How Much Does It Cost to Reside a House?

Changing your home’s siding is a big decision, a bit like giving your house a fresh coat that keeps it strong, warm, and looking great. Siding is what stands between your family and the wind, rain, sun, and snow. Over time, though, siding can wear out—maybe you spot cracks, fading, or even wood that’s starting to rot. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to reside a house?

What’s the Average Cost to Reside a House?

Let’s look at some numbers. In most places in the U.S., putting new siding on a house costs anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. This depends mainly on the size of your house and the material you pick. For example, a small, one-story home covered in basic vinyl siding may only cost around five or six thousand dollars. On the other hand, if you have a big, two-story place and you want fancy siding, you could easily pay $20,000 or more.

You’ll hear contractors talk about “squares”—just know that one square is 100 square feet of siding.

Main Things That Affect the Price

Here are the biggest things that will change how much you’ll pay:

• Size and Shape of Your House: More wall area means more siding. Homes with lots of corners, windows, or decorations will take more time and material.
• Siding Material: Vinyl is the least expensive. Materials like brick, fancy wood, and stone cost the most.
• Labor Costs: How much your contractor charges. This depends on where you live and how hard the job is.
• Tearing Off Old Siding: If your old siding needs to come off, you’ll pay for that too, usually another $1,000 to $3,000.
• Repairs: Sometimes, the wood underneath is damaged and needs fixing before new siding goes on. If so, that will add extra costs.

Comparing Siding Types: Vinyl, Wood, and More

The type of siding you pick will make a big difference in the final price. Here are some common types and what you can expect for each:

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is the most popular option in the U.S., for good reasons—it’s affordable, easy to take care of, and lasts a long time.

• Average Cost: $4 to $12 for every square foot, installed.
• Upsides: Cheaper, comes in many colors, no need to paint.
• Downsides: Can crack in very cold places, color may fade in the sun, doesn’t look as high-end as real wood.

If you want the cheapest siding for your house, basic vinyl is usually the way to go.

Wood Siding

If you love a classic look, wood can be beautiful. Choices include cedar, pine, and redwood.

• Average Cost: $7 to $15 per square foot, installed.
• Upsides: Timeless style, you can paint or stain it any color.
• Downsides: Needs regular care (painting or staining), can attract bugs or rot if not cared for well.

Wood siding looks great but be ready for more regular upkeep.

Fiber Cement Siding

This siding is made from cement, sand, and fibers, making it tough and weather-resistant.

• Average Cost: $6 to $14 per square foot.
• Upsides: Durable, won’t burn, rot, or get eaten by bugs—can also be made to look like wood or stucco.
• Downsides: It’s heavy and must be installed by pros, needs to be repainted every 10-15 years.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum used to be very popular and is still found in some homes.

• Average Cost: $5 to $10 per square foot.
• Upsides: Light, rust-proof, and fire-resistant.
• Downsides: Dents easily, color fades or looks chalky after a while.

Brick or Stone Veneer

This is a premium choice that gives your house a tough, long-lasting finish.

• Average Cost: $10 to $30+ per square foot.
• Upsides: Looks great, lasts almost forever, very low maintenance.
• Downsides: Expensive, needs expert installers.

Budget Tip: While vinyl is almost always the cheapest, remember to think about maintenance over time—sometimes a more expensive material lasts longer with less work.

Labor Costs: What to Expect

Paying for materials is only half the story. Labor—what you pay skilled workers to install your siding—is a big piece too, often about 40-50% of your total cost.

If your house is simple in shape and only one story, labor is more affordable. Homes with more details or shapes cost more because there are more cuts and measurements. Always ask for quotes from at least three companies you trust, so you know you’re getting a fair deal.

Doing It Yourself—Can It Really Save You Money?

Yes, you can save thousands of dollars by installing siding on your own—if you have the right skills, tools, and lots of spare time. Vinyl and wood are easiest for most people to try.

But siding isn’t a weekend project. Installing it wrong can let water get into your house, and may even void warranties. Mistakes can mean mold, rot, or big repairs later. Most homeowners find that peace of mind with a professional is worth the extra cost.

Other Costs You Might Not Expect

Sometimes, there are surprises when you start a siding job. Here are some extra costs to budget for:

• Structural Repairs: If there’s rotten or damaged wood underneath your old siding, it must be fixed.
• Permits: You may need a permit from your city or town, which costs a few hundred dollars.
• Extra Pieces: Window trim, soffits, and fascia are sometimes not included in your main quote.
• Hauling Away Old Siding: Disposing of the old materials also comes with a cost.

Wrapping Up: Investing in Your Home

Residing your house is a big spend, but it often pays for itself with better looks, higher home value, and better protection from the weather down the road. Think through your options carefully—pick materials that fit your style and budget, then get several quotes before making a decision.

Key Takeaways:

• Typical Cost: Most projects run from $5,000 to $15,000, but bigger houses or fancy materials cost more.
• Material Matters: Vinyl is usually cheapest; wood, fiber cement, brick, and stone are pricier but have other benefits.
• Labor Adds Up: Nearly half what you pay goes to skilled workers—shop around for good contractors.
• Expect the Unexpected: Have a buffer for repairs, permits, and other extras.
• DIY? Think Twice: It’s doable, but mistakes are costly. Most people are better off with experienced installers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to reside a 2-story house?
It costs more, because there’s more wall area and it’s harder to work up high. As a rough guide, a 2,500 sq ft two-story house could run $12,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the siding you pick.

2. What’s a “square” of siding?
A “square” is just 100 square feet of siding, a standard way for contractors to measure and price the job.3. Is it cheaper to paint or reside my house?
Painting is cheaper at first, but if your old siding is damaged, painting won’t fix it for long. New siding is a bigger upfront cost but lasts a lot longer and protects your house better, which can save money over time.

Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Side a House? A Real-World Guide