Vinyl siding can transform the exterior walls of your home.
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular exterior finishes materials in use today. Made from PVC and other composite plastic materials, vinyl siding offers low-cost durability and strength, as well as protection from wind, rain and other exterior elements. It's available in a wide range of colors and styles and can give your home a whole new look. To calculate the cost of your vinyl siding project, first determine how much material you'll need, then use unit prices to estimate the overall cost.
Instructions
Determine How Much Material You Need
1. Sketch each of the exterior walls of your home on a sheet of paper. While it is not important to draw each wall to scale, it is helpful to capture the basic shape of each area. Include approximate locations for doors, windows and other areas that will not be covered with siding.
2. Measure each exterior wall of your home using a tape measure. Transfer each measurement to your sketches so you'll have the length and width of each wall marked on your paper. Include dimensions for doors, windows and other non-sided areas.
3. Calculate the total area for each exterior wall. Multiply the height and width of each wall to determine total area. Then add the area of all four walls to calculate your total siding material requirements.
4. Subtract the area of all areas that will not require siding. This include doors, windows and other special features. Once the area of doors and windows has been subtracted, the remaining number represents your total required square footage of vinyl siding.
Calculate Total Costs
5. Multiply the total square footage of siding required by the cost per square foot. You can call suppliers or visit home improvement stores for square footage prices based on the type of siding you are considering. You can also rely on general estimates. According to "This Old House," vinyl siding costs about $1.60/square foot, while the "Natural Handyman" puts the cost at about $2.00/square foot. The final value you calculate represents your total material cost if you plan to install the material yourself.
6. Calculate the cost for materials plus installation if you don't feel comfortable installing vinyl siding on your own. According to both "Siding4U" and "Remodeling and Renovation," vinyl siding costs around $5.50/square foot, including both material and installation. The "Natural Handyman" estimates the cost slightly higher, from $5 to $8 per square foot. Multiply your total square footage by the cost per square foot to determine the total price, including installation.
7. Consider the cost of removal and disposal for your old siding. Most square footage prices for vinyl siding don't include removal of existing finishes. According to "Cost Helper," you should expect to pay $1,000 to $3,000 for removal depending on the size of your home. If you plan to remove and install the siding yourself, you can exclude this cost from your estimate.
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