Replacing worn or dated siding is a great way to add value and boosts your home’s curb appeal.
Typically, it costs $9,500 to replace siding. The real range is $6,000 to $18,000. The cost depends on the materials used, the home’s size, location, the complexity of the job, and the finishing options you choose.
Other cost factors such as disposal and permits will affect the overall project cost.
Cost to replace siding per square foot
The average cost to replace siding is around $2 to $16 per square foot, including materials and labor. Materials cost between $1 and $12 per square foot, including fasteners and waste. Labor, on the other hand, costs between $1 and $4 per square foot.
The quality of the installation depends on how experienced the professionals you hire are. For this reason, you should make sure you do your homework and interview several contractors before choosing a particular one. This will help you know which one is best suited for the job. Also, you should get several quotes and estimates to compare and choose the most reasonable option.
Cost per 1,500 sq. ft. house
Replacing the siding on a 1,500 square foot house will set you back by approximately $3,000 – $24,000. This cost is inclusive of labor and materials, but it may vary widely depending on your location, the complexity of the job, and finish options.
The cost may be cheaper if you DIY the project because labor costs usually account for approximately 70% of the total project cost. However, if you are inexperienced, it is best to leave the job to the professionals to avoid ruining your house’s look and value.
Average Labor cost
The average labor cost for replacing siding for your home is in the vicinity of $1 to $4 per square foot. The price may vary depending on the difficulty of the job and your location. Usually, complex installations such as second stories, unique designs, and hard-to-access places may add labor cost to up to 20% of the project cost. Also, costs for disposal of the old material and repairs will increase the overall labor cost.
Before you begin the installation, your contractor will assess the worksite and give you a detailed estimate. The estimate includes the labor cost, materials, removal cost, prepping cost, etc.
Some contractors may offer hourly rates of about $50 to $150 for the project. However, it is best to ask for fixed rates because hourly rates may be impractical for a job lasting for more than a day.
Cost to replace siding by material
Below is a summary of the siding replacement cost by material
| Material | Quantity | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Sq ft. | $2.50 | $7 |
| Aluminum | Sq ft. | $3 | $6 |
| Wood | Sq ft. | $3 | $15 |
| Brick | Sq ft. | $12 | $18 |
| Steel | Sq ft. | $4 | $8 |
| Stone | Sq ft. | $15 | $30 |
| Hardie Board | Sq ft. | $2.5 | $5 |
| Fiber Cement | Sq ft. | $5 | $13.5 |
| James Hardie Siding | Sq ft. | $9 | $11 |
Vinyl
The average cost to replace vinyl siding is about $2 to $7 per square foot. Vinyl siding is relatively easy to replace, making it relatively cheap compared to other materials. This material is the most popular for siding homes because it is readily available, affordable, and durable.
Vinyl siding can last for about 20 to 40 years. It requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal option for people looking for low-maintenance siding materials. Besides, it is beautiful and can boost the home’s aesthetics and curb appeal. If you are looking for a durable and inexpensive siding material, vinyl is an excellent pick.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding replacement costs approximately $3 to $6 per square foot. Replacing this type of siding is easy, and most homeowners can DIY the removal process.
Aluminum siding is another highly popular siding material. It is affordable and can last for approximately 30 to 50 years. Its durability and little or no maintenance make it an excellent choice for people looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle. It takes paint application quite well, but it may need repainting after every 10 years to maintain the home’s integrity.
However, it dents easily and can be challenging to repair. Besides, oxidation makes the material develop a patina over time, which makes it unappealing.
Wood
Wood siding does not last as long and will need replacing more often. On average, replacing wood siding costs about $3 to $15 per square foot. The replacement is rated easy to intermediate, so it is not as difficult as most people think. Wood siding can last for about 15 to 40 years, but it requires high maintenance. If you decide to side your house with wood, you should ensure it gets proper care and maintenance.
Wood is prone to damage and mold and may need regular repairs to keep it in shape. Also, you must repaint it after every few years to protect it from the effects of harsh weather.
Wood siding gives your home a rustic look and feel, which makes it very beautiful. If you love the natural wood look, it is the best choice for your home’s siding.
Brick
The cost to replace brick siding is approximately $12 to $18 per square foot on average. Brick siding is highly durable and can last for about 50 years or more if maintained properly. It is more difficult to install than other vinyl and wood.
Brick siding is quite expensive because of its durability and difficulty of installation. This material costs about 6% more than vinyl siding. So, if you plan to use it to reside in your house, be ready to pay more. It makes an excellent choice for people looking for durable siding materials.
Steel
The average cost to replace steel siding is about $4 to $8 per square foot. Steel is commonly used for commercial purposes, and it is relatively easy to install. This siding material is very strong and durable and is expected to last for a lifetime.
Steel siding makes your home unique and effectively protects it against harsh weather elements. It requires minimal maintenance, but it should be repainted often to keep it in good shape. If you love an industrial look, steel is the perfect siding material for your home. However, if your neighborhood has a strict homeowners association, steel may not be an ideal pick. Besides, it is susceptible to rust and corrosion, which may affect its durability if not properly maintained.
