How Much to Replace House Siding and Choosing a Trustworthy Contractor
New siding can give your home a fresh look, boosting curb appeal and allowing you to express your style. What’s more, siding improves energy efficiency and enhances protection for your home and its precious contents.
If your siding is old, faded, or damaged, you will wonder about the cost of replacing house siding for a much-needed facelift. Siding replacement is a significant investment, so it pays to understand what goes into the cost of new siding before seeking out quotes.
Factors in Calculating House Siding Cost
The cost of replacing house siding can vary widely depending on the following factors:
Size of House
The size of the home affects all the other elements, including material costs, labor costs, and the cost of additional aspects like window flashing and insulation. Typically, the cost of siding replacement is calculated per square footage. The bigger the house, the more materials you’ll need and the higher the labor cost will be.
Home Design
The shape of your home, the number of stories, and any unique feature incorporated can significantly affect your budget. Homes with multiple stories or unusual shapes require more labor time and more material than would be the case for primary homes with straight lines.
Siding Removal
The current state of your siding will affect the replacement cost. If the old siding is in great disrepair, expect to spend more to have the old siding removed and the exterior surface prepared for new siding. If your current siding is old but in decent shape, your home will require less preparation, which will cost a little less.
The type of siding you currently have on your home will also determine removal costs. You can expect to pay more to remove stone, brick, or stucco.
Type of Siding
The price of the siding material itself primarily influences the overall cost of replacing your house siding. Vinyl is the most cost-effective material, but the replacement cost can increase if you consider additional fixtures such as crown and trim moldings, soffit, and fascia.
Fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl siding. Labor costs can equally escalate because of the weight of fiber cement siding panels. The cost of engineered wood is nearly the same as fiber cement, but labor costs might be lower.
Natural stone and stone veneer siding require specialized masonry skills and extensive installation time, significantly increasing the overall cost.
Siding Quality
There are varying levels of quality within each type of siding material. The quality is determined by the level of design or thickness of the siding material, its durability, and its expected lifespan. Speaking with a siding contractor about the recommended quality for your neighborhood and location is essential.
Siding Style
The siding style of your home gives it depth, texture, and unique character. Square shakes or scalloped shingles have a countryside or historic design, while clapboard and Dutch lap are more traditional. However, if you go for unique shapes and styles, you’ll pay different per-square-foot prices for the complex installation of those styles.
Labor
Labor charges vary based on the market rates in the home’s geographic location and are typically priced hourly or by the job. Labor costs depend on various factors, such as materials, complex home shapes, and the time required to complete the installation. Challenging installations like siding on a second or third floor will attract additional labor costs.
It’s important to ask your contractor how the labor cost is itemized and how weather or material delays affect the price.
How to Choose a Trustworthy Siding Contractor
A siding replacement project is only as good as the siding contractor who does the installation. Poor installation can lead to significant costs and damage to your home. A shoddy or inexperienced contractor can void your warranty at the least and leave the structure of your home exposed to the elements at the worst.
As such, choosing a reliable, experienced siding contractor for your project is important. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Referrals from the People You Know and Online Reviews
Ask your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors for recommendations. If they have yet to work with a siding contractor, rely on online reviews. Pay attention to what customers about the quality of customer service, the type of siding installed, the timeliness of the project, and the cleanliness of the worksite.
Look for a Specialist with Years of Experience
When searching for a trustworthy siding contractor, you want to hire an expert with years of siding projects under their belt. Hiring a handyman or general contractor might be outside your interest.
Find a Locally Owned and Operated Siding Contractor
To avoid fly-by-night companies and other contractor scams, hire a professional with an established history in your community. These contractors value their reputation, and their employees will likely live in town. And if problems crop up after installation, it will be easier to track them down.
Ask About Warranties
Siding from leading manufacturers comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. You’ll want to know the expected lifespan of your new siding and what issues the warranty covers. Also, you want to work with a contractor who offers guarantees on installation and labor.
Here are some important questions to ask siding contractors:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- How long have you been installing siding?
- What brands and types of siding do you use?
- Can you provide a list of references?
- What kinds of warranties do you offer?
- How many workers are in your crew? Do you work with subcontractors?
- How long will the project take?
- What is your policy for solving complaints and grievances?
- What is your payment schedule?
For quality siding replacement in Charleston, Trico Exteriors has got you covered. We will answer any questions regarding the cost of siding replacement, assist you in selecting the right material, and provide superior workmanship. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.