Keep in mind that the cost to buy a box of siding will depend on the brand, prices in your local area and several other factors. Reach out to a pro to get expert advice on what type of siding you should get to stay within your budget. How to estimate siding costs
To estimate the cost of siding, your first step is to calculate the square footage of your home’s exterior (or just the area where you want to install or replace your siding). Measure the width and height of your walls, subtracting area for angled sections, windows and doors. For anything beyond a one-story house, carefully use a ladder to measure accurate heights. Add 10% to the total to account for extra lengths and waste.
When you’ve got the total square footage, you can use that to estimate the total price. You should also reach out to several siding contractors in your local area to get an even more realistic cost estimate. Give the pro the measurements you wrote down and let them know what type of siding you want. How often does siding need to be replaced?
This varies with the type of siding of you have. With vinyl, it should be replaced when it starts to fade or become brittle. Brick should be replaced when it crumbles, and wood siding needs to be replaced when it becomes soft and spongy.
If you’re selling your home and your old siding looks shabby, it’s probably worth painting or staining it. If your siding is starting to chip, rot, crack or fade, it’s probably time to replace it with new siding.
How to save money on siding
Here are a few money-saving strategies if you're about to get new siding:
Get free quotes
Get price quotes from many contractors to find the best price, keeping in mind the pro’s quality of work, too. Ask pros for cost-saving tips
The siding contractors in your area are knowledgeable about the best siding material to use for your home, climate and budget. Don’t be shy — ask them what they recommend so you can stay below your budget.
Don’t sacrifice quality for short-term savings
You may be tempted to buy the cheapest type of siding, but balance this with your long-term goals. If you don’t mind replacing the siding sooner or the house simply needs a face-lift for sale, you may want to choose a less expensive option like vinyl siding. But if you have long-term plans for your house, you may want to choose something that’s more durable, requires less maintenance and has a longer warranty.
Stay on top of maintenance
To help ensure your siding lasts as long as possible, don’t skip basic maintenance tasks. No siding is 100% maintenance-free — you should always clean, inspect and repair your sidingas necessary. For example, use a soft cloth or a bristle brush to clean your vinyl siding. You might be able to use a pressure washer, but check with the manufacturer or ask your siding contractor.