Is it time to get replacement siding for your home? New siding can improve the look of your home and enjoyment of it, better protect it from the extremes of weather, and even add to your home’s resale value.
But the calculation of whether it’s time to tackle a siding project should include the right budget calculations, determining how much you need to spend.
What Replacement Siding Materials Do You Want to Use?
You can choose from hundreds of siding materials in a variety of colors, materials, and prices. The type of siding you use will be a big determining factor in how much you spend.
Do you want vinyl, steel, wood or a fiber-cement solution for your siding project? At Iron River Construction, we recommend James Hardie Siding to many customers. This fiber cement siding product is ideal for homes in Minneapolis and Minnesota in general, with a 30-year non-prorated, transferable, limited warranty.
How Much Will New Siding Cost?
Besides the cost of the materials, other factors to consider in a siding project are:
- The size and condition of your house
- The scope of your project
- The services of the siding contractor
- And the amount of preparation work (such as fixing dry rot or bug damage)
Do as much research as you can and speak to your siding contractor about the work and all costs involved. A good siding contractor is transparent and will give you good value for your hard-earned money.
And Then There’s Labor
Generally speaking, materials account for 50 to 75% of a siding project and labor covers the rest. A good, reliable siding contractor usually charges by the project, not by the hour. Usually, more expensive siding materials come with higher labor costs.
To ensure your budget is understood and followed by the contractor, it’s a good idea to include it and any costs in your contract. This will help the two of you stay on the same page as far as the project costs.
Make Sure You Have a Contingency Fund
Even with a good budget and contract, it’s advisable to have a contingency fund for your replacement siding – up to 20% of the project cost for emergencies. Taking down old siding can reveal hidden problems, such as structural damage or a lack of insulation. It’s good to fix these problems during the replacement siding process, to avoid even greater costs down the road.
Serving Minneapolis, Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota, Iron River Construction can help you get home siding that sticks to the budget, and delivers great aesthetics and durable performance in the same package. Schedule a free siding consultation today.
