What 1500 Sq Ft Siding Replacement Really Costs
Replacing the siding on a 1500 square foot home stands as a prominent exterior improvement that boosts both aesthetics and property value. Actual expenses vary based on selected materials, site accessibility, trim complexity, and necessary preparatory tasks before installing fresh panels. This guide provides strategies for project planning, bid evaluation, and precise budgeting to eliminate unexpected costs when equipment and workers arrive on site.
Cost and Planning Guide
Scope of Work
A full siding replacement entails removing existing panels, addressing any sheathing damage, applying a weather-resistant barrier, installing flashing around windows and doors, and securing new panels with matching trim. Crews often examine gutters, soffits, and fascia during the process, which may lead to recommended additional services.
Total Range and Per Square Foot Figures
For a 1500 sq ft wall surface, typical costs break down as follows:
- Vinyl: $6 to $10 per sq ft, totaling $9,000 to $15,000
- Fiber Cement: $8 to $14 per sq ft, totaling $12,000 to $21,000
- Engineered Wood: $8 to $13 per sq ft, totaling $12,000 to $19,500
- Natural Wood: $10 to $18 per sq ft, totaling $15,000 to $27,000
- Metal (Steel or Aluminum): $9 to $16 per sq ft, totaling $13,500 to $24,000
These estimates cover old siding removal, access for a standard two-story structure, and straightforward trim installation.
Cost Drivers
Several elements can adjust the overall expense:
- Removal complexity. Multiple layers or presence of asbestos elevates labor and disposal fees.
- Access and elevation. Confined spaces or sloped terrain necessitate scaffolding or equipment rentals.
- Trim and detail scope. Intricate gables, numerous corners, or bespoke window surrounds extend cutting and assembly efforts.
- Sheathing or framing repairs. Discovery of rot or pest damage under old siding requires extra materials and time.
- Regional labor rates. City locations and peak seasons command higher wages.
Timeline from Bid to Punch List
Project phases typically unfold over several weeks:
- Bidding and selection: 1 to 2 weeks
- Material lead time: 1 to 3 weeks
- On-site removal and prep: 2 to 4 days
- Installation and trim: 3 to 8 days
- Cleanup and walkthrough: 1 day
Delays from weather or required inspections may extend these periods.
Permits, Inspections, and Access
Local authorities generally mandate a basic permit for siding work. Inspectors check the weather barrier and flashing installation prior to panel coverage. Provide unobstructed driveway access and nearby electrical outlets to support crew productivity.
Budget Controls and Change Order Traps
Secure a detailed written contract delineating materials, labor, and provisions for unforeseen repairs. Incorporate a contingency fund for potential sheathing issues to manage change orders effectively. Demand daily updates or photographic documentation to verify discoveries behind existing panels.
Repair vs Replace Guidance
When damage affects fewer than 20 percent of panels and the remainder remains intact, targeted repairs can prolong usability for years. For more extensive issues, complete replacement offers superior reliability and safeguards underlying insulation and framing against water intrusion.
Durability and Safety Brief
Weather Risks
In regions with heavy rainfall, prioritize moisture control through a seamless weather barrier, accurate flashing, and air circulation behind panels to maintain dry sheathing. For areas prone to strong winds, select fasteners engineered for wind resistance in compliance with building codes.
Fire, Moisture, and Impact Performance
- Fiber cement excels in fire and pest resistance.
- Vinyl risks deformation from intense heat sources like nearby flames.
- Wood and engineered wood demand edge sealing to block water ingress.
- Metal siding withstands hail effectively but requires expansion joints to avoid buckling from temperature shifts.
Envelope Details That Prevent Failures
- Apply self-adhering membranes to flash windows and doors.
- Integrate a drainage layer beneath the siding.
- Elevate lower edges at least six inches from ground or deck surfaces.
- Use code-approved caulks for sealing all penetrations, avoiding multipurpose options.
Care Schedule and Safe Cleaning Methods
- Clean vinyl or metal annually using mild soap and water.
- Refresh fiber cement or wood with paint every seven to ten years or upon signs of fading.
- Examine caulk lines each spring and renew deteriorated sections.
- Limit pressure washing to under 1500 psi to avoid damaging finishes.
Warranty Basics and Owner Responsibilities
Siding products typically include limited warranties against defects in manufacturing, excluding installation faults. Retain receipts, product specifications, and contractor details for warranty pursuits. Adhere to care guidelines from manufacturers to preserve coverage validity.
Step-by-Step Project Prep
- Define goals and scope. Determine inclusion of trim, soffit, or insulation enhancements.
- Shortlist contractors. Evaluate no fewer than three certified professionals with proven siding expertise.
- Review samples and mockups. Assess color options under natural light relative to existing roof and windows.
- Confirm schedule and access. Remove plants and relocate patio items prior to crew arrival.
- Track quality milestones. Examine house wrap, flashing, and initial wall sections before proceeding to full installation.
Maintaining Your New Siding for Longevity
Fresh siding alters water runoff and ventilation dynamics on the home. Ensure gutters remain free of debris to direct water away from walls. Maintain a one-foot clearance between plants and siding to deter moisture buildup. After the initial winter, check sealed joints and establish routines for yearly inspections and minor touch-ups.