How To Estimate Home Siding Costs

When you’re ready to put new siding on your home, the cost can vary greatly depending on where you live and the material you pick. You may even decide to do other projects once the old siding is removed, which also affects the cost. Before you start, here’s what you need to know.

Cost of Siding by Material Type

Typical costs for materials, before factoring in labor, include:

Material	Cost
Vinyl siding	$2 – $7
Wood (Cedar, other)	$2 – $21
Metal (Steel, aluminum)	$2 – $4
Stucco	$3-$12
Brick	$6 – $54
Stone (products like Versetta)	$10 – $18
Fiber cement (products like Hardie board)	$3 – $5

The range of prices in the chart represent a review of the siding materials at The Home Depot and Lowe’s, except for stucco, which came from a stucco professional and does include labor.

Costs vary drastically in different regions, even in different markets within the same state. “If your [area’s] cost of living is higher, then your siding is going to be higher,” says Sarah Lechowich, owner of True North Roofing in Minnesota. The age and condition of your home can also affect the cost.

In the Twin Cities area, Lechowich says labor and materials run $20,000 to $30,000 for installing vinyl siding, $40,000 to $80,000 for metal and $40,000 to $70,000 for fiber cement.

The most reliable way to estimate how much re-siding your home will cost, she says, is to call a few contractors and ask for typical prices.

Also, remember material prices have been rising; Lechowich says they went up four times in the first half of 2022. The earlier you research the cost, the more it could change by the time you begin your project.

How To Estimate Siding Cost Per Square Foot

When you call contractors for estimates, they’ll ask for the square footage of your home and how many stories it is, Lechowich says.

For exact measurements, measure the length and height of each exterior wall. Measure gables using the formula for the area of a triangle: Add the base and height of the gable, then divide by two. Leave all windows and doors in your measurements to account for material waste.

Lechowich recommends the Hover app as an easier way to measure your home without getting on a ladder. Take a few pictures of your house and the app will create a digital 3-D model. The app isn’t free, but Lechowich says it’s a safe way to get accurate measurements.

Additional Costs When Siding Your House

While labor and materials for the siding itself are the biggest ticket items, homeowners should factor in other costs, too.

Older homes may need additional work to be brought up to code. Homeowners may want to do other projects while the siding is off, like replacing windows, improving ventilation or adding insulation. Contractors may also find unwanted surprises, like a bug infestation or water damage.

“It’s kind of a Pandora’s box,” Lechowich says. “You don’t know what you’re going to find.”

Here are a few other things to consider:

Energy audit: Lechowich recommends homeowners get an energy audit before replacing their siding. It can help point to projects you should do while your siding is off to improve efficiency.

Updating older homes: Old homes will likely need to be wrapped in plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) before siding can be applied. This can cost $5,000 to $7,000.

Electrical work: Homeowners may want to add outdoor outlets or other electrical updates.

Trash removal: Hauling away old siding and other materials can cost $400 to $1,000, depending on your location.

Water damage: This could cost $500 to $2,000 to fix.

Spray foam: Adding foam insulation can run $3,000 to $5,000.

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