Tip 1
Measure walls, not floors: siding is priced by wall area, which is usually larger than a home's living square footage — especially on two-story or steep-roof homes.
Free siding cost estimator
Siding Cost Calculator
Estimate what re-siding your home could cost by wall area and material. Fiber cement (James Hardie) and engineered wood cost more than vinyl but hold up well in California sun — this tool shows the range before you request an estimate.
Turn your estimate into a real quote
A calculator gets you a ballpark. An exact price comes from a contractor who sees the property. Share your ZIP and project details and we'll check local availability, then connect you with one independent siding contractor — no obligation, and your details aren't blasted to a dozen companies.
- ✓ One introduction, not a bidding free-for-all
- ✓ Local coverage checked by your project ZIP code
- ✓ Free to request; the contractor prepares the estimate
Request a siding estimate
Step 1 of 2
✓ No-cost request✓ Local coverage check✓ One introduction
Request received
Your request is confirmed.
Project reference:
Siding materials compared
Installed cost per sq ft in Northern California, and what you're trading off. Ranges span $8–$25 per sq ft depending on the material and your project.
| Material | Installed / sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $8–$14 | Lowest cost, no painting; color and texture options are more limited. |
| Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) | $10–$17 | Real-wood look, lighter and faster to install than fiber cement. |
| Stucco | $10–$18 | Common in CA; multi-coat application, repair and color-matching add labor. |
| Fiber cement (James Hardie) | $12–$22 | Durable, fire- and rot-resistant; heavier install, comes pre-primed or pre-finished. |
| Natural wood / cedar | $13–$25 | Premium look; needs regular staining or painting to last. |
What drives siding cost
- Home size and number of stories
- Siding material — fiber cement, vinyl, wood, or engineered wood
- Removal and disposal of old siding
- Trim, corners, and fascia work
- Insulation or house-wrap upgrades
- Permits and local code
Before you budget
Tip 2
Tear-off matters: removing old siding, repairing sheathing, and disposal can add meaningfully to the job and sometimes reveals hidden rot that changes scope.
Tip 3
Trim and details drive the finish: corners, window and door trim, and fascia are where labor and material quality show — and where estimates diverge most.
Homeowner planning library
Plan the project, not just the price
Siding cost calculator
Compare vinyl, engineered wood, fiber cement, and stucco by wall area and see a planning range.
Read the guide →How to compare contractor bids
Normalize scope, allowances, exclusions, schedule, payments, and warranty before comparing totals.
Read the guide →Siding cost calculator FAQs
How accurate is this siding cost calculator?
It gives an educational planning range based on typical Northern California installed pricing — not a quote. Your actual price depends on site conditions, access, design details, and material grade. Use it to set a budget, then request an estimate from a local independent siding contractor for a firm number.
What does the estimate include?
The range reflects installed cost — materials and labor together, all-in per sq ft — plus any add-ons you toggle on. It does not include permit fees, which vary by jurisdiction, or unusual site work your contractor may identify on-site.
Why is the range so wide?
Renovation pricing genuinely spans a wide band. Material grade, height, access, prep, and finish level each move the number. Showing the honest spread is more useful than a single figure that turns out wrong once a contractor sees the property.
What siding materials do the contractors work with?
Independent siding contractors commonly install fiber cement, vinyl, wood, and engineered-wood siding. Note your preferred material in the request.
Can I request an estimate for siding repair, not a full replacement?
Yes. Siding repair, patching, and storm-damage requests are supported alongside full replacement.
This calculator provides general educational cost ranges for planning only and is not a quote, appraisal, or contractor estimate. Local Renovation Pros is a contractor-matching platform, not a licensed contractor, and does not set prices. Actual pricing is provided by independent contractors after reviewing your property.