How Much Does It Cost to Reside a House?

Siding Installation Costs by Type

The material you choose when siding the exterior of your home is the primary cost factor, with some less expensive materials costing $1 to $6 per square foot and others, like stone, costing as much as $7 to $30 per square foot.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding costs $3 to $12 per square foot and is made of two PVC layers extruded and bonded together to form planks. This outer PVC layer is extremely durable while the inner layer keeps costs down by featuring less durability. 

Pros

• Resistant to rot and most insects

• Colors won’t flake and is resistant to fading

• Boasts multiple designs, many resembling other materials 

• Low maintenance, requiring only washing down with a standard garden hose

• Inexpensive to repair

Cons

• Not especially wind-resistant 

• Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures causes bending and cracking

• Susceptible to mold after extended periods of rain

• Vinyl not known for increasing a home’s value

Wood

Wood siding costs $1 to $15 per square foot and offers plenty of character, as wood siding is attractive to many homeowners. Installation and repairs are easy, and wood siding comes in many types to suit various consumers, such as shingles, clapboards, drop siding, vertical boards, and wooden sheet siding.

Pros

• Offers the warm and natural look of wood

• No chemicals used in the manufacturing process 

• Available in many styles and types

• Takes staining and color easily

• Easy installation and repair

Cons

• Requires regular sealing to ensure longevity 

• Susceptible to insects, mold, and rot

• Natural wood isn’t as insulating as other materials

Cedar Shake

Cedar shake siding with shingles costs $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot. This classic material adds an attractive exterior layer to your home with exceptional durability, especially in resisting outside pests and moisture. 

Pros 

• Resists water damage and insect damage

• Contains natural preservatives that kill fungi and bacteria

• Eco-friendly and biodegradable materials 

Cons 

• Requires regular maintenance in line with other wood siding types

• Must be painted or stained every three to five years

• Susceptible to fire damage

Board and Batten

Board and batten siding costs $2.25 to $12.50 per square foot installed. This popular siding type is nicknamed “barn siding” due to its attractive horizontal striped design. Board and batten siding uses strips of narrow wood called battens that alternate in size for a unique look and a durable form factor.

Pros 

• Lengthy lifespan lasting decades

• Versatile with many installation design options

• Low maintenance compared to other siding types

Cons 

• Time and labor-intensive to install

• On the expensive side compared to other types

• Finicky installation, so if not done right, problems later

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is your least expensive option for siding, costing $1 to $6 per square foot. This siding material is strong, lightweight, and easy to install, in addition to being made of actual wood products. Most engineered wood features sawdust and wood “flakes” as primary components. 

Pros

• Easy to install and repair

• Made from reclaimed wood waste, so eco-friendly

• Low-cost option with plenty of style 

• Resistant to rot, increasing lifespan 

Cons

• Requires maintenance in line with actual wood

• Needs regular sealing to prevent issues

• Susceptible to insects and mold

Metal

There are various types of metal siding, each with their own cost ranges. Most metal sidings cost between $3 to $8 per square foot, though there are more expensive outliers, such as copper and zinc, that stretch up to $30 per square foot. Corrugated steel and aluminum siding costs $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on market rates.

Pros

• Immune to many insects, mold, and rot

• Does very well in extreme climates, including coastal conditions

• Most metals have a clean, modern look

• Very low maintenance when compared to other siding types

Cons

• Doesn’t hold paint well

• Some metals like aluminum dent easily

• Some metals like steel rust without proper care

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding installation costs $5 to $14 per square foot. Fiber cement combines sand, cement, and wood/cellulose fibers, offering an extremely durable and fire-resistant siding option. 

Pros

• Lasts for decades or even longer in some cases

• Various design choices available, such as soffits, trim, and fascia

• Resistant to fires 

• Low maintenance, with cracks easily patched

Cons

• Requires professional installation

• Very heavy, about 2 ½ pounds per square foot, which may cause foundation issues

• May crack as the building settles if installed on new construction

Stucco

Stucco siding costs $7 to $9 per square foot, making it a reliable though expensive option for modern homeowners. Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture that stays rigid, increases durability, and offers a unique retro-styled look. 

Pros

• Durable and extremely wind-resistant

• Resists fire, insects, and mold

• Aesthetically appealing, increasing curb appeal

Cons

• On the expensive side, especially when compared to types like vinyl

• Requires regular maintenance

• Develops cracks over time, necessitating sealing and repairs

Brick and Stone

Stone or brick house siding costs $7 to $30 per square foot, depending on type and availability. This siding type offers luxury and extreme durability, but increased costs when compared to other types. There are also many sub-types available, including plain brick, brick veneer, engineered brick panels, and traditional stone. 

Pros

• Very durable

• Naturally insulating

• Luxurious and elegant appearance

• Resistant to fire, rot, mold, and insects

• Virtually maintenance-free

Cons

• Most expensive option

• Very heavy—requires a strong foundation and can strain the joints of your house

• Professional installation required

Liquid Spray On

Liquid spray on siding, or liquid vinyl, is a spray of high-quality PVC polymers and resin used to coat the exterior of a house. Liquid vinyl siding costs $4 to $5 per square foot installed. The material isn’t a siding itself so much as it is a coating for existing siding. As such, it is suitable for any siding surface except for wood.

