Siding Contractors Near Me: Finding the Right Crew and What New Siding Costs
A complete siding replacement on a 2,000-square-foot home costs $8,000 to $18,000, and where your project lands in that range depends on material choice, the amount of trim work involved, whether old siding needs to be removed first, and the local labor market. Vinyl siding installed by a mid-tier contractor typically runs $6,000 to $12,000 for a full house. Fiber cement (like James Hardie) runs $10,000 to $18,000. Engineered wood runs $9,000 to $16,000. Premium wood runs $15,000 to $30,000 and above.
Siding replacement is one of the home improvement projects where contractor quality matters enormously — more than in many other categories. The best siding materials on the market will fail prematurely if installation is rushed, if moisture barriers are skipped, if trim detail isn't handled correctly, or if water isn't properly directed away from wall penetrations. Finding a contractor who installs correctly matters as much as choosing the right material.
What to Look for in a Siding Contractor
Manufacturer certification is the first filter. James Hardie (the dominant fiber cement manufacturer) has a HardieZone installation program that trains and certifies contractors on their products. LP SmartSide has a similar program. Certified contractors understand the specific requirements for moisture management, fastening schedules, and joint treatment that manufacturer warranties require — and that protect your home. A Hardie installation done by a non-certified contractor may not be eligible for the manufacturer's full warranty coverage.
Licensed and insured is the baseline. Ask for license numbers (and verify them with your state's contractor licensing board) and current certificates of insurance for both general liability and workers' compensation. A crew of workers on scaffolding around your home represents real liability risk if someone is hurt and the contractor doesn't have workers' comp.
Local reputation for the specific material: A contractor who primarily does vinyl siding may not have the same process quality for fiber cement. Ask how many fiber cement projects they've completed in the past year and for references from those projects specifically.
Written, detailed contract: The contract should specify the material brand, specific product line and profile, thickness, color, the moisture barrier product being used, how window and door trim will be handled, and what the warranty coverage is from both the manufacturer and the contractor.
Siding Materials and Cost Comparison
Vinyl siding is the most installed exterior cladding in the US. It doesn't rot, doesn't need painting, and is available in many profiles and colors. The grade matters significantly: cheap thin-gauge vinyl (0.040 inch) looks cheap, dents easily, and fades. Premium thick-wall vinyl (0.046 to 0.050 inch) performs much better. Installed cost for quality vinyl: $5.00 to $9.00 per square foot, or $7,500 to $14,000 for a typical home.
Fiber cement (James Hardie, Allura) is the premium market share leader for good reason: it looks like real wood, doesn't rot, resists impact better than vinyl, and holds paint very well. The tradeoff is higher installation cost (fiber cement is heavy, requires special cutting, and must be nailed with specific fasteners) and the ongoing maintenance of repainting every 10 to 15 years. Installed: $8.00 to $14.00 per square foot, or $12,000 to $22,000 for a typical home.
Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) is another excellent option — resin-treated wood strands that look like real wood, lighter and easier to cut than fiber cement, with manufacturer-backed resistance to moisture and insects. Installed: $7.00 to $12.00 per square foot, or $10,500 to $19,000.
Real wood siding (cedar, redwood, pine) provides the authentic wood look and can be painted or stained to any color. It requires the most maintenance (painting or staining every 5 to 8 years) and is the most expensive. Installed: $10 to $22 per square foot, or $15,000 to $35,000 for a typical home.
Steel and aluminum siding are durable and fire-resistant options that work well in some climates. Steel is stronger than aluminum but both are subject to denting. Installed: $7.00 to $15.00 per square foot.
| Siding Material | Installed Cost (sq ft) | Full Home (2,000 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl (standard) | $5-$8 | $7,500-$12,000 |
| Vinyl (premium) | $7-$10 | $10,500-$16,000 |
| Fiber Cement | $8-$14 | $12,000-$22,000 |
| Engineered Wood | $7-$12 | $10,500-$19,000 |
| Real Wood Cedar | $10-$18 | $15,000-$28,000 |
| Steel | $8-$15 | $12,000-$24,000 |
The Moisture Barrier Matters More Than You Think
Between your home's structural sheathing and the siding goes a moisture management layer — house wrap (like Tyvek or Typar) or a vapor-permeable building paper. This layer is not optional. It prevents bulk water that gets behind the siding (which always happens to some degree) from reaching the structural sheathing and causing rot.
A siding contractor who skips or cheapens the house wrap is setting up your home for future problems that won't show up for 5 to 10 years — at which point the installer is long gone and the problem is yours to pay for. Quality house wrap costs $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot installed as part of a siding project. Never accept a siding quote that doesn't include a proper moisture barrier.
The details around penetrations — windows, doors, electrical outlets, hose bibs, light fixtures — are where water most commonly infiltrates. Every penetration in the siding should be detailed with appropriate flashing tape before the siding is installed around it. Ask any bidding contractor specifically how they handle penetration flashing. Their answer tells you a great deal about their installation quality.
How to Get Free Siding Quotes
Getting multiple quotes from licensed siding contractors is essential for a project this significant. At havequote.com/siding, you can describe your home and siding project and receive free quotes from licensed local contractors. The platform connects you with vetted professionals you can compare — not just on price but on the specific materials, installation approach, and warranty terms each contractor proposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove old siding before installing new siding? Almost always yes for quality installations. Installing new siding over old adds bulk, can create moisture trapping zones, and prevents you from installing fresh house wrap. The main exception is when installing rigid foam insulation board as part of the siding replacement — this process is done over the existing siding in some applications. Get a clear recommendation from your contractor on this.
How long does siding replacement take? A typical whole-house siding project takes 3 to 7 days for the active installation work, depending on home size, material (fiber cement takes longer than vinyl), and crew size. Larger or more complex homes can take up to two weeks.
What does siding replacement do for resale value? Siding replacement consistently ranks among the highest-return exterior improvements. Industry data suggests 70 to 80 percent cost recovery at resale. In markets where outdated or deteriorated siding is a common buyer concern (the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic particularly), a recent siding replacement can dramatically improve first impressions and buyer confidence.
Does new siding qualify for any tax credits? Siding itself doesn't qualify for federal energy efficiency tax credits. However, if you're adding rigid foam insulation board as part of the siding project, the insulation component may qualify under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Confirm eligibility with a tax advisor.
How do I evaluate competing siding bids? Compare the specific product model (not just brand), material thickness, house wrap brand and type, how window and door trim will be finished, what's included in the labor warranty, and how disposal of old material is handled. A bid that skips these details isn't a complete bid yet — ask for them in writing before making any decision.
Find licensed siding contractors and get free quotes at havequote.com/siding — compare your options with detailed bids from vetted local professionals.
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Sandra Okafor has covered the home improvement industry for over 12 years, with a focus on helping homeowners understand contractor pricing, licensing requirements, and project timelines. She holds a certification in residential remodeling and has contributed research to several national contractor trade publications. At HaveQuote, she leads editorial research and cost analysis.