In comparison to other home improvement projects, replacing the siding of a home is fairly inexpensive. Replacing windows and siding at the same time can run anywhere from eight hundred to sixteen hundred dollars. However, while most siding contractors also do other small projects, such as exterior trim installation, it is often best to simply hire a siding installer. The reason being that installing siding is one of the hardest labor-intensive projects a homeowner can undertake. This labor-intensive project involves cutting out the existing siding on a house, pulling it down and then placing new siding over the old siding.
Depending on how extensive an individual’s project will be, the total cost of the project can vary quite a bit. The first thing that you need to do is find siding contractors in your area that offers a reasonable estimate for the labor costs. Not every contractor is going to be quite so reasonable, so shop around for the best overall estimate. Asking friends or neighbors for recommendations can also help to locate a good contractor in your area.
Once you have decided to install new siding over old siding there are many factors that can impact the total cost of the job. The size of the house and its square footage can be one of the biggest influences. Installing vinyl siding over wooden siding for a house with very small square footage could end up being one of the largest expenses. Also, consider the cost of the siding itself. For instance, vinyl is much less expensive than wood siding, which means installing vinyl over wood siding can be cheaper overall. Also, some homeowners prefer the look of aluminum instead of vinyl, which can reduce the cost of installing it as well.
Once you have determined how much siding contractors will charge, you can then do a comparison between the national average cost of siding for such a project and the cost of installing vinyl siding over wood. Remember, the national average cost of such a project should only be used as a rough guide. It can be much more costly to have someone install vinyl over wood, depending on the amount of wood that needs replacing, and other variables. A professional siding contractor may actually have a lower total vinyl cost than a do-it-yourselfer because he or she will have access to more materials and he or she will know exactly what needs to be replaced.
Another factor to consider when determining the cost of siding is the type of siding that is being replaced. New construction siding is generally more expensive than siding that has already been installed because it is newer and will have a better quality of finish. Vinyl siding, however, is generally less expensive than wood siding because it already has a quality finish and is very durable.
One way to save money on the total cost of the project is to choose an easier, low-maintenance option. If there are particular features of the siding that are of particular interest to you (such as hot spots or insect issues), these should be addressed before the installation process is started. There are many reputable siding contractors that will gladly work with customers to create a project plan that meets their specifications and provides the least amount of headache. This can often result in savings of up to fifty percent over the cost of a custom installation. By choosing a style of siding that requires less maintenance, you will not only save money but also a time during the lifetime of your home.
One thing that you may want to consider is opting for exterior siding materials that are slightly more durable and weather-resistant. This can save you some money in the long run because it can make replacement easier in the future if the siding gets damaged. There are also a number of materials that are more cost-effective than others depending on the location and condition of your home.
One of the most expensive materials on the market is wood siding but there are a number of good choices when it comes to color and maintenance. Cedar and redwood are two of the most common choices due to their natural beauty. They are also some of the most difficult to maintain which can work against them in certain climates. Vinyl is also relatively high maintenance, but there are cheaper options such as fiber cement panels. Overall, panel siding costs approximately ten per square foot while vinyl siding costs between eight and ten per square foot.