You've decided it's finally time to replace the fading, warped siding on your home. New siding can really boost your home's curb appeal, protect it from weather, and even reduce energy costs. Siding can also put a dent in your wallet if you don't budget properly. Follow this guide to figure out exactly how much that fresh home siding will set you back.

Determine the Scope of the Project

First, outline the scope of your siding replacement project. Will you side the entire exterior or do you only need to replace a portion? Your siding is a massive part of your house and one of the first pieces people see. Make sure to do extensive research on the project before beginning the process.

Account for Prep Work

While the new home siding itself often takes center stage in the budget, you can't forget about all the prep work involved. That prep work entails thoroughly removing and disposing of warped, damaged siding, fixing any issues with the exterior walls themselves, adding house wrap, and more. Make sure your home siding installation quotes break down both material and labor costs.

Consider Additional Expenses

Beyond just the installation, your new home siding budget needs to include additional anticipated expenses. Will you need to rent any equipment, purchase specialty tools, or take out permits? Existing trim, fascia boards, or gutters may also need replacement when installing new siding.

Pad Your Siding Budget

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst by padding your siding budget by 10% to 20%. Hidden issues often arise when removing old siding, exposure to the weather can cause delays in projects, necessary materials may be scarce, and costs can escalate. Giving yourself this financial buffer prevents you from ending up in a crunch if expenses exceed initial quotes. According to Forbes, the cost to install vinyl siding on a single-story 1,800-square-foot-foot home averages $4,559. This varies depending on the quality of the vinyl siding material installed, which can range from $1 to $8 per square foot.

With proper planning, budgeting doesn't have to be frustrating for your upcoming home siding facelift. Follow these steps, and you'll know just what to expect for this important home project cost before the first nail is hammered in. If you're looking to have new siding installed, call Fortitude Contracting today for an estimate.