Stone
Replacing stone siding will set you back by approximately $15 to $30 per square foot on average. Stone is an expensive choice for house siding, and it is costlier than steel. It, however, has excellent strength and durability.
Stone siding gives a home a beautiful rustic look. It requires highly skilled contractors because the installation is quite challenging. Besides, the cost can go to the higher end for multi-story homes. Stone also requires additional fixtures and a high finishing level to make it look beautiful and appealing.
DIYing this kind of project is difficult because it requires a high level of expertise. Also, the task can take a long time, which is why hiring a pro is the best choice.
Cost to remove siding
The average cost to remove siding ranges between $0.25 and $0.75 per square foot or about $1,000 to $3,000. This cost includes the labor cost for the removal and the dumping fees, which range between $50 and $250.
Before installing new siding, you must remove the old siding first. More so, you should inspect whether the cladding is in good condition to ensure the new installation develops no issues.
The degree of difficulty makes the removal cost vary widely. For instance, it may be easier to remove vinyl siding than steel or stone siding. If you wish to lower the price, you can DIY the project. However, working with hard materials such as steel may be challenging. Also, you may risk hurting yourself during the process.
How to estimate the cost of siding replacement
It is not easy to estimate your siding budget, especially with a wide range of between $6,000 and $23,000. There are several cost factors you should understand first before you begin the project. These include:
- Type of material: the siding material hugely affects the total cost for the replacement. For instance, replacing vinyl siding will be on the low end of the cost, while wood siding replacement will be on the high end. Metal siding will be in the middle because it is expensive than vinyl but cheaper than wood.
- Accessibility: if you have a 2 story house, expect to add about 20% to your total installation cost because special equipment such as scaffolding will be required. Also, walls that are difficult to access will move the replacement cost to the high end.
- Location: regional differences also play a big role when it comes to pricing projects. The cost for repairs, installations, or replacements usually reflects the living index of your locality. If you live in an area with a higher home value, expect to pay about 50% more than other areas.
- Labor: the labor cost for any project tends to be higher than the material cost. If you decide to hire pros to reside your house, ensure you look for at least 5 quotes. This is because different pros offer different rates, and relying on one quote may not give you the right price range.
- Repairs: when estimating the siding replacement cost, make sure you include repairs if any. The cost for repairs will not be inclusive of the overall replacement price. So, if your home needs repairs before installing new siding, the total cost will lean towards the high end.
Estimating the cost of replacing your siding is essential as you can set aside enough money to run the project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
When it comes to siding replacement, deciding whether to hire a pro or DIY the project may be challenging. The task is quite difficult and may not be suitable for beginners. Also, it is quite expensive, making many homeowners want to DIY it to lower the costs.
Do it Yourself
Doing the project yourself can significantly lower the cost because labor costs will be excluded. If you are looking to save money, DIY is the way to go. However, if you want the project to run faster, hiring a pro is the best.
Pros
- The siding replacement cost will be lower, so you will save some money
- DIY allows you to better your skills
- It gives you the freedom to manage and run the project your own way
- It will give you a feeling of satisfaction
Cons
- Residing a home is not a job for beginners
- The project can take a long time and become an inconvenience
- You risk injuring yourself during the job, especially for complex installations
- You may hurt the home’s resale value
Hiring a Pro
Professional contractors have been rigorously trained to reside homes. Therefore, they will handle the job professionally and ensure everything is perfect before they leave. Even if you wish to lower the installation cost, it is recommended to hire a pro for high-quality results.
Pros
- The project will be finished on time
- The new siding will have a professional look and feel
- It improves the value of a home if you plan to sell
- Pros can handle complex jobs and ensure everything looks perfect
Cons
- Labor is usually costly, so the installation cost will be higher
- You may not be sure of the job outcome
- Pros may not understand your vision, so the results may not be as you want
Best time of year for siding replacement?
Timing matters when it comes to replacing siding.
Fall is the best time of the year to replace your siding because it does not feature the extreme temperatures of winter or summer. During this period, installing new siding tends to be more affordable. Scheduling appointments with siding professionals is easier. And when you consider that fall replacement guarantees that your home will be ready for winter weather, it is easy to see why fall is the best time to replace siding.
Here is what you should know about replacing siding and what you should remember when doing it.
When should you replace siding?
You should have your siding replaced as soon as you start noticing any of the following signs.
Extensive siding wear and tear
Siding that shows signs of extensive wear and tear is likely compromised structurally. Its ability to protect the home becomes diminished. And the cracks, holes, gaps, or splits that result from use can make it more susceptible to water infiltration and pest infestations.
Therefore, if your siding starts to crumble, rot, break, split, or crack to a point where it can no longer serve as an effective barrier against freezing weather during the winter season, it is time to have the siding replaced.
Need for constant maintenance
Small cracks, tears, chips, and splits can easily be sealed off and repaired. However, when you have to call siding contractors to your home every other day in order to get your siding fixed, it is time to replace it.
Siding, like every other construction material, has a lifespan. Therefore, once the siding is past its lifespan, it will start to break down constantly.
In such a case, no amount or frequency of repairs can be able to restore it to its former state. Therefore, having the siding replaced is something that you should definitely consider once it starts breaking down.
