Average Price to Reside a House
The average price to reside a house typically falls between eight thousand five hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars, with whole-home projects averaging roughly thirteen thousand dollars across the United States. Re-siding a home differs from initial new-construction installation because it involves stripping away decades of weathered cladding, inspecting the underlying structural wood sheathing, upgrading moisture barrier wraps, and fitting modern, energy-efficient siding profiles.
The Components of a Full Re-Siding Project
When obtaining estimates to reside your home, reviewing line-item bids ensures you are comparing equivalent scopes of work. A comprehensive re-siding quote encompasses four distinct stages: demolition and disposal of existing cladding, structural wood sheathing repair, weather-resistant barrier (WRB) and flashing installation, and precision fastening of the new siding panels.
Contractors who offer unusually cheap bids frequently cut corners by proposing to reside directly over rotting original wood siding using thin foam fanfold board. Siding over uninspected walls traps moisture inside the wall cavity, encouraging hidden wood decay, structural mold colonization, and carpenter ant infestations that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to remediate later.
The table below provides a complete cost breakdown of each phase involved in a professional residential re-siding overhaul for a standard two-story residence.
| Project Phase | Average Cost Range | Percentage of Total Budget | Critical Quality Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear-Off & Dumpster Disposal | $1,500 to $3,200 | 12% to 18% | Careful removal without window glass damage |
| Sheathing Repair & House Wrap | $1,200 to $2,500 | 10% to 15% | Taped seams, self-adhering window flashings |
| New Siding Materials Delivery | $4,500 to $11,000 | 35% to 45% | Factory-finished color coats, matching trim |
| Installation Labor & Scaffolding | $4,000 to $9,500 | 30% to 40% | Level chalk lines, thermal expansion gaps |
Material Selection: Vinyl vs Composite vs Engineered Wood
Modern re-siding projects offer high-performance engineered materials that outperform legacy wood. Traditional vinyl remains the budget champion, but advanced composite and engineered wood products, such as LP SmartSide, have captured substantial market share. Engineered wood combines wood strands with zinc borate preservatives and water-resistant resins, delivering authentic cedar aesthetics with superior impact resistance against hail.
For homeowners prioritizing maximum fire protection, fiber cement (composed of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers) delivers a Class 1A fire rating that can qualify homeowners for discounts on their hazard insurance premiums in wildfire-prone western states.
The table below compares installation complexity, maintenance intervals, and price ranges across popular re-siding materials.
| Cladding Material | Material & Labor / Sq Ft | Maintenance Cycle | Impact Resistance | Average House Price (1,800 Sq Ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Hollow Vinyl | $4.50 to $7.50 | Annual soap wash | Moderate (Can crack in deep freeze) | $8,100 to $13,500 |
| Insulated Vinyl Cladding | $7.00 to $11.00 | Annual pressure wash | High (Foam backing absorbs blows) | $12,600 to $19,800 |
| Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide) | $8.50 to $13.50 | Repaint every 12 to 15 years | Superior (High hail resistance) | $15,300 to $24,300 |
| Fiber Cement Planks | $9.50 to $15.50 | Repaint every 15 years | Exceptional | $17,100 to $27,900 |
Energy Efficiency Upgrades During Re-Siding
The most advantageous aspect of residing a house is the rare opportunity to dramatically boost exterior thermal insulation. When exterior walls are stripped bare to the framing sheathing, installing continuous rigid foam board insulation (such as expanded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate) creates an unbroken thermal envelope around the home.
Standard residential wall framing suffers from thermal bridging—the continuous loss of heated or conditioned air through wooden wall studs, which constitute roughly twenty-five percent of an exterior wall surface area. Adding continuous R-5 rigid insulation beneath your new siding halts thermal bridging, lowering monthly utility heating and cooling bills by fifteen to twenty percent.
How to Prepare Your Home to Be Re-Sided in 5 Steps
Take these preparatory steps around your home before the installation crew arrives with scaffolding.
Clear the Home Perimeter and Prune Foliage
Trim back tree branches, bushes, and garden shrubs at least five feet away from all exterior walls to provide clear walking space for scaffolding.
Remove Fragile Interior Wall Hangings
Take down picture frames, mirrors, and decorative shelving from inside perimeter walls; heavy hammering on exterior studs will vibrate interior drywall.
Move Outdoor Furniture and Grills
Relocate patio furniture, garden hoses, potted plants, and barbecue grills away from work zones to protect them from falling debris.
Designate Parking and Material Staging
Clear your driveway so contractors have direct access to drop a commercial roll-off dumpster and unload bulk pallets of siding.
Secure Pets and Review Electrical Outlets
Keep pets indoors away from construction noise, and confirm external GFCI electrical outlets are energized for contractor power tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does it cost to remove old siding before residing?
Tear-off and dumpster disposal fees typically run between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on whether the existing material is wood, vinyl, or hazardous asbestos.
Q2: Can I replace siding on just one side of my house?
Yes, homeowners frequently reside the south- or west-facing walls that endure the heaviest weather exposure, though matching older faded siding can be challenging.
Q3: What is the cheapest material to reside a house with?
Standard hollow-back vinyl siding remains the most affordable exterior cladding option, starting around $4.50 to $7.00 per square foot installed.
Q4: How do I know if my house needs to be re-sided?
Warning signs include warped or rotting wood, cracked vinyl, chalking paint, peeling interior wallpaper, and spikes in winter heating bills.
Q5: Do I need a building permit to reside my house?
Most local municipal building departments require a residential permit for full re-siding to ensure compliance with wind and energy code regulations.
Q6: Does residing fix drafty rooms?
Yes, wrapping the exterior sheathing in modern air-barrier house wrap and taped rigid foam insulation seals drafts and air leaks effectively.
Q7: How long does new siding last on a house?
Quality vinyl lasts 25 to 40 years, while fiber cement and engineered wood last 50 or more years when properly installed and maintained.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding average price to reside a house provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.