-story home as an example, this breakdown provides an estimate of what a contractor will include in the bid for installing new siding. In this example, vinyl siding is the choice of material.
- Siding: $12,600 for labor and installation. Multiply the 2,800 square footage times $4.50 (estimated cost per square foot)
- Permit: $200
- Finishing strips: 19.80 (6 strips x $3.30 each)
- Starter strips: $41.75 (15 strips x $2.75)
- Hydrants, outlets, vents, including hydrant faucets, gable vents, plug-in outlets and light fixtures: $300.00.
- Inside corner: $48.60 (9 pieces x $5.40 per piece)
- Outside corner: $19.70 (2 pieces x $9.85 per)
- J-Channels: $198.00 ($3.60 x 55)
- Nails: $40.00
- Shutters: $468.00 ($39.00 x 12 pieces)
- Additional: $45.00 delivery charge and $250 garbage rental
- Siding Removal: $1,000
- Estimated total cost: $15,275.35
The estimate does not include window trimming, soffits or fascia board.
Factors Affecting Cost of New Siding
When it comes to new siding installation, a variety of factors can affect the total cost. These factors include:
- The siding material (vinyl, wood, brick, stucco, fiber cement, and stone-veneer)
- Size and surface layout of the home
- Installation of crown molding, trim pieces, fascia, window channels, and soffits
- Labor
- Location
- Type of general contractor or siding specialist
Do You Need a Siding Permit and Inspection?
A good rule of thumb to remember is that anytime a building is being altered, a permit is needed. In the case of siding, if it’s a simple repair to damaged siding, a permit most likely won’t be needed. To find out what your city or county requires, contact the local Planning or Development authority for exact information on requirements and fees.
You will also want to know if an inspection is required after the project is completed. An inspection may not be necessary for your area but you do not want to make that assumption. A simple call when inquiring about a permit can save you time and additional fees should you ignore the requirement. Many city planning centers provide applications both in person or online. Most can be issued the same day.
Hiring a Siding Contractor
Like the permit, a licensed contractor may be needed for the siding project. Because adding or replacing the sizing can be a costly project, it is recommended that you hire a professional licensed, bonded and insured siding contractor. Not using a licensed contractor for the installation could make your warranty invalid. Check with the local authority about contractor requirements as well as what the warranty for the siding materials entails.
Weather Considerations for New Siding
When planning a new siding project, one of the first steps is choosing the type of siding that suits the style of your home. The second step is to ensure it can withstand the seasonal climate of your area. Factors to consider is the home’s proximity to salty ocean air, year-round average temperatures, humidity, wind, rain, and the frequency of exposure to inclement and severe weather such as blizzards, ice storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Cost Calculator for New Siding
There are free online cost calculators available that can provide an estimate of siding costs based on the information you provide. This calculator is for vinyl siding estimates and this siding estimator is for several types.
As with any home improvement project, if you want it done right, hiring a licensed contractor is your best option. Do your research on the types of materials available, choose the one that is best suited for your area, get any permits necessary, and let a licensed contractor take care of the rest.