Having a house resided typically costs $8,000-$50,000, with many standard projects landing near $20,000. The siding material, wall area, removal of old siding, underlying repairs, and local labor rates drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete residing | $8,000 | $20,000 | $50,000 | Typical 1,500-2,200 sq ft of exterior wall area |
| Installed siding | $4 per sq ft | $9 per sq ft | $18 per sq ft | Material and installation; premium products cost more |
| Old siding removal | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | Higher for difficult access or hazardous materials |
Typical residing prices by house size and siding
Most estimates use the exterior wall area, not the home’s floor area. A 1,500-square-foot home may have about 1,200-1,800 square feet of siding surface; a 2,500-square-foot home may have roughly 2,000-3,000 square feet. Roof shape, number of stories, gables, windows, and porches affect the measured area.
For a standard 1,800-square-foot siding area, vinyl often totals $7,200-$21,600 installed, while fiber cement may total $12,600-$27,000. Wood siding can reach $14,400-$32,400, especially with premium boards or detailed trim. A practical midrange budget for a complete, professionally installed project is about $12,000-$30,000.
Assumptions: 1,500-2,200 sq ft of wall surface, standard product grades, ordinary access, and no major structural repairs.
What removal, materials, and labor add to the quote
Quotes may include several separate tasks. Ask whether the price covers old siding removal, house wrap, flashing, trim, cleanup, and disposal; exclusions can make a low bid appear less expensive than the finished project.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Siding material | $2-$10 per sq ft | Vinyl is usually lower; fiber cement and premium wood cost more |
| Installation labor | $2-$8 per sq ft | Stories, corners, trim details, and access |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$4 per sq ft | Layers, debris weight, and disposal requirements |
| House wrap and flashing | $0.50-$2 per sq ft | Extent of replacement and water-management details |
| Rot or sheathing repair | $3-$10 per sq ft repaired | Damage area and framing or moisture problems |
Materials and labor together commonly account for most of the total, but removal and hidden wall repairs can materially change the estimate.
How wall area, siding material, and damage shift prices
Each additional 100 square feet of installed siding adds approximately $400-$1,800, depending on the product and labor complexity. Vinyl is commonly $4-$12 per square foot installed; engineered wood is around $6-$13; fiber cement is about $7-$15; and natural wood often runs $8-$18. These ranges generally exclude extensive wall repairs.
Existing damage is a major uncertainty. Replacing a few damaged sheathing panels may add a few hundred dollars, while widespread rot, moisture intrusion, or framing repairs can add $2,000-$10,000 or more. More than one existing siding layer can also raise removal labor and disposal charges. Have the contractor describe how concealed damage will be priced before work begins.
Two-story walls, steep or obstructed access, intricate gables, and numerous windows require more cutting, setup, or trim work. A steep site or complex design may add 10%-25% compared with a simple, single-story exterior of similar area.
How many labor hours does a siding crew need?
A crew of three or four may need about 5-10 working days for a straightforward, average-size home. Larger houses, layered siding, detailed trim, bad weather, and repairs can extend the schedule to two or three weeks. Project duration affects labor expense, but the contractor’s bid may combine labor into a per-square-foot rate rather than list hourly charges.
For estimating purposes, siding labor may work out to roughly $50-$100 per worker-hour after accounting for crew costs, insurance, and business overhead. Compare the same wall area, removal scope, trim details, and cleanup terms when reviewing labor quotes.
Three house-residing quotes with different scopes
| Example | Scope | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small vinyl project | 1,300 sq ft at $7-$10 per sq ft, basic removal included | $9,100-$13,000 |
| Mid-size fiber cement project | 1,800 sq ft at $10-$15 per sq ft, standard trim and house wrap | $18,000-$27,000 |
| Large wood siding project | 2,600 sq ft at $12-$18 per sq ft, detailed trim and disposal | $31,200-$46,800 |
These examples assume ordinary access and no extensive structural repairs. The stated per-square-foot rates vary with local labor, product grade, and included work; they are not interchangeable bids. Check that each quote uses the same measured siding area and lists comparable materials.
When siding removal and wall repairs cost extra
Removal is often charged separately at $1-$4 per square foot, though some contractors include it in a combined installation rate. Disposal may be included or billed as a dumpster or hauling fee, commonly around $300-$1,000 depending on debris volume and local rates. Asbestos-containing siding requires specialized assessment and handling, which can substantially increase cost.
House wrap, flashing, corner boards, soffit work, and replacement window trim may also appear as add-ons. A full house-wrap installation can add roughly $900-$3,500 for an average project. If damage is suspected, request a written unit price for sheathing or framing repairs rather than relying on an open-ended allowance.
How to lower a residing quote without cutting protection
Choose a siding grade that meets durability and appearance needs without paying for upgrades that do not solve a specific problem. Standard vinyl or engineered wood can cost less than premium fiber cement or custom wood, while still providing a finished exterior when installed correctly. Compare total installed pricing, not material price alone.
Keep the project scope clear: specify whether trim, house wrap, removal, disposal, and cleanup are included. Complete straightforward preparation, such as moving outdoor items, when the contractor approves it; avoid removing siding yourself if it could expose the home to weather or complicate warranty coverage.
Get at least three written estimates based on the same measured area and product specifications. Scheduling outside a contractor’s busiest period may improve availability, though discounts vary by region and weather. Do not save money by omitting flashing, water protection, or necessary repairs that prevent moisture damage.
Why regional labor rates change the final siding price
Labor, disposal rules, and contractor demand create meaningful regional differences. Large metropolitan markets and high-cost coastal areas may run about 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller cities and rural locations can be 5%-15% below it, but limited contractor availability or long travel distances may erase the savings.
Climate and local building requirements can affect product selection and installation details. Wind exposure, heavy rain, freeze-thaw cycles, and wildfire risk may call for specific fastening, underlayment, or material standards. Local permits are often not required for a simple siding replacement, but rules differ; permit or inspection charges, when applicable, may add roughly $100-$500 or more.
Use local written bids as the best price check, and confirm that the specified product and installation method meet local code and manufacturer requirements.