Siding protects homes from moisture, heat exposure, wind, and even pests when it's functioning correctly. Whether you’re constructing a house from the ground-up or replacing damaged siding, understanding how much it should cost to install siding will help you make informed decisions.
How Much Does It Cost to Put Siding on a House?
The cost to install siding on a home will vary from house to house. Factors such as the size of the property, preparation costs, material costs, and labor costs affect the price you’ll pay for new siding. The size of your property and the decisions you make ultimately determine the total cost of installation.
A ballpark cost estimate for installing siding on a 1,500 square foot home is between $7,000-$14,000. However, your situation and choices may result in a cheaper or more expensive installation. Because the cost of installing siding on your home is extremely variable, speaking to an experienced contractor that can provide you an accurate cost estimate before you begin is crucial.
Property Size
The size of your house size will significantly impact other cost factors. As property size increases, so do preparation costs, material costs, and labor costs for a simple reason: more house equals more material and labor.
Preparation Costs
Preparation costs for installing siding include labor and material costs associated with making the home suitable for siding installation. Labor associated with preparation includes removing old siding and leftover caulk, clearing the construction area around the home, applying furring strips, boarding/paneling the structure, and installing insulation. It is essential to have your home properly prepared at the onset of the siding installation process.
Cost of Siding Materials
Different siding materials have varying properties and price points. In general, metal siding options are cheapest, while brick and stone are the most expensive. The sliding scale of material costs is due to the price of the material used and extra labor associated with the use of certain kinds.
- Metal: Metal siding is popular because it’s relatively cheap and requires little to no maintenance. Additionally, metal accommodates a variety of siding styles. On the downside, not all types of metal siding help insulate your home, and aluminum siding can crack over time.
- Wood: Wood siding is a broad category, and different types of wood come at different prices with respective pros and cons. All wood siding requires some level of upkeep. Wood siding should be treated around once every five years, but certain weather conditions call for more frequent treatments. As a general rule, hotter climates are harder on wood panels because heat causes wood to expand, which can cause them to warp, swell, and potentially shrink. If you’re looking to save on upfront costs, plywood siding can be as cheap as metal siding and offers a beautiful aesthetic. If you opt for a premium wood, expect to pay more upfront and to treat your siding regularly.
- Vinyl: Vinyl siding is middle-of-the-road in terms of cost relative to other materials, and it offers a stylish look. However, vinyl is a synthetic material that can crack and melt in extreme heat. If you are interested in vinyl siding, speak to an experienced professional to ensure that the material can withstand your local climate.
- Cement: Cement is usually more expensive than metal, vinyl, and wood, but it requires little maintenance and is incredibly durable. Cement is heavy, making it harder and more expensive to install. However, if you are willing to deal with slightly higher costs, cement siding will likely hold up with little to no post-installation maintenance.
- Stone and brick: Stone or brick siding is beautiful and holds up well in extreme climates. Unfortunately, stone siding and brick siding are relatively expensive and require a costly and lengthy installation process. Most people that decide to install stone or brick siding do so because they love the aesthetic and are willing to pay a premium.
Labor Costs to Install Siding
Labor costs for siding installation are often added to the costs of other factors. Most contractors opt for offering their labor at a flat rate presented as part of the price per square foot of siding they install. You should consult with your contractor to determine how much they are charging you for their labor.
Choosing a contractor that offers top-quality work at a fair price is essential. Hiring a contractor that improperly installs your siding is a worst-case scenario, as it will quickly require costly repair/reinstallation. Moreover, if siding is installed improperly, it can fail to adequately protect the inside of your home.
Siding is a critical part of a home’s construction. The right siding can reduce heating and cooling costs, prevent pests from entering your home, and give your house a unique look. The choices that you make relating to your siding can save or cost you money and time. For that reason, it is wise to hire an experienced contractor you feel comfortable consulting with throughout the installation process.
