How Much Does It Cost to Side a House? Your 2025 Pricing Guide
Your home’s siding is more than just a pretty face. It’s your first line of defence against rain, wind, and sun. It’s the silent guardian of your home’s structural integrity and a huge driver of its curb appeal. So, when the time comes to replace it, the biggest question on your mind is undoubtedly, “how much does it cost to side a house?”
It’s a deceptively simple question with a complex answer. The final number on your invoice isn’t just about square footage; it’s a story told in the language of material choice, regional labour rates, and the unique architecture of your home. In 2025, with material costs stabilizing but labour remaining a premium, getting a clear picture is more important than ever.
This guide will walk you through every factor that influences the total investment, so you can budget smartly and make confident decisions for your home.
The Short Answer: What’s the Average Cost to Side a House?
Let’s cut to the chase. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, most homeowners can expect the total cost to side a house to fall between $10,000 and $30,000, with a national average hovering around $16,500.
However, that range is massive for a reason. A straightforward vinyl siding installation on a single-story ranch will land on the lower end. A multi-story Victorian with intricate fibber cement details will soar toward the high end—or beyond.
To visualize this broad range, here’s a quick breakdown by material for an average-sized home:
| Siding Material | Average Cost (2,000 sq. ft. home) | Cost per Square Foot (Materials & Labour) |
| Vinyl Siding | $10,000 – $18,000 | $5 – $12 |
| Fibber Cement (James Hardier) | $15,000 – $30,000+ | $8 – $18 |
| Engineered Wood | $12,000 – $25,000 | $7 – $13 |
| Metal Siding (Steel/Aluminium) | $13,000 – $25,000 | $7 – $14 |
| Brick Veneer | $20,000 – $45,000+ | $10 – $25 |
| Natural Wood | $20,000 – $40,000+ | $10 – $20 |
Table: Average cost to side a house by material for a 2,000 sq. ft. home. Prices include professional installation.
Breaking Down the Core Cost Factors
Understanding how much it costs to side a house means looking at the three main pillars of the project: materials, labour, and your home’s specific characteristics.
1. Material Costs: The Biggest Piece of the Puzzle
Your choice of siding material is the single most significant factor determining the final price. It affects not just the initial outlay but also long-term maintenance and durability.
Vinyl Siding: The Budget-Friendly Champion
Vinyl remains America’s most popular siding for a reason. It’s affordable, low-maintenance, and comes in a vast array of colours and styles.
- Cost: $5 – $12 per sq. ft. installed.
- Pros: Low cost, no painting required, easy to install.
- Cons: Can be damaged by impact or extreme heat; lower-end versions can fade over time.
- Bottom Line: The most economical answer to “how much does it cost to side a house?”
Fibber Cement Siding: The Durable Performer
Fibber cement, led by brands like James Hardier, is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to fire, insects, and rot. It beautifully mimics wood grain but requires professional installation.
- Cost: $8 – $18+ per sq. ft. installed.
- Pros: Extremely durable, long lifespan, excellent curb appeal.
- Cons: Higher material and installation costs; requires painting (though pre-finished options are available).
- Bottom Line: A premium choice that significantly increases the cost to side your house but offers fantastic long-term value.
Engineered Wood Siding: The Best of Both Worlds?
Offering the warmth of wood at a more moderate price point, engineered wood is a strong contender. Modern products are more moisture-resistant than their predecessors.
- Cost: $7 – $13 per sq. ft. installed.
- Pros: Authentic wood look, more affordable than natural wood, good durability.
- Cons: Requires painting/staining; can be susceptible to moisture if not properly maintained.
2. Labour Costs: The Price of Expertise
You’re not just paying for materials; you’re paying for skill. Labour typically accounts for 30% to 50% of the total project cost. In 2025, skilled labour is in high demand, and rates vary widely by region. A contractor in a major metropolitan area will charge significantly more than one in a rural town.
A proper installation includes:
- Removal and disposal of old siding.
- Inspection and repair of the underlying sheathing and weather barrier.
- Precise cutting, fitting, and fastening of the new siding.
- Sealing and finishing (like caulking and painting, if needed).
Never choose a contractor based on the lowest bid alone. Proper installation is critical to your siding’s performance and lifespan. A cheap job can lead to costly water damage down the road.
Also Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Reside a House in 2025
3. Your Home’s Size and Architecture
It’s simple math: a larger home requires more materials and more labour, increasing the total cost to side a house. But it’s not just about square footage.
- Height and Stories: A two-story home requires more scaffolding and safety equipment than a single-story home, adding to labour time and cost.
- Complexity: Do you have numerous windows, doors, gables, or corners? Each detail requires precise cutting and fitting, which slows down the installation process. A home with a simple rectangular footprint will always be less expensive to side than a complex one with many angles.
Beyond the Basics: Hidden Costs That Impact Your Budget
When calculating how much it costs to side a house, don’t forget these often-overlooked expenses:
- Permits: Your local municipality may require a building permit, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
- Old Siding Removal: If you have multiple layers of old siding or hazardous materials like asbestos (which requires specialized abatement), removal costs can add $1,000 to $5,000+ to your project.
- Wall Repairs: Once the old siding is off, your contractor may discover rotted wood or damaged sheathing. It’s wise to budget an additional 10-15% for unforeseen repairs.
- Insulation: Adding insulated siding or installing rigid foam insulation underneath your new siding can improve your home’s energy efficiency. This upgrade can add $1 to $3 per square foot but may pay for itself in energy savings over time.
Getting Accurate Quotes: How to Navigate the Process
To truly understand how much it will cost to side your house, you need detailed quotes from reputable contractors.
- Get at Least Three Quotes: This allows you to compare not just prices, but also the scope of work, proposed materials, and your comfort level with the contractor.
- Ask for a Line-Item Breakdown: A good quote will detail material costs, labour costs, cost for removal/disposal, and any potential additional fees.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the contractors are licensed, insured, and have positive reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau.
Is It Worth It? Understanding the Return on Investment
A new siding installation is a significant investment, but it’s also one of the most valuable home improvements you can make. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range fibber cement siding replacement recoups about 88% of its cost at resale, while a vinyl siding replacement recoups about 94%. This means you’ll enjoy a beautiful, protected home now and recoup the vast majority of your investment when you sell.
Conclusion: Your Home, Your Investment
So, How important Does It Cost to Side a House? As we’ve seen, the answer is unique to you. It depends on the materials you fall in love with, the complexity of your home, and the professionals you trust to do the job.
The key is to move beyond a simple price-per-square-foot and think holistically about value, durability, and the long-term protection of your most valuable asset. By understanding all the factors at play, you can confidently navigate the process and make an investment that you’ll be happy with for decades to come.
Ready to take the next step? We’d love to hear from you! Share your siding questions or your own home renovation experiences in the comments below. Or, if you’re ready to get personalized numbers, use our contractor matching service to get free, no-obligation quotes from top-rated siding professionals in your area.
Also Read This: How Much Does It Cost to Side a House
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to side a 1,500 sq. ft. house?
For a 1,500 sq. ft. home, the cost to side a house typically ranges from $7,500 to $22,500. This estimate is a direct scaling down from the 2,000 sq. ft. average. The final price hinges on your material choice. For example, vinyl siding would likely cost between $7,500 and $13,500, while a fibber cement installation could range from $12,000 to $27,000. The best way to determine the precise cost of siding your house is to get a professional measurement and quote.
Can I move my house myself to save money?
While a DIY siding project can save you on labour costs, which account for 30-50% of the total price, it’s generally not recommended for amateurs. Siding installation requires precise techniques to ensure it is watertight and durable. Mistakes can lead to serious water damage, meld, and rot, which would far exceed the initial labour savings. Most manufacturers require professional installation to validate their warranties. Therefore, the true cost to side a house yourself could be much higher if errors occur.
How long does a siding installation typically take?
The timeline depends on the size of your home, the material used, and the crew’s experience. For an average-sized home, most professional siding projects take between 7 and 14 days. Simpler vinyl jobs on a single-story home might be completed in a week, while more complex fibber cement or wood installations on a larger, multi-story home could take two weeks or more. Weather is also a significant factor that can cause delays.
Does new siding improve home insulation and lower energy bills?
Yes, absolutely. New siding itself provides a tighter seal than old, cracked siding. Furthermore, you can opt for insulated siding, which has a layer of foam backing, or add rigid foam insulation beneath any siding type. This upgrade adds to the initial siding installation cost but creates a continuous thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer. Many homeowners see a noticeable reduction in their heating and cooling bills, making it an investment that pays back over time.
What is the most cost-effective siding material in the long term?
“Cost-effective” balances initial price with longevity and maintenance. While vinyl has the lowest upfront cost to side a house, fibber cement is often considered the most cost-effective over a 30-50 year lifespan. Fibber cement is incredibly durable, resistant to rot and pests, and often comes with lengthy warranties (like James Hardee’s 30-year warranty). It doesn’t require the frequent painting or repairs that vinyl or wood might, saving you money on maintenance for decades.
