Replacing aluminum siding with vinyl typically costs $10,000-$24,000 for a 1,500-square-foot siding area, with an average project near $16,500. The final price depends mainly on wall area, aluminum removal, vinyl grade, trim work, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed vinyl siding | $7,500 | $13,500 | $21,000 | About $5-$14 per sq ft, including installation |
| Aluminum removal and disposal | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,250 | About $1-$3.50 per sq ft |
| Trim, house wrap, and repairs | $500 | $1,500 | $4,000 | Depends on openings and concealed damage |
| Typical project total | $9,500 | $16,500 | $29,000 | 1,500 sq ft of siding area |
What a 1,500-square-foot siding replacement usually costs
For a straightforward job, homeowners commonly pay $7-$16 per square foot for vinyl siding installed over a home after existing aluminum is removed. At 1,500 square feet, that works out to about $10,500-$24,000; an average-quality product and normal access often land near $16,500.
These figures assume standard vinyl panels, ordinary wall heights, removal of one aluminum layer, and no major sheathing replacement. Premium insulated vinyl or intricate architectural trim can push the total above $25,000. Assumptions: 1,500 square feet of exterior wall area, standard-grade materials, and typical U.S. labor rates.
For a typical home, budget about $11,000-$24,000 before unexpected wall repairs. Siding area means the exterior wall surface being covered, not the home’s interior floor area.
How removal, labor, and vinyl materials shape the quote
Contractors may combine work into one installed rate or list each part separately. A written quote should specify whether it includes tear-off, disposal, weather barrier, trim, and cleanup.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl panels and trim | $2-$7 per sq ft | Panel thickness, style, color, and accessories |
| Installation labor | $3-$7 per sq ft | Wall height, corners, openings, and crew access |
| Aluminum tear-off | $1-$2.50 per sq ft | Fasteners, layers, and removal difficulty |
| Disposal and hauling | $300-$1,200 per project | Load size, local dump fees, and hauling distance |
| House wrap and minor repairs | $0.50-$2.50 per sq ft | Barrier condition and exposed sheathing damage |
Labor alone can represent several thousand dollars on a full exterior. For estimating, a crew might spend 80-140 labor hours on a 1,500-square-foot job, depending on details and site access.
Ask whether the quoted per-square-foot rate includes both aluminum removal and disposal. A low installation rate can exclude those charges, making two bids difficult to compare.
Wall height, panel grade, and hidden damage change the price
Wall area is the first major variable: a 1,000-square-foot siding job may cost roughly $7,000-$16,000, while 2,000 square feet can reach $14,000-$32,000 at similar specifications. Gables, dormers, and multiple stories add cutting and setup time even when the measured area is unchanged.
Standard vinyl panels often cost less than insulated products. Insulated vinyl can add about $2-$5 per square foot of siding area, depending on thickness and brand. Thicker panels, premium colors, and shake-style accents also raise material and installation costs.
Old aluminum may hide deteriorated sheathing or moisture damage. Replacing sheathing can add around $2-$5 per square foot of affected wall, while repairing framing or flashing is priced by the extent of damage. Windows, doors, and corners also affect trim labor; numerous openings or complex trim can add $500-$2,500.
Use the measured wall area and product specification—not home floor area—to compare estimates. Quotes should identify panel type, trim scope, and the rate for replacing damaged substrate.
Choose removal and vinyl upgrades carefully to control spending
Removing aluminum before installing vinyl is the clearest way to expose the wall for inspection and install a new weather barrier. Some contractors offer siding-over-siding installation, but it can conceal damage and may complicate trim details; any savings should be weighed against the condition of the existing wall and local code requirements.
Standard double-4-inch vinyl is generally less expensive than insulated or decorative profiles. Keeping the same basic layout, limiting color changes, and retaining sound trim can reduce labor. Homeowners can also move patio furniture and clear access around the house, but contractors should handle work at height and any siding removal that risks damaging the weather barrier.
Set the panel grade and included tear-off before approving upgrades. Compare at least three written bids using the same wall area, product type, removal scope, and repair allowance.
Regional labor rates can shift the installed siding price
Labor and disposal costs vary by market. Dense Northeast and West Coast metros may run 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate, while some rural Midwest and Southern areas may be 5%-15% below it. These are broad comparisons, not guaranteed regional rates; local contractor availability and home access can outweigh the regional average.
In colder regions, contractors may account for seasonal scheduling and weather delays. Coastal markets can have added requirements for wind resistance or moisture control, while local building codes may affect fastening or underlayment details. Ask whether a quote includes required permits and inspection fees; when required, these commonly add $100-$500, though local charges vary.
Get local bids for the same written scope because regional percentages are only a budgeting starting point. Confirm whether taxes, permits, and disposal fees are included or billed separately.
How long aluminum tear-off and vinyl installation take
A typical 1,500-square-foot exterior may take a three-person crew about 5-10 working days, including removal, minor prep, installation, and cleanup. A single-story home with open access can be faster; multiple stories, intricate gables, or significant repairs can extend the schedule.
Some contractors charge a minimum project fee, often $1,000-$2,500, for smaller siding jobs. Rush scheduling may carry an added charge, while flexible timing can make it easier to coordinate delivery and crew availability. The estimate should state how weather delays and uncovered-wall protection will be handled.
Ask for the expected workdays and crew size as well as the start date. A longer schedule can indicate complex detailing or repairs, but it is not by itself proof of a higher total price.
Three replacement quotes show how scope changes totals
A 1,000-square-foot ranch with standard panels, easy access, and basic aluminum disposal might cost $8,500-$12,000. This assumes minor prep and roughly 55-85 labor hours; the effective total is about $8.50-$12 per square foot.
A 1,500-square-foot two-story home with standard vinyl, house wrap, and ordinary trim may come to $14,000-$20,000. A crew could spend about 90-130 labor hours, with removal and disposal included; the total averages roughly $9.30-$13.35 per square foot.
A 2,000-square-foot home with insulated vinyl, complex gables, and some sheathing repair might reach $24,000-$34,000. The effective price is about $12-$17 per square foot, reflecting upgraded materials, more cuts, and repair work.
Compare totals only after adjusting each example for wall area, panel grade, and repair allowances. These scenarios are estimates, not fixed national prices.