House Siding Cost Calculator
/* Scoped styles for the calculator to avoid theme conflicts */
.siding-calculator-widget {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
background: #f9fbfd;
border: 1px solid #e1e4e8;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.siding-calculator-widget h2 {
text-align: center;
color: #2c3e50;
margin-bottom: 25px;
}
.calc-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
.calc-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.input-group label {
display: block;
font-weight: 600;
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #4a5568;
}
.input-group input[type="number"],
.input-group select {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #cbd5e0;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.input-group input[type="checkbox"] {
margin-right: 10px;
transform: scale(1.2);
}
.checkbox-label {
display: flex;
align-items: center;
cursor: pointer;
}
.calc-btn {
grid-column: 1 / -1;
background-color: #3182ce;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.2s;
width: 100%;
margin-top: 10px;
}
.calc-btn:hover {
background-color: #2c5282;
}
.results-area {
grid-column: 1 / -1;
background: #fff;
border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
border-radius: 6px;
padding: 20px;
margin-top: 20px;
display: none; /* Hidden by default */
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
padding: 10px 0;
border-bottom: 1px solid #edf2f7;
font-size: 16px;
}
.result-row:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
font-weight: bold;
font-size: 20px;
color: #2d3748;
margin-top: 10px;
padding-top: 15px;
border-top: 2px solid #cbd5e0;
}
.result-label {
color: #718096;
}
.result-value {
font-weight: 700;
color: #2d3748;
}
/* Article Styles */
.seo-content {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 40px auto;
font-family: inherit;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
}
.seo-content h2 {
font-size: 28px;
margin-bottom: 20px;
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.seo-content h3 {
font-size: 22px;
margin-top: 30px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.seo-content p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-size: 17px;
}
.seo-content ul {
margin-bottom: 20px;
padding-left: 20px;
}
.seo-content li {
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.info-box {
background-color: #f0f9ff;
border-left: 4px solid #3182ce;
padding: 15px;
margin: 20px 0;
}
function calculateSidingCost() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var areaInput = document.getElementById("wallArea").value;
var materialSelect = document.getElementById("materialType").value;
var complexityVal = document.getElementById("homeComplexity").value;
var removeOldChecked = document.getElementById("removeOld").checked;
// 2. Validate Input
var area = parseFloat(areaInput);
if (isNaN(area) || area <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid wall area in square feet.");
return;
}
var complexity = parseFloat(complexityVal);
// 3. Define Cost Variables (Price per sq ft)
// Format: [Low Material, High Material, Labor Multiplier]
var prices = {
"vinyl": { mat: 5.50, laborFactor: 1.0 }, // ~$5.50 avg mat
"wood": { mat: 9.00, laborFactor: 1.3 }, // Harder to install
"fiber": { mat: 8.50, laborFactor: 1.4 }, // Heavy, requires special tools
"metal": { mat: 7.00, laborFactor: 1.1 },
"stucco": { mat: 11.00, laborFactor: 1.8 }, // Labor intensive
"stone": { mat: 22.00, laborFactor: 2.0 }
};
var selectedData = prices[materialSelect];
// Base Labor Rate assumption (base cost per sq ft for simple vinyl install)
var baseLaborRate = 4.00;
// 4. Perform Calculations
// Material Cost
var materialCost = area * selectedData.mat;
// Labor Cost: Area * BaseRate * MaterialDifficulty * HomeComplexity
var laborCost = area * baseLaborRate * selectedData.laborFactor * complexity;
// Removal Cost: Fixed rate of $1.50 per sq ft if checked
var removalCost = 0;
if (removeOldChecked) {
removalCost = area * 1.50;
}
// Subtotal
var subTotal = materialCost + laborCost + removalCost;
// Waste Buffer (10% standard industry practice)
var wasteCost = subTotal * 0.10;
// Total
var totalCost = subTotal + wasteCost;
// 5. Update HTML Output
document.getElementById("resMaterial").innerText = "$" + materialCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resLabor").innerText = "$" + laborCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resRemoval").innerText = "$" + removalCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resWaste").innerText = "$" + wasteCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resTotal").innerText = "$" + totalCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
// Show results
document.getElementById("resultsArea").style.display = "block";
}
Comprehensive