If you’re thinking about adding siding to your home, it’s normal to want to have an idea of your level of investment before you start planning your renovation. But how much does siding replacement cost? In the following blog, we’re going to take a look at some key factors that might influence the cost of re-siding your home, and how much you can expect to pay based on your property’s specific requirements. Let’s take a look!
What is Siding?
Siding refers to the material used on the exterior of a building to protect it from the elements, such as rain, snow, wind, and sun. It also plays a significant role in defining the appearance and aesthetic appeal of the building, and can even add substantial value to your home in the event of a re-sell.
What Influences the Cost of Siding a Home?
Materials
First up, the choice of material used for your siding is going to be one key determinative factor when it comes to the overall cost of the project. You can speak to one of our representatives to find out what types of siding we offer.
Labor Costs
Labor costs for siding replacement will also vary depending on the complexity of the project, the contractor's experience, and your location in the US. Typically, labor can cost anywhere from 50% to 60% of the total project cost, but complex installations (for example, complex structures) and the removal of old siding can increase these costs.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Aside from the costs incurred through materials and labor, there may be a number of additional expenses that can increase the overall cost of your renovation. These can include:
- Permits: Some localities require permits for siding replacement, and the cost of these permits varies by location. You can take a look here for more information on building permits in your state.
- Lifespan: The expected lifespan of your siding will also play a role in the cost, with more durable siding naturally costing more than something shorter-term.
- Repairs: Any necessary repairs to the underlying structure will increase the overall expense - this is particularly true if your previous siding is complex or difficult to remove.
- Season: Some contractors may charge more depending on the season; summer might be a high-demand season, while winter might incur extra costs due to more difficult working conditions.
- Warranty: Some contractors may offer a warranty for any siding replacement; while this does offer peace of mind, it does mean further costs.
Siding Cost Variations by Region
Another factor that may determine the cost of siding is regional variations. This includes not just weather conditions, but the overall cost of living and average labor costs:
Cost of Living
Some areas of the US have higher living and transport costs, which can directly mean a higher cost for a professional siding project. For example, siding in Denver might be less expensive than in New York City. This is because the cost of living in New York City is 74% higher than the national average, compared to just 5% for Denver.
Urban Centers
Generally, major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, New York City, and Chicago will expect higher costs for home improvement projects, and this includes siding replacement. This is again due to factors linked to the cost of living in these areas: labor rates, parking and transportation fees are all higher for workers, and more regulations and permitting requirements may be required.
Areas with Extreme Weather Conditions
Locations that experience harsh weather conditions, like coastal areas prone to hurricanes or places with severe cold, might require more durable (and thus more expensive) siding materials, and may require specialized installation techniques to ensure longevity. This can again increase the overall cost of your project.
How to Estimate Siding Replacement Cost for Your House?
Even though there’s no fixed-price for siding replacement, you can work out an estimated cost by taking into consideration the following factors:
Measure the Square Footage
First, you’re going to want to determine the total square footage of the exterior walls of your house. This can be done by measuring the height and width of each wall and multiplying these figures, but remember to subtract the area of doors and windows.
Choose Your Siding Material
Next, choose your preferred type of siding material; don’t forget that siding isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s also about creating an outer layer that protects your home from the elements. Depending on the material you’d like for your home, you can multiply the cost of your chosen material by the square footage of your home. Costs do vary by material, so it’s best to speak with one of our representatives for an accurate estimate.
Factor in Labor Costs
As we explained above, labor costs can vary l based on your location, the complexity of the job, and the contractor’s rates, but typically, labor can account for 50% to 60% of the total project cost. Again, it’s best to speak with one of our representatives if you’re interested in getting a quote estimate for the total cost of the project.
Factor In Additional Expenses
Finally, you’ll want to factor in any additional expenses that you’re planning for; this could be a warranty or guarantee, a special finish, or some added custom options such as insulation or personalisation. For good measure, it’s wise to add a contingency budget of around 10-20% for unforeseen expenses - this prevents unpleasant surprises and ensures that the job gets done in the timeframe you’ve set out to achieve.
Speak With Us
At Rise Renovation, we’re happy to offer you a free estimate for the cost of siding your home. You can either speak to one of our representatives by organizing a consultation, or fill in our contact form here on our website for a free quote.