Rising energy bills
Most types of home siding have insulating properties. This is because they are generally poor conductors of heat. This ensures that the siding protects the homes, especially when temperatures drop.
In essence, having a poor conductor of heat enveloping a home reduces the rate at which the home loses heat, especially when dealing with the freezing temperatures of extreme winters. This increases a home’s energy efficiency, which usually goes a long way toward reducing annual energy bills in colder climates.
As a result, if you have faulty or poorly installed siding, your home’s energy efficiency is bound to suffer. This is so, especially if the house doesn’t have house wrap or if the existing house wrap is worn-out and way past its lifespan.
Planning on selling your home
If you are planning on listing your home for sale, you should consider calling a siding contractor and have them replace your old siding. This is because it is an easy way of boosting your home’s resale value. Doing so will also reduce the time your home stays on the market because it will become more attractive to potential buyers.
What is even better is that for most homeowners, having siding installed does not always have to be expensive.
What is the average cost to replace siding?
The average cost of residing a house ranges between $6,000 and $23,000. However, what it will actually cost you to reside in your home will depend on the type of siding material you opt for, the size of your home, where you are located, and whether or not your home can be classified as a difficult installation.
For example, when you use a cheap siding material like vinyl siding, it is likely to cost you less than when you use less affordable siding materials like stone siding.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated average cost (per square foot) of residing a home based on the material a homeowner chooses.
| Material | Cost per square foot (in $) |
|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | $1 – $7 |
| Stone siding | $15 – $30 |
| Fiber cement siding | $1 – $6 |
| Aluminum siding | $3 – $6 |
| Wood siding | $3 – $15 |
Does replacing siding increase home value?
Yes, replacing siding increases home value. This is because it improves the home’s curb appeal, making it more attractive.
Replacing siding can also improve the energy efficiency of a home. This will happen if you are replacing the existing siding with a material that has a higher R-Value. However, if the new siding being installed has a lower R-Value, for example, vinyl siding, then a replacement will do little to improve energy efficiency.
You will also see significant improvements in energy efficiency if the old material is worn out to the point of letting in cold drafts during winter. By replacing it with new crack-free, split-free, and hole-free siding, you will essentially envelop your home with a better protective cover.
All of these are things that buyers consider when evaluating homes. And since they make a home more attractive to potential buyers, they help in increasing the home’s value.
What are the benefits of replacing siding?
The following are the main benefits of replacing siding.
Enhanced curb appeal
Replacing siding is an easy way of instantly improving the attractiveness of your home. Therefore, if your home has a dated look, opting to replace its siding is an effective way of refreshing its look.
Lower maintenance costs
New siding needs less maintenance than old siding. Therefore, if you are tired of making frequent siding repairs, replacing your siding is an option that you should definitely explore.
Improved energy efficiency
New siding does not have cracks, gaps, or splits that old worn-out siding tends to have. It is thus less likely to let in cold drafts into a home. During winter, this will translate into lower energy bills.
Also, if you choose to do the siding installation with a material with a higher insulation value, you will instantly increase the home’s energy efficiency.
Guaranteed structural integrity
New siding offers better moisture protection. It doesn’t have the aging-induced faults and blemishes of worn-out siding.
As a result, it is better suited to preventing water from seeping into your home’s foundation and support beams. This reduces the odds of rotting, which goes a long way toward guaranteeing that your home’s structural integrity will be protected.
Increased home resale value
A new siding installation improves a home’s appearance. It boosts its energy efficiency. It ensures better protection of its structural integrity. These play a significant role in increasing a home’s resale value.
FAQ's
Is new siding a good investment?
Yes, new siding is a good investment as it can attract a good Return on Investment when you sell the house. Typically, you can recoup about 80% ROI or more of the siding’s initial cost. Therefore, if you plan to sell your property, consider replacing its siding because you have more to gain than lose. However, make sure you hire qualified contractors because unprofessional-looking installations can hurt your home’s value.
How long does it take to reside a house?
It takes about two weeks to reside a house, but this will depend on the type of siding and project size. Removing, prepping, insulating, and installing the new siding is a lengthy process. Besides, modifications like trim work and painting need precision because they will determine the final look of the house. Generally, contractors take about 14 days to replace siding, from removal of the old material to the finishing of the new siding.
Does new siding increase home value?
Yes, replacing siding increases a home’s value by approximately 80% of the overall project cost. This means you can recoup about 12,000 from a mid-sized project costing about $15,000. This is very impressive because you will protect your investment and get a profit from the sale of the house.
How long does siding last?
Typically, siding lasts about 15 to 50 years, depending on the material and quality of the installation. Some siding materials like wood require high maintenance to last longer and maintain the home’s integrity. Other materials like aluminum are resistant to the weather, which means they require low maintenance. Regardless, siding requires proper care and maintenance to boost its lifespan and keep your home neat and appealing.
Siding can last for a long time, but it is essential to replace it when it fails. New siding keeps your home beautiful and appealing and increases its value. Besides, it will protect your home from the weather elements. So, whether you plan to sell your property or not, it is essential to replace old siding.
