Are you thinking about sprucing up your home with new siding? One of your first questions will no doubt be, "How much will this cost?" That's why we put together this Ultimate Homeowe's Guide to explore the options and costs of home siding. Including different materials, how to measure your home, and why also upgrading your trim and soffit can benefit your entire project.

How to measure your home's siding

Measuring Your Home for Siding, Trim, and Soffit

The first step in getting a true estimate is gathering the necessary measurements and determining the square footage of your home's siding, trim, and soffit using the guide below.

  1. Siding: Start by drawing a simple sketch of your home's layout. Then, measure the height and width of each wall and multiply these two numbers to get the area (in square feet) of each wall. Remember to measure the height from the base to the roofline, excluding gable ends.
  2. Gable Ends: Measure gable ends separately by calculating the area of a triangle. Multiply the base of the gable by its height and divide by two.
  3. Trim: To calculate the trim, measure the length around all the features that will require trim, including doors, windows, corners, porch posts, and the junctions where different materials meet. Measure each item individually, then add these measurements together to get the total linear footage.
  4. Soffit: Measure the length and width of all your eaves. Keep in mind that the contractors will also use soffits under structures like porches, balconies, or stairs. So be sure to measure these areas as well.
  5. Subtractions and Additions: From the total siding area, subtract the area occupied by windows and doors. This gives you a more accurate measure of the siding required. Finally, add about 10% to each of your total measurements. This "waste factor" accounts for cutting errors, breakage, or minor miscalculations.

Siding Budget Checklist

Before embarking on your siding, trim, and soffit replacement project, ensure you have considered the following.

  1. Material selection: Analyze the pros and cons of each material in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
  2. Accurate measurement: Properly measure your home, considering different stories and architectural features, and remember the waste factor.
  3. Concurrent replacement: Understand the benefits of replacing siding, trim, and soffit at the same time.
  4. In-depth cost breakdown: Account for labor, removal, and Disposal, additional materials, and permit costs in your budget.
New siding costs

The Impact Of Materials

The material you choose will impact everything from cost to durability and visual appeal.

Vinyl: Affordable and versatile, ranging from $7-$15 per sq ft for siding, depending on grade and style. Vinyl soffit and trim run about $4-$6 per linear foot and $8-$12 per sq ft.

Wood: Wood is a premium option, providing timeless appeal. Siding prices range from $10 to $30 per square foot, while trim and soffit can run between $10-$20 per square foot and $5-$10 per linear foot.

Fiber Cement: This durable option replicates the look of wood but requires less maintenance. Fiber cement siding costs between $18 and $26 per square foot, with trim and soffit costing around $3-$6 per linear foot and $6-$12 per square foot.

Metal: Durable and recyclable, metal siding often falls into a moderate price range. The low-end metal siding starts at $5 per square foot, and high-end metal products can run as high as $23 per sq ft. Metal trim and soffit $5-$18 per square foot and $3-$9 per linear foot.

Stone or Stone Veneer: Exudes luxury. Natural stone is the most costly siding material; stone veneer is a more affordable alternative. Stonework runs between $56-$85 per square foot. The capstones and trim stones fall between $30 and $42 per linear foot.

Upgrading soffit and trim with new siding

Why Upgrade Trim and Soffit with Your Siding?

Aesthetic Consistency: Your home's exterior will have a uniform, contemporary look. This also lets you choose trim and soffit that complement your new siding.

Cost and Labor Efficiency: Save labor costs by having all work done simultaneously. This also means a shorter period of construction, resulting in less disruption for your family and home.

Protective Measures: Updated trim and soffit enhance protection against potential damage. Trim effectively seals gaps around windows and doors that might otherwise allow water infiltration. Soffit ventilation prevents moisture buildup in your attic, discouraging mold growth and extending the life of your roofing materials.

Siding partial install

Additional Cost Factors

Labor: The complexity of the project influences labor costs. Installation of vinyl or aluminum siding generally requires less expertise and is, therefore, less expensive than installing brick or stone.

Removal and Disposal: The cost of removing and disposing of old materials depends on the amount and type of material you want to replace. More durable materials like brick and stone are heavier and may be more expensive to dispose of than vinyl or wood.

Additional Materials: Remember the smaller items. Nails, caulk, house wrap, and insulation all add to the overall cost. Some types of siding may also require special fasteners or trim pieces.

Permits: Your local regulations may require permits for siding replacement, especially for larger projects or homes in historic districts. Be sure to factor this into your budget.

Repairing damaged siding

Comparing Costs: Repair Vs. Replacement

Understanding the costs involved in repairing and replacing siding, trim, and soffit is crucial to making an informed decision about your home's renovation.

Repair Costs

Siding: Repairing damaged siding, such as a cracked vinyl panel or a warped wood board, is generally cheaper than replacing the entire exterior. Costs vary widely based on material and the extent of the damage but expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000 on average for siding repair.

Trim: Repairing trim is usually less expensive than replacing it, especially if the damage is localized. However, the cost can rise significantly if extensive carpentry work is needed. Expect trim repair to range from $800 to $2,100.

Soffit: Soffit repair costs vary depending on the level of accessibility and the extent of damage. Typically, repairing soffit can cost between $400 and $1,600.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Future Repairs: If your siding, trim, or soffit is frequently needing repairs, the cumulative cost over time may outweigh the cost of replacement.

Home Value: New siding, trim, and soffit can significantly increase your home's value, potentially offering a good return on investment if you plan to sell your home.

Energy Efficiency: Newer materials often offer better insulation and energy efficiency, saving you money on energy bills in the long term.

Aesthetics: Replacing your siding, trim, and soffit allows you to update the look of your home and improve curb appeal.


Siding, trim, and soffit replacement costs are influenced by many factors, from material choice to accurate measurements, labor costs, and more. Comprehensive research can lead to a precise estimate that guides budgeting and planning. Always seek multiple professional quotes and consider long-term benefits and ROI when choosing materials. With proper planning, your exterior renovation can boost your home's appeal, value, and resilience against the elements.


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