Pros

• Rich colors and resistant to fading

• Not much maintenance required

• Excellent insulating properties

• Flexible and resistant to cracking

Cons

• Susceptible to mold, depending on the subsurface

• Still untested for longevity

• Requires professional installation

Insulated Siding Installation

Insulated siding refers to an additional material, usually vinyl, with a polystyrene foam backing that adds another protective layer to your siding. This foam adds to the insulating value of the siding and helps resist denting and cracking. Expect additional costs totaling 30% to 50% of your overall project cost to add insulated siding.

Pros

• Provides strength and rigidity

• Increases insulation qualities

• Adds a bit of soundproofing

Cons

• Extremely expensive

• Requires professional installation 

Labor Price to Install Siding

Labor costs $1 to $4per square foot depending on your location and the difficulty of the installation, with an average hourly rate of $40 to $75 per hour. Most contractors include the cost of labor when handing out estimates, but make sure to confirm that as you interview potential candidates for the job. As previously stated, difficult installations, such as laying down siding on a third floor, accrue additional costs.

Typical House Residing Costs

Generally speaking, residing a whole home costs $6,000 to $23,000 depending on the materials you choose. Many homeowners, however, perform siding tasks in stages at various locations throughout the home as needed. Here are some of those costs, along with cost-increasing pitfalls to look out for. 

Remove Siding

It costs $1,000 to $3,000, or $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot, to remove old siding. This price includes labor and dumping fees of $50 to $250. In most cases, you must remove old siding before adding a new layer. This allows you to inspect the cladding, looking for imperfections that could shorten the lifespan of the siding. However, some homeowners install vinyl or metal siding directly over previously installed wood siding. Talk to your contractor and ask if you must remove your siding before any new installation.

Siding and Window Replacement

Replacing both siding and windows at the same time runs anywhere from $8,000 to $40,000. While many siding contractors do other work, inquire about subcontracting the job out to a dedicated window specialist. 

Combining projects could save money in the long run and works to significantly increase your curb appeal. Additionally, adding energy-efficient windows along with new insulating siding increases your home’s overall insulation value. If you decide to hire a separate contractor, here are some costs worth considering. 

• Siding costs $5,000 to $14,050 total

• Window replacement costs $300 to $2,100 per window

• Trim installation costs $1,000 to $3,250

Replace Siding and Roof

Replacing siding and your roof at the same time costs $10,000 to $40,000. Both siding and roofs are susceptible to extreme weather, such as hail, so it behooves many homeowners to replace both simultaneously. Homeowners insurance almost always covers weather damage, which is something worth discussing with your contractor. 

Not many siding experts have the skillset to replace a roof, so you’ll need to hire another professional. Here are the relevant costs. 

• Roof replacement costs $5,650 to $12,000

• Replacing fascia boards and soffits costs $600 to $6,000

• Replacing gutters costs $650 to $1,700 (Tip: Combine this job with fascia board installation to reduce the overall payout).

Siding a Garage

Siding a garage helps insulate your home and increases curb appeal, particularly if your garage faces toward the street. For a typical 20 by 20-foot, two-car detached garage, you’ll pay between $1,500 to $9,500 for a complete siding installation. Take up to 25% off for attached garages, as there is less surface area to side. 

Other Siding Cost Factors

It’s not just parts and labor that make up the budget of the average siding installation job. Here are other cost factors that contribute to estimates provided by contractors. 

New Construction

Siding on new construction costs $2 to $15 per square foot. Typically, it costs less to side a brand new construction than when residing a pre-existing home. There are no accessibility issues (most of the time) and there is no need to remove existing siding materials. Talk to your contractor about what siding types are appropriate for your newly constructed home, as certain materials place a strain on foundations. 

Two-Story House vs. Ranch House

As previously indicated, accessibility impacts the overall project cost. In other words, residing a two-story home costs 15% to 30% more than residing a single-level ranch-style home. Accessing a second level requires extra equipment such as scaffolding, translating to more time spent on labor. 

Permits

Many siding projects necessitate the proper local and state permits for work to begin. These building permits cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on municipal guidelines and the type of work you’re completing. For instance, obtaining a permit to replace a window costs $50 to $200, while getting a permit to replace the roof costs $250 to $500. You may not even need permits for some minor siding projects, so consult your professional siding installer.

How to Estimate Siding Costs

Set a budget ahead of time and stick to it, deciding on materials according to this budget. Vinyl and engineered siding are some of the cheapest options, while stone and brick are more expensive. Also, accessibility matters, so add 20% or so to your budget to account for added labor costs if your home includes difficult-to-reach areas. 

Here are some tips to successfully budget out your siding project:

• Measure the perimeter of your home and multiply this perimeter by the height to figure out the amount of materials needed, as this is your home’s square footage

• Subtract the square footage of any excluded areas such as chimneys, doors, and windows

• Make sure to add any gabled areas throughout the exterior. 

• Some regional differences impact the overall cost, particularly in areas with higher home values. 

DIY Siding Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing siding is not DIY-friendly unless you are experienced with the residing process and its various materials. You’ll save money on labor, but lose out on expertise, which leads to an improper installation. Improperly installed siding features a drastically reduced lifespan when compared to properly installed siding. Also, pros take years to build out successful relationships with materials manufacturers and carry insurance against liability and damage.