Vinyl Siding: Estimating Cost Includes Weighing Value

House exteriors are heavy on square footage but vinyl siding costs can be quantified and minimized.

Estimating Costs

The Internet is a great source of information. You can order materials online. Innumerable Web sites will show you what's available, quote prices, and ship to a store near you.

Large home improvement stores provide information and quotes. They normally don't stock what you need and use their computers to order the material for you. They also give advice and, for a price, do your installation.

The Yellow Pages provide listings of contractors. Nevertheless, look for recommendations from friends, relatives, and satisfied customers you trust.

Be sure to get three or four estimates and research them carefully including Internet bids. Don't be stampeded by glib-talking-high-pressure salespersons.

Factors Driving Vinyl Siding Costs:

Thickness. Vinyl siding varies in thickness from .035"""" to """".055"""" with .040""""-.050"""" the norm.

Energy-efficiency. Consider the cost of including insulation.

Impact resistance. Flying objects can damage vinyl siding.

Quality. Vinyl fades in time. Higher-quality vinyl siding colors resist fading better.

Price Estimates

Internet research reveals an average cost of $160 per 100 square foot (sq). Based on the above, Consumer Reports recommends the following brands among others: (thickness in parentheses)

Heartland Cedar MAX Composite Cladding - $205/sq - foam-backed (.050)

Mastic Home Exteriors Structure EPS - $200/sq - foam-backed (.044)

Revere Sovereign Select Energy Smart - $125/sq - foam-backed (.046)

Heartland HeartTech - $75/sq - non-foam-backed (.044)

Labor Costs

DIY runs around $1.00 per square foot. It includes flashing, tools, nails, J-Channels, trim, etc.

Contractors charge $2-$7 more depending on difficulty and your bargaining power. Get everything in writing and insist on an iron-clad guarantee.

by: QW HON

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