Does New Siding Increase Home Value?

Lower-cost alternatives for a great first impression

Before investing big bucks in new siding, determine if damaged panels or boards can be repaired or replaced. A small unresolved issue can leave your home vulnerable to air, water, dirt, and insects. If you’re handy, visit Home Depot for supplies to solve minor problems. For more extensive damage, you’ll pay about $140 to $1,500 for a pro to do the repair work.

Sometimes a fresh coat of paint gives new life to a dowdy, dated exterior for less money than replacement siding.

“If the paint’s cracking or looks like it’s peeling, you’re going to want to paint the exterior,” advises Marie Collins, a top-performing agent in St. Cloud, Florida.

A fresh coat of paint can add an average of $10,184 to the median-priced home’s value. Costs vary depending on the size of the property and the type of siding. But beware, some siding materials, such as metal and vinyl, are not suitable for painting or could have maintenance problems if painted.

Collins also suggests pressure washing dirty or moldy siding to spruce up curb appeal.

Siding solutions that increase home value

Although the dents in your siding might bring back memories of playing baseball with your kids, a gallon of paint won’t make those dents disappear. If your home’s exterior requires more than a paint job or a minor repair, get ready to dip into your bank account for a complete siding overhaul.

New siding can set you back $5,564 to $17,623 or an average of $11,524. But don’t let sticker shock deter you since you’ll recoup most of this cost in resale value.

As an added bonus, new siding can increase your home’s energy efficiency to put extra cash in your wallet with lower utility bills over the long term. You can also resolve hidden problems lurking underneath your old siding, such as mold, insects, or dry rot, before they become major issues or a home inspection roadblock.

At a glance: Different siding materials’ return on investment (ROI)

Picking the right siding for your home isn’t just about looks. It’s also about getting the best bang for your buck. Here’s a quick overview of the ROI you’ll get for each siding material:

Siding Material	Return on Investment (ROI)
Vinyl	80.2%
Fiber cement	88.4%
Wood	77%
Aluminum	77%
Steel	86%
Stucco	75%
Natural stone	60%-70%
Faux, veneer, or manufactured stone	90%
Brick	77%

Weigh the pros and cons of siding options

While the answer is generally ‘yes’ to the question “does siding increase home value,” just how much depends on which product you choose. Costs vary depending on your location, the type and quality of material, house size and shape, and whether existing siding must be removed.

In addition, you may need to allocate an extra budget for building supplies and prepare to deal with long delivery times due to increased demand.

Continue reading to compare the costs, advantages, and drawbacks of different options so you can increase home value with new siding that meets your needs, style, and budget.

Vinyl

Low maintenance, versatility, and affordability make vinyl the most popular residential siding material in the U.S.

“The upside is the variety of choices in style, color, manufacturers, and price, which can be on the lower end if you install the typical 4-inch siding,” says Kevin Busch, Vice President of Operations of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company that provides home maintenance and repair services.

Styles include horizontal lap or clapboard, vertical, shake, log, Dutch lap, beaded, smooth, board-and-batten, and scalloped. Vinyl siding can also be made to look like brick or stone.

Ranging from $3 to $12 per square foot or an average of $7.50, vinyl siding installation costs between $6,378 and $18,255 with an average price of $12,208. The expected ROI for vinyl siding replacement is 80.2%.

Insulated vinyl

Rigid foam insulation attached to each panel increases the energy efficiency of insulated vinyl siding for greater comfort and lower utility bills. The foam also adds protection against dents and cracks.

Insulated vinyl siding starts at a slightly higher price of $4 per square foot. If you choose foam insulation, expect to pay around $16,000 to $20,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

Fiber cement

Fiber cement is a mixture of sand, cement, water, cellulose fiber, and wood pulp. It’s attractive and durable, available in wood and stone finishes as well as panels, shingles, and planks. This product is also non-combustible and resists hail damage.

However, difficult installation adds to the price. “It requires special tools to install and silica plumes are released when cut, requiring installers to wear respirators,” explains Andy Lindus, owner of Lindus Construction, a Twin Cities-based home remodeler.

Installation of fiber cement siding on a 2,500-square foot home costs an average of $19,350. Although you’ll pay $4.70 to $8.50 per square foot, you’re likely to recoup 88.4% of your cost.

Wood

The natural beauty of wood siding is eye-catching, but requires ongoing maintenance to protect against water and termite damage. Pine, oak, cypress, spruce, redwood, and cedar are commonly used. Styles include bevel or clapboard, shakes, board-and-batten, and split log.

Wood siding is priced between $6.90 and $13.90 per square foot. If you choose a basic clapboard, the cost ranges from $6 to $10 per square foot. Meanwhile, cedar shakes can cost over $12 per square foot.

For natural wood siding installation, expect to pay anywhere from $19,300 to $45,175. The exact costs depend on your home size and the labor costs in your location. Installing wood siding yields 77% ROI.

Engineered wood

For the striking look of wood at a lower price and with greater durability, consider this easy-to-install replica. Materials such as wood fibers and chips, resin, sawdust, wax, and glue are placed under heat and pressure to create engineered wood.

Costs range from about $4 to $13 per square foot. Because they’re available prefinished or painted, the cost of installation is lower.

Aluminum

Aluminum siding, which was common decades ago, is still an affordable, long-lasting option that offers durability with minimal maintenance. If you choose this material, you’ll pay between $15,000 and $25,000, with materials costing $5.60 and $10.30 per square foot. Aluminum siding yields 77% ROI.

Steel

If the modern look of metal siding appeals to you, then steel is an incredibly durable, low-maintenance option. Although it doesn’t dent as easily as aluminum, steel’s heavier weight increases labor costs.

The average cost for steel siding is around $1 to $35 per square foot, with professional installation running from $4,500 to $18,500. Since steel is a poor insulator, you’ll pay at least $1 to $2 more per square foot for insulation underneath to reduce energy bills. ROI averages 86%.

Stucco

Composed of sand, cement, and lime, stucco has various textures and patterns for a unique appearance, especially when mixed with pebbles or shells. Since it’s a durable material, it’s among the costliest siding options.

Although a stucco exterior can last up to 50 years or more, it doesn’t hold up well in rainy climates. Water that gets behind stucco can lead to a rotting wood frame and mold growth, which is expensive to remedy. Settlement cracks can be easily fixed with sealant.

Stucco siding costs an average of $7 and $9 per square foot, including labor and materials. If you’re re-siding a 2,000-square-foot home, you may spend $14,000 to $18,000 on the project. This renovation fetches 75% ROI, but the actual returns vary depending on where you live.

Natural stone

Few building materials can compare to the uniqueness, durability, and longevity of natural stone. Granite, limestone, and slate create stunning facades. However, the high cost, considerable weight, and difficulty of replacing damaged stones are significant drawbacks.

Expect to pay $30 to $48 per square foot for the installation of natural stone siding. The average cost ranges from $57,000 to $72,000. Fortunately, you’ll get 60 to 70% of your investment in resale value.

Faux, veneer, or manufactured stone

Achieve the elegant look of stone siding on a more affordable budget with man-made products, such as faux, veneer, or manufactured stone. These lightweight materials are easier and cheaper to install than natural stone, but not as strong or long-lasting.

Molds cast from actual stone and rock patterns give faux stone siding a realistic appearance. Stone veneer is a natural stone mix placed over materials like fiber cement or wood timber. Unlike faux stone, it can be customized to fit a particular pattern. Manufactured stone siding, made from concrete, is more vulnerable to extreme weather.

Priced from $5.50 to $10.75 per square foot, stone veneer siding costs $8,250 to $16,125 when installed in a 1,500-square-foot home. It offers a high ROI of 90%.

Brick

Brick siding gives your home a classic look while providing superior protection in case of fire or harsh weather. Made from clay, cement, and gravel, a brick exterior is extremely durable and can last for decades.

Although traditional bricks are heavy and could put your foundation at risk, thin brick veneer is less expensive and provides many of the same benefits. Bricking just the front of your home amps up curb appeal at a lower cost.

If you have a 1,500-square-foot home, you’ll spend somewhere between $7,500 and $22,500 to install brick siding. The material costs an average of $5 to $15 per square foot. Its ROI averages 77%, with brick homes selling for 6% more and half of buyers wanting such features.

Six strategies to select the perfect siding

The options may seem overwhelming, so focus on materials that attract buyers at a cost that can be recovered in the resale price. Follow these tips to select new siding that increases value:

1. Consider your existing siding

Save money and avoid installation hassles by choosing a product similar to your current exterior rather than making a radical change like replacing vinyl siding with stucco. Some materials can be installed over old siding which reduces the cost of siding removal and disposal. For example, vinyl or aluminum panels are often placed on top of wood siding.

2. Factor in your climate

The durability of most siding products depends on the weather, so take your climate into account. Don’t choose wood or stucco if you live in an exceptionally rainy area. For extreme weather conditions, select siding that can withstand impact, such as steel or engineered wood.

3. Learn about trends from local real estate agent

Connect with a top real estate agent for insight into which siding materials and colors appeal to buyers in your market. These professionals can offer guidance so you can recoup your investment with new siding that increases home value.

4. Look around your neighborhood

You might love the modern look of steel, but if you live in a community of traditional colonials, then brick siding might be a better fit. Don’t choose a siding that differs from the majority of homes in your neighborhood or your house will stick out like a sore thumb.

Sell your house faster and for more money by re-siding with a material that blends in with surrounding homes. Consider using brick or stone in conjunction with less expensive products to wow buyers at a lower cost.

Before starting your renovation, check with your homeowner’s association (HOA) for regulations about siding materials and colors.

5. Choose a color to maximize resale value

Since your home’s color is the first thing people notice, opt for neutral colors that appeal to most buyers. Stick with gray tones, brown and blue shades, green hues like sage, light yellows, or timeless white.

For the best resale value, select a color that’s popular in your neighborhood and local real estate market. Make sure it complements your home’s architectural style, as well as your roof, trim, and front door.

6. Find the right contractor

Proper installation is key to maximizing the value of your siding renovation, so it’s critical to choose the right contractor. Ask neighbors, friends, and real estate agents for recommendations. Start your search on websites such as Modernize and HomeAdvisor.

Obtain estimates from several licensed contractors who are experienced in installing the material you’ve selected. Check references as well as reviews or complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Don’t forget to ask for copies of licenses and proof of insurance.

New siding increases home value

Worn, cracked, or discolored siding can reduce your home’s value and cause buyers to walk away. The enhanced curb appeal of new siding can help you attract several offers and sell for more money.

Moreover, it makes a terrific first and lasting impression, while offering practical benefits modern buyers want in a home, from lower energy costs to protection from severe weather. Connect with a top-performing local real estate agent today to know more about how you can boost your home value and sell for top dollar.

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