Fixing up or redoing your home’s siding is quite an undertaking. Figuring out the costs, understanding the different material types, and obtaining the necessary permits are all integral parts of having the project completed successfully.
In this article, we’ll do a cost estimation breakdown of a siding project, dissect labor costs, and help you figure out the right materials and permits for the job. Plus, we’ll offer tips on how to find the right contractor.
Average Costs of Labor
Labor costs can vary depending on where you live, but on average the price of labor to install siding is around $1 to $12 per square foot. The prices vary so much because of the different material types and their necessary equipment or specialties.
So if you’re looking to save money, make sure you choose a siding material that isn’t difficult to install or requires specialized equipment. You can also cut costs by having your siding replaced in the spring or fall when companies are less busy—summertime is their busiest season, so prices tend to be higher.
Full Siding Cost Estimate Breakdown
The cost of siding a house is more than just the price of the materials and labor. Here we’ll breakdown the average siding project for a vinyl siding installation (we chose vinyl because it’s one of the most common siding options):
- Siding Installation Permit: $200
- Finishing strips: $19.80 — it’s usually six strips at $3.30 each
- Starter strips: $41.75 — it’s usually 15 strips at $2.75 each
- Outlets/Vents/Hydrants: $300 for plug-in outlets, light fixtures, replace gable vents, and hydrant faucets
- Inside corner: $48.60 — it’s usually nine pieces at $5.40 each
- Outside corner: $19.70 — it’s usually two pieces at $9.85 each
- J-Channels: $198 — average 55 pieces used at $3.60 each
- Nails: $40.00
- Shutters: $468 — for 12 pieces at $39 per
- Additional: $45 delivery charge and $250 garbage rental
- Old Siding Removal Costs: $1,000
- Estimated total cost for these items: $2,648.85
That price tag, however, does not include the actual vinyl siding or the cost of labor. Let’s assume we’re siding a 1,000-square-foot home. That means the labor cost would be $3,700, and the cost for materials would be $4,000.
Thus, in this example, the grand total would be $10,348.85.
Estimated Siding Price By Material Type
As stated briefly before, vinyl siding is one of the more popular siding options because it’s durable, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive compared to other siding options. The average cost of vinyl siding is $2.50 to $10.75 per sq. ft. installed. Let’s look at the other materials’ costs in comparison (all prices are per square foot, installed).
- Wood: $2.25 to $15
- Aluminum: $3.00 to $7.25
- Engineered Wood: $3.40 to $9.25
- Steel: $4.25 to $8.75
- Fiber Cement: $4.50 to $11.25
- Stucco: $5.50 to $7.50
- Brick Veneer: $8 to $13
- Brick: $11 to $27
- Stone: $21.50 to $38.75
If you love the look of wood, stone, or brick but don’t love the price tag, no worries! You can choose a brick-look, stone-look, or wood-look vinyl siding style to get the look you love at about half the price. If you’re interested in vinyl siding and want to learn more about its cost breakdown, check out our blog!
Understanding the Necessary Permits & Inspections
A good thing to always remember is that any time a building is being built or altered, a permit is needed. However, a permit might not be needed in every case, if you’re doing a simple repair to a length of siding, for example. No matter the scope of the project, we recommend contacting your local planning or development authority to find out what permits and fees your city or county requires.
When contacting your local planning center, be sure to inquire if an inspection will be required once the project is completed. It might not be necessary for your location, but that’s not an assumption you want to make! Skipping an essential inspection can cause an expensive headache down the road. By making a simple phone call, you can avoid a later hassle.
Tips For Hiring a Siding Contractor
Now that you have a general understanding of the siding process and the cost breakdown, it’s time to hire a siding contractor that can get the job done. Here’s how you can find the right contractor for you.
1. Ask Around
Has your neighbor or good friend recently had their siding repaired or replaced? Ask them who did it and how the project went. And if you like what you hear, ask them to put you in touch with their contractor.
If you don’t know anyone who’s undergone a siding project, you can search the internet to find professional contractors in your area. Be sure to check their websites and reviews to see if they’re reliable.
2. Get Multiple Bids
Reputable contractors will offer a free estimate of your project. They’ll come to your home and calculate the materials, tools, and man-hours necessary to complete your siding installation. Getting multiple estimates, or bids, gives you the opportunity to see the general cost and weed out those who are under or overestimating.
When contractors use HOVER, they’re able to get accurate siding measurements with just a few photos of your home. Those smartphone photos create a fully scaled 3D model with all the necessary exterior measurements. This allows contractors to show you different materials and colors on a customizable 3D model and provide more accurate pricing estimations.
3. Ask Questions
While the contractor is there presenting their estimate, ask them lots of questions. They should be able to answer them patiently, making sure you’re comfortable with the process. If you have questions about which siding is right for your home, the contractor can use HOVER’s technology to show you what your home would look like with different siding options—so you feel confident with your decision.
Siding your house is a big decision and you want to feel at ease knowing you made the right choices. Contractors that use HOVER have the technology to help you visualize the final project and have more accurate estimates for a seamless experience.
