House siding cost doesn’t come down to a few simple line items. When it’s all said and done, it’s a project with countless moving parts, the likes of which can become confusing.
Between materials, labor, permits and the numerous other factors that often go forgotten, an accurate estimate may seem impractical.
There’s still several ways to get an idea of the overall project cost before getting started.
Take a look at the approaches below to gather a shortlist of the major line items that go into a house siding project.
Cost of Siding by Square Foot
Calculating house siding cost by square foot is the most comprehensive option. Given that it takes into consideration everything from specific house siding measurements, soffits, trim and more, there won’t be much left to account for.
If you’re struggling to figure out how to measure for siding or how much siding you need, no worries.
Here’s a thorough siding calculator method by Lowe’s with a step-by-step guide:
- Start by measuring the height and width of each side of the home, multiplying the two numbers to get each side’s surface area. Now add all the sums of each side to get the total in square feet for your siding.
- Take note of special areas not measured in the siding itself such as gables. For triangular measurements such as this, measure from bottom to top, multiplying that by half the base length. Now add those measurements.
- Now, measure all windows and doors by multiplying height and width to find the surface area as done to calculate the siding. Add all of the sums of each surface area together for a total.
With these three measurements in mind, add the totals from the first two lines and subtract the total from the third line. Now you have your total square footage needed in siding. There’s still a few more materials to consider though.
- Soffits, the underside of a roof’s overhang, will also need to be worked into the equation. Again, measure each section of soffits, multiplying height and width to find the surface area.
- The last measurement is for trim. Measure each area you’d like to add trim and record the amount you’ll need in feet.
If doing the totals on paper seems intimidating, use the Lowe’s link above for their siding estimate calculator that lets you enter your numbers and tabulates them for you in real-time.
Cost by Siding Material
A common way to calculate siding cost is by material alone. Knowing the square footage needed and the average cost of the material you want, you can get a ballpark idea of price. All of the figures below are by square foot.
- Vinyl ranges from $3 to $12.
- Wood ranges from $2 to $5.
- Engineered wood ranges from $4 to $9.
- Aluminum ranges from $2 to $5.
- Fiber cement ranges from $5 to $13.50.
- Stone ranges from $35 to $50.
- Brick ranges from $9 to $28.
- Stucco ranges from $5 to $6.
- Steel ranges from $4 to $8.
Cost by Labor
Depending upon the type of material you choose, labor can cost $1 to $4 per square foot. For a more detailed look, find your potential siding selection on the list below, keeping in mind these averages are based on a single-family home from 1500 to 2500 square feet.
- Vinyl ranges from $6,150 to $15,900.
- Wood ranges from $7,000 to $23,000.
- Engineered wood ranges from $5,400 to $13,000.
- Aluminum ranges from $10,000 to $19,000.
- Fiber cement ranges from $6,000 to $20,000.
- Stone ranges from $87,500 to $125,000.
- Brick ranges from $8,900 to $25,000.
- Stucco ranges from $1,830 to $7,052.
- Steel ranges from $4,000 to $14,600.
Cost of Repair vs Replacement
If the siding on your home has yet to reach its lifespan, repairing it may still be an option depending on the extent of the damage. While the cost to repair averages around $500, that hinges on the type of siding and what issues you’re dealing with. Here’s some of the most common repairs made to siding and their average cost:
- Mold ranges from $500 to $700.
- Cracks range from $50 to $150.
- Water damage ranges from $500 to $600.
- Dents range from $100 to $300$.
Components to Consider For House Siding Cost
Though the methods above provide a solid foundation for house siding cost, there are some other factors that need consideration. Keep in mind the list below as they can have a major impact on total project cost.
- House Size: The more square footage to cover, the more material, labor and other resources you’ll need. Your house size has the biggest impact (next to material selection) on the total project cost.
- Current Siding: If you’re replacing old siding, you’ll need to count the cost of removing it. Removal often comes as a separate fee from the installation bottom line.
- Quality of Material: Most materials come in quality grades and the higher quality you select, the more expensive your siding will be per square foot. That said, your total cost can be adjusted based on quality selection.
- Location: Depending on which siding you choose to use, the material could vary in price. Some regions are seeing higher prices in building materials than others.
- Design: The design of your home will affect the cost based on several factors. For example, is the architecture detailed or is it a simple build? How many stories is the home? What’s the home’s shape?
- Inspections and Permits: Due to the scope of the project, adding siding to a home will more often than not require at least a permit, maybe even an inspection. Check your local regulations for permitting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
When does siding need to be replaced?
Siding that needs replacing will start to show obvious signs, some with more impact than others. For example, fading, rotting, and bubbling are common signs your siding may need replacing. Likewise, warping or loose boards aren’t unusual when siding is older. One of the biggest signs though is a higher electric bill. This is a tell-tale sign your siding isn’t doing its job.
What’s the most popular siding material?
While some siding selections are more popular region to region, it’s safe to say vinyl siding is most popular overall. Being that it’s one of the most affordable options, it comes as a first choice to most. Not to mention, it’s a low maintenance siding, which is without doubt an attractive quality to homeowners.
What does it mean to purchase a square of siding?
When purchasing siding you’ll hear the term “square” used a lot. In short, it’s how siding is measured. One square of siding is 100 square feet of siding material. Though the term siding square is more common to use when referring to how to measure for vinyl siding, it’s still used among other materials as well. Using a house siding calculator like the Lowe’s siding calculator will provide you with how many squares your project will need.
Which siding is easiest to maintain?
There’s several siding options that are easy to maintain but vinyl and metal appear to be the easiest by far. Both resist common siding problems like mold and pests, making for less repairs. They also require little in the way of cleaning. An annual power wash with mild soap and a soft brush for spot treatment on areas that may need it will keep your siding looking good as new.
How long will it take to replace siding?
The timeline to re-side a house seems to range based on who you talk to. Factors such as demand, weather, removal and material selection can play a role in this timeframe too. Regardless, the average project ranges from one to two weeks.
Conclusion
House siding cost can be easy to estimate with the right resources. With several methods at your disposal, there’s no doubt you can get an accurate price without missing any major components.
Likewise, certain factors like material and design can offer flexibility in price, making even the most modest of budgets simple to work with.
Take the first step toward your dream home exterior and start calculating your cost today.
The post House Siding Cost: Material, Labor, Repair and Unexpected Factors appeared first on Homedit.
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