How much does it cost to replace siding on a house?

If you’ve noticed peeling paint or mildew growth along your home’s exterior walls, it might be time to replace your home’s siding. Siding replacement can be one of the most expensive home improvement projects to complete. 

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The average cost to replace siding on a house is about $11,500. Siding projects usually cost between $5,500 and $17,500. Most siding projects are priced at $10 per square foot but vary based on the price of the materials. In this article, we’ll discuss how much it costs to replace siding, factors that impact cost, and how to save on siding replacement.

Factors that impact the cost of replacing siding

The cost of replacing siding on a house depends on several factors, such as home size, siding materials, property location, and whether or not old siding needs to be removed.  

Home size and design

Replacing the siding on a larger home is generally more expensive than on smaller homes. Homes with multiple stories or complex features, such as unusual roofs or cascading exteriors, require more materials and labor. Replacing siding on a two-story home is usually 15—30% more expensive than on a single-story home. 

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Here’s the average cost of replacing siding on a home by square footage:

• 1,000 sq. ft: $1,000—$13,500
• 1,500 sq. ft: $1,500—$20,250
• 2,000 sq. ft: $2,000—$27,000
• 2,500 sq. ft: $2,500—$33,750
• 3,000 sq. ft: $3,000—$40,500

Material and styles

Siding options come in a variety of materials and styles. Some of the most commonly installed materials are vinyl, aluminum, and fiber cement siding. 

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Vinyl is a popular choice among homeowners because it’s affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Aluminum siding isn’t as durable as vinyl, but it is rust-resistant and easy to clean. Fiber cement is extremely durable, fire-resistant, and can mimic the look of wood or masonry. 

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The type of siding you install will ultimately depend on your budget, style preferences, and the weather conditions in your area. Not all siding materials perform well in extreme weather. Natural wood siding, for example, is susceptible to snow and ice damage, making it a poor choice for homeowners in the Northeast.

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Durability is another important factor, especially if you plan to stay in your home for a long time or keep the property in your family. Here are a few siding material options organized by lifespans:

20-40 years

• Engineered wood: $1—$6 per square foot
• Wood siding: $1—$15 per square foot
• Aluminum siding: $3—$6 per square foot
• Vinyl siding: $3—$12 per square foot

50 years, or more

• Stucco: $7—$9 per square foot
• Steel: $4—$16 per square foot
• Fiber cement: $5—$14 per square foot

70-100 years

• Brick veneer: $3—$10 per square foot
• Brick siding: $10—$20 per square foot
• Stone siding: $7—$30 per square foot

Location

In addition to weather conditions, your home’s location will also impact the price of labor and shipping costs. If you want to install a siding material that’s not readily available in your area, you’ll have to order the materials in advance and pay to have them shipped. 

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Since vinyl does well in cold temperatures, it’s easily available in the northern part of the U.S. However, vinyl cracks and warps in the extreme heat, which makes it difficult to find in the South. The price of labor in general is also higher in the north than it is in the south. 

Here are the average price ranges for siding projects in popular U.S. cities: 

• Boston, MA: $9,800—$24,300
• New York City, NY: $8,300—$20,500
• Des Moines, IA: $7,600—$12,900
• Denver, CO: $7,000—$19,200
• Chicago, IL: $6,700—$18,700
• Los Angeles, CA: $3,200—$10,100
• Miami, FL: $1,800—$6,300

Old siding removal

Lastly, removing old siding can also impact siding project costs. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500 for siding removal. If your home’s siding has substantial chipping, bubbling, or mold, you may have no choice but to remove it. This is because additional labor and disposal would be required before proper installation could begin.

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If your siding isn’t in terrible condition, you may be able to place the new siding over your existing siding. Vinyl and aluminum can easily be installed over different types of siding. However, other materials, such as wood and fiber cement, require a clean base for installation. 

Siding installation DIY vs. hiring a pro

Siding professionals typically charge $1 to $4 per square foot to replace siding on a home. Let’s assume replacing the siding on your home costs $12,000. Instead of hiring a siding company, you could DIY and potentially save $3,600—$6,000. 

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However, if you’ve never completed a DIY home project before, a siding replacement may be a difficult place to start. Siding replacements require a considerable amount of time, skills, and heavy lifting. Poor installation can cause significant moisture damage in the future—leading to costly repairs. 

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DIY siding projects often require homeowners to invest in tools and sometimes, permits. This can reduce your savings and extend project timelines. Depending on the materials you choose to install, DIY may not be possible without breaking your warranty. Be sure to check your siding material’s warranty and local building codes before getting started.

How to save on siding installation costs

The cost to replace siding on your home may come as a surprise, especially if you weren’t aware of the damage sustained over the years. If you’re looking to reduce the cost of replacement, consider the following tips:

Shop around

Gather quotes from multiple siding companies to compare prices and choice of materials. The more quotes you obtain, the easier it will be to negotiate a fair price. Some siding companies may have a wider selection of materials. Ask for a quote for each material you’re interested in from multiple siding companies. 

DIY as much as possible

Doing at least part of the siding project yourself can help reduce costs. Removing and replacing siding can be tedious. If you can remove water-damaged siding from your home yourself, your contractor might be able to offer you a discount. Ask your siding company for an adjusted quote that excludes siding removal.

Explore energy savings

Installing insulated siding or rigid board insulation beneath your new siding can also save you money. While an energy-efficient solution may be more expensive upfront, you could end up saving more money in the long run via reduced energy costs or even potential tax breaks. Check with your local and state governments to see if there are any tax incentives given to homeowners who complete energy-efficient renovations.

Hire off-season

Lastly, consider hiring siding contractors in the off-season, which is typically early spring or fall. Contractors may be less busy and more willing to charge lower labor costs at these times of the year. 

Financing options to install new siding

When you’re ready to begin your renovation, explore:

• Home improvement loans: Single lump sum payout with fixed monthly payments. Interest rates may be higher than home equity options.
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOC): A revolving credit line based on your home's equity. You borrow only what you need and repay during the draw and repayment periods. Interest rates are typically lower, but your home is used as collateral.
• Home equity loans: A lump sum loan with fixed monthly payments secured by your home's equity.
• Home equity investments: Single lump sum payout in exchange for a share of your home's future appreciation. No monthly payments; rather, repay the investment anytime during a flexible 30-year term.
• Credit cards: Using a credit card may work for smaller projects, especially if you can take advantage of a 0% interest promotional period. However, high interest rates after the promotional period can add to the cost.

Final thoughts on siding replacement costs

Replacing the siding on your home can be an expensive project. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce project costs by hiring during off-seasons, implementing energy savings, and DIYing parts of the project. You might also be able to save money by choosing less expensive materials. However, there are some costs you won’t be able to mitigate as much, such as the average price of labor in your area or the size of your house.

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Pay for your siding replacement project with a Home Equity Investment from Point. Borrowers don’t need to go through excessive credit evaluations or make monthly payments. Explore Point’s HEIs here.

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