Why Is Replacing My Home Siding Replacement So Expensive? 4 Factors That Influence Cost

“How much does it cost to replace my home siding,” you enter into the web browser search bar. 

While you’re checking out many different articles and videos that give you a wide range of prices starting from $12,000 up to $70,000, you’re probably wondering why there is such a large range. 

It’s true, replacing your home siding is a large investment, no matter if you choose the cheapest product on the market or not.

When you’re outlining your budget for your siding project, you might be wondering, “how do I know how much I should pay?” Well, your budget for your project all comes down to what you want to get out of it. 

As you might expect, cost and quality are directly related in the home remodeling industry. 

If you know you want a siding solution that is going to last a lifetime on your home, then it is going to cost more. But why are some more expensive than others? Keep reading, and we’ll answer that for you. 

Southwest Exteriors has been a siding replacement contractor in San Antonio since 1989. We offer James Hardie fiber cement siding and products because they are the best on the market for their durability and longevity. 

James Hardie is the leading fiber cement manufacturer in North America. Now, because Hardie siding is the best available, it is more expensive than other types of siding. On top of that, the expertise needed to install Hardie siding correctly adds to the overall cost of a siding replacement project. 

We know that we are not the least expensive contractor on the market. But, we want you to understand why we may be more expensive than other contractors you’ve talked to. 

In this article, we will outline five factors that influence the cost of your project, like the quality of service, products, and installation.

After reading, you will understand why a high-quality siding replacement is more expensive. 

*Disclaimer: This article is speaking on Southwest Exteriors processes and experiences. While our processes may overlap with other contractors’ practices, we are speaking mainly from our experience in pricing. 

1. Meticulous inspection of the project area adds to the cost 

Once you’re ready to get started on your project, the first thing that must happen is a full inspection of your siding and surrounding areas. 

This is the first step to guarantee a high-quality siding replacement. 

During this inspection, a project manager will closely look at the condition of your current siding, soffit, fascia, near the roofing, and other seams around your home to determine if there are any compromising areas. 

Rot is common in fascia and soffit and can also occur around window and door frames. If any rot is not found and addressed before siding construction, it could set back the timeline of your project as well as cause you stress. 

The project manager will also check for any other damage that could cause problems with the siding construction, like around the foundation and underlying frame.

Why is a thorough inspection important for a high-quality siding replacement? 

Having your home thoroughly inspected before any construction begins ensures that any underlying issues, like rot or damage, can be addressed before any siding is ripped off. 

If an inspection is not performed before construction begins and any problems are found underneath your existing siding, this can halt construction for an unknown amount of time and ultimately disrupt your project. 

2. Collaboration between a contractor and client versus dictation on all aspects of your project adds to the cost

When you meet with a contractor, the last thing you want is to be told what to do and have everything chosen for you. 

A high-quality contractor will act as a guide for you to help you make the best decisions for your project. However, they are aware that you are in control, and this is your project, not theirs. 

With Southwest Exteriors, for example, we promise to educate you on all the products we offer and our processes, from initial and final inspections through installation. We operate through collaboration, not dictation. 

One aspect of your siding project that requires expert opinion is whether your existing siding will need to be completely torn off, partially torn off, used as substrate. If your current siding is in great condition, the new siding can sometimes be installed on top. 

This will save you money on your overall project, and a high-quality contractor won't upcharge you for things you don't need. A contractor who is dictating rather than collaborating may tell you the siding needs to be ripped off completely, even though it could be used as substrate. This is a sign of a contractor only working for the profit, not for the client. 

You want to be in the driver’s seat for your project. A high-quality contractor will offer what they recommend but will never force any product on you. 

Why is collaboration so important on a home siding replacement?

Sometimes, a low-quality contractor may try to take advantage of you and dictate the decisions for your project. While they may manipulate your project to increase the cost so that it profits them, it will not guarantee a high-quality siding replacement just because it costs more. 

This is why it is so important to know what to look for in a contractor and the right questions to ask when meeting with a contractor. Then, you can choose a contractor you trust with your home and one that will meet your needs and goals in budget. 

3. Installation, labor, and materials supplied by the contractor can add to the cost 

Another reason why a siding replacement can be so expensive is that some siding elements are covered by the contractor. You may not see those costs reflected in the cost breakdown of your project, it may increase the cost of installation and labor. 

For example, with Southwest Exteriors, we cover the cost of all flashing elements for your project. Flashing is what goes around windows and doors to prevent water from getting into the frame underneath the siding. 

Costs covered by your contractor can indirectly add to the overall cost.

Why is it important to know this adds to the overall cost?

If you meet with a high-quality contractor that presents you with a price that is higher than you expected, it is important to remember that there may be underlying costs that the contractor is covering, which adds to the overall cost. 

It is important to keep this in mind when presented with a price for your siding project. A contractor should provide you with a full cost breakdown, however, some elements may show they are covered by the contractor. 

While you may think this would make your project less expensive, the contractor must compensate for those costs in other areas to pay for the project supplies in total. 

4. The quality of the installation and expertise of the installers

A large part of the cost of your siding replacement project is the quality of the installation and labor. 

A high-quality siding replacement is going to cost you more for the expertise of the contractor and the quality of the installation. In the home remodeling industry, you get what you pay for. 

The best installation and services will never be the least expensive. So, if you are looking for a siding replacement that is going to last on your home, it is going to cost you more. 

With Southwest Exteriors, our installation teams are certified in installing James Hardie siding. They follow Hardie’s best practices for all aspects of the installation to ensure it was done properly and will last. 

We provide lifelong siding solutions with the products we offer and the quality of our installation, and that does affect the cost of your project. 

Why consider the quality and longevity of installation when looking at cost? 

If you want new siding that is made and installed to last on your home, then you must have realistic expectations for the cost. Less expensive, lower quality siding is not made to last forever on your home. 

The quality of your siding installation is just as important as the quality of the products. Even if you choose the highest quality siding, if it is not installed correctly, it will not last. This is why it is so important to choose a contractor that is experienced and has a proven track record of success. 

Ensuring your home siding replacement project meets your needs

Now that you know what factors can make a siding replacement more expensive, you can have a better idea of what you need out of your siding project and how much it may cost. 

A high-quality siding replacement is going to cost more due to the quality of the materials, installation, and expertise of the contractor. If you want to replace your home siding once for the rest of your life in your home, then you will have to pay more. 

If you are planning on moving out of your home soon or just want the least expensive option, then you cannot expect it to last forever. This is why having realistic expectations for the quality of your project and the cost is crucial. 

Finding the right contractor is important to the success and cost of your project. If you’re looking for the right contractor for your siding project, you’re probably wondering what you should know and what questions you should ask. 

This article will outline 10 questions to ask a siding contractor before you decide to work with them. Then, you will know what to expect from that contractor and if they are right for you or not. 

Looking for a high-quality siding replacement in San Antonio? 

At Southwest Exteriors, we offer James Hardie fiber cement siding. Our installers follow Hardie’s best practices to ensure that your siding is installed properly and will last. 

Because of the quality of our products and services, we are not the least expensive contractor on the market. However, if you are looking for the best siding available that will last in your home, we may be the right contractor for you. We just want you to know what all goes into the cost of your project so you can have a better idea of what is right for you. 

Ready to schedule your consultation? Fill out this form on our webpage to schedule your free in-home consultation for your siding project today.