Residing, or replacing a home’s exterior siding, typically costs $8,000-$24,000 for a 1,500-2,000-square-foot house, with a national midrange near $15,000. The cost to reside a house depends mainly on wall area, siding material, tear-off needs, trim details, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete siding replacement | $6,000 | $15,000 | $35,000+ | House size, material, and scope affect totals |
| Vinyl siding installed | $4 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | Includes typical labor and materials |
| Fiber cement installed | $7 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | $18 per sq ft | Heavier boards and finishing add labor |
| Old siding removal | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | More if hazardous material handling is needed |
What a full house re-siding project usually costs
For a typical one- or two-story home with 1,500-2,000 square feet of exterior wall area, a standard vinyl replacement often totals $8,000-$18,000. Fiber cement commonly reaches $14,000-$30,000, while engineered wood is often $12,000-$25,000. Small homes with simple walls can cost less; large homes, complex architecture, and premium finishes can exceed $35,000.
Installed per-square-foot rates generally include siding, underlayment or house wrap where specified, ordinary trim work, and installation labor. They may not include extensive sheathing repairs, gutter removal, painting, or disposal. Assumptions: U.S. home with sound framing, ordinary access, standard colors, and no major structural repairs. Use exterior wall area, not floor area, to compare estimates accurately.
How siding, labor, and tear-off shape the quote
Contractors may quote one installed rate or itemize the job. A useful estimate identifies whether removal, moisture protection, trim, and disposal are included so competing bids cover the same work.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Siding materials | $2-$10 per sq ft | Vinyl, engineered wood, or fiber cement grade |
| Installation labor | $2-$8 per sq ft | Wall height, layout, and detailing |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$4 per sq ft | Existing layers and local disposal fees |
| House wrap and flashing | $0.50-$2 per sq ft | Existing protection and opening details |
| Trim, corners, and accessories | $500-$3,000 total | Window count, fascia, and finish choices |
Crew labor is often priced by area, but hourly rates commonly run $50-$100 per worker. Confirm the written scope includes water-management details around windows and doors.
Why wall area, stories, and siding material change price
Exterior wall area is the main quantity driver: a home with 2,500 square feet of siding surface may cost 25%-40% more than one with 1,800 square feet, depending on shape and material. Gables, dormers, bay windows, and many corners increase cutting and trim time.
Height can also move the quote. Two-story or steeply pitched access may add roughly 10%-25% compared with a simple one-story layout. Material specs matter too: basic vinyl is usually the least expensive, while thick insulated vinyl can add $1-$3 per square foot. Fiber cement boards often require more handling and cutting. Ask bidders to state measured wall area and material grade, not just the house’s floor size.
Vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood price differences
Vinyl generally costs $4-$12 per square foot installed and does not require routine repainting, though cracked panels may need replacement. Engineered wood is commonly $6-$15 per square foot installed; it has a wood appearance but needs installation and maintenance according to the product specifications.
Fiber cement often runs $7-$18 per square foot installed. It is heavier, and cutting and fastening requirements can raise labor expense; painting may be an added charge if the product is not factory-finished. Natural wood can range from $8-$20 or more per square foot installed, with upkeep and finish costs varying by species and exposure. Compare installed prices alongside finish, upkeep, and repair availability.
Labor time and crew size for siding replacement
A straightforward 1,500-square-foot home may take a crew of three or four workers about 5-10 working days. A larger, two-story home with extensive trim or repairs can take two to three weeks. Weather, delivery delays, and concealed damage can extend the schedule.
Labor cost rises when installers must work around porches, tight property lines, landscaping, or multiple siding layers. Ask whether the bid includes sheathing repairs or prices them separately. If hidden rot is found, replacement sheathing may cost about $2-$5 per square foot of affected area, plus related labor.
Regional siding rates from the Northeast to the South
Labor-heavy metro areas in the Northeast and West Coast can price 10%-25% above a national midrange, while many rural or lower-cost Southern and Midwestern markets may run 5%-15% below it. Local material availability, contractor demand, home access, and code requirements can outweigh broad regional averages.
For example, a $15,000 standard vinyl job might be quoted around $16,500-$18,750 in a high-cost metro, or roughly $12,750-$14,250 in a lower-cost market. Use local written bids rather than adjusting a national estimate as a final budget.
Removal fees, repairs, and extras that raise the total
Removing one layer of old siding often adds $1-$4 per square foot, including ordinary disposal. Additional layers, difficult access, or lead-safe handling for older painted components can raise the charge. Replacing damaged sheathing, house wrap, flashing, or window trim is commonly outside the base installation rate.
Permits may cost roughly $100-$500 where required, but fees and rules vary by municipality. Moving downspouts, disconnecting fixtures, or protecting landscaping can add separate charges. Have the contractor list allowances for concealed damage and specify how change orders are approved.
Ways to lower the re-siding bill without cutting protection
Keep the project to necessary elevations if only one wall is damaged, but check whether new siding can match existing color and profile. Choosing standard-color vinyl or engineered wood instead of custom finishes may reduce material cost. Doing simple access preparation, such as moving patio furniture, can help, but homeowners should leave removal and water-barrier work to qualified installers.
Compare at least three bids using the same measured area, material grade, tear-off scope, trim details, and warranty terms. Schedule outside peak contractor demand when practical, and avoid paying for premium insulation or decorative upgrades unless they solve a specific need. Preserve the flashing and moisture-protection scope when negotiating; omissions can create expensive repairs later.