Siding is a crucial element of your home's exterior, providing protection against the elements and enhancing its curb appeal. The cost of residing your house can vary significantly based on material choices, the size of your home, and labor rates in your area. This calculator helps you estimate these costs.
How the Calculator Works
This calculator breaks down the estimated cost into several key components:
Total Wall Area Calculation: It first calculates the total surface area of your house's walls. This is done by considering the perimeter of your house (2 * (width + length)) and multiplying it by the average wall height.
Deductible Areas: The areas of doors and windows are subtracted from the total wall area, as these areas do not require siding.
Siding Material Quantity: A waste factor is applied to account for cuts, mistakes, and material overlap. This ensures you order enough siding.
Material Cost: The cost of the siding material itself is calculated by multiplying the net siding area (including waste) by the cost per square foot of your chosen material.
Installation Cost: The labor cost is determined by multiplying the net siding area (including waste) by the average installation cost per square foot.
Total Estimated Cost: This is the sum of the material cost and the installation cost, providing a comprehensive estimate for your siding project.
Formula Used:
1. Gross Wall Area = (2 * (House Width + House Length)) * House Height
2. Net Wall Area = Gross Wall Area - Total Door Area - Total Window Area
3. Siding Area with Waste = Net Wall Area * (1 + (Waste Factor / 100))
4. Material Cost = Siding Area with Waste * Siding Material Cost per Sq Ft
5. Installation Cost = Siding Area with Waste * Installation Cost per Sq Ft
6. Total Estimated Cost = Material Cost + Installation Cost
Factors Influencing Siding Costs:
Siding Material: Vinyl, fiber cement, wood, metal, and stucco all have different price points.
Home Size and Complexity: Larger homes and those with more corners, gables, or intricate architectural features will cost more.
Labor Rates: Costs vary significantly by region.
Removal of Old Siding: If old siding needs to be removed, this adds to the labor cost and potentially disposal fees.
Trim and Accessories: Soffits, fascia, corner posts, and window/door trim add to the overall material and labor costs.
Permits: Some areas require permits for siding replacement.
Tips for Estimating:
Measure your home accurately. If you're unsure, consult a professional.
Get multiple quotes from reputable siding contractors.
Factor in the cost of any necessary repairs to the underlying sheathing.
Don't forget about potential costs for waste removal.
function calculateSidingCost() {
var houseWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById("houseWidth").value);
var houseLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById("houseLength").value);
var houseHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("houseHeight").value);
var doorArea = parseFloat(document.getElementById("doorArea").value);
var windowArea = parseFloat(document.getElementById("windowArea").value);
var sidingCostPerSqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById("sidingCostPerSqFt").value);
var installationCostPerSqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById("installationCostPerSqFt").value);
var wasteFactor = parseFloat(document.getElementById("wasteFactor").value);
var errorMessages = [];
if (isNaN(houseWidth) || houseWidth <= 0) errorMessages.push("House Width must be a positive number.");
if (isNaN(houseLength) || houseLength <= 0) errorMessages.push("House Length must be a positive number.");
if (isNaN(houseHeight) || houseHeight <= 0) errorMessages.push("Average Wall Height must be a positive number.");
if (isNaN(doorArea) || doorArea < 0) errorMessages.push("Total Area of Doors cannot be negative.");
if (isNaN(windowArea) || windowArea < 0) errorMessages.push("Total Area of Windows cannot be negative.");
if (isNaN(sidingCostPerSqFt) || sidingCostPerSqFt <= 0) errorMessages.push("Siding Material Cost per Square Foot must be a positive number.");
if (isNaN(installationCostPerSqFt) || installationCostPerSqFt <= 0) errorMessages.push("Installation Cost per Square Foot must be a positive number.");
if (isNaN(wasteFactor) || wasteFactor 0) {
document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block";
document.getElementById("result-value").innerHTML = "Error";
document.getElementById("result-details").innerHTML = errorMessages.join("");
document.getElementById("result").style.borderColor = "#dc3545";
return;
}
var grossWallArea = (2 * (houseWidth + houseLength)) * houseHeight;
var netWallArea = grossWallArea – doorArea – windowArea;
if (netWallArea <= 0) {
document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block";
document.getElementById("result-value").innerHTML = "Error";
document.getElementById("result-details").innerHTML = "Net wall area is zero or negative. Please check your dimensions and exclusions.";
document.getElementById("result").style.borderColor = "#dc3545";
return;
}
var sidingAreaWithWaste = netWallArea * (1 + (wasteFactor / 100));
var materialCost = sidingAreaWithWaste * sidingCostPerSqFt;
var installationCost = sidingAreaWithWaste * installationCostPerSqFt;
var totalEstimatedCost = materialCost + installationCost;
document.getElementById("result").style.display = "block";
document.getElementById("result-value").innerHTML = "$" + totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("result-details").innerHTML =
"Total Siding Area (with waste): " + sidingAreaWithWaste.toFixed(2) + " sq ft" +
"Estimated Material Cost: $" + materialCost.toFixed(2) + "" +
"Estimated Installation Cost: $" + installationCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("result").style.borderColor = "#28a745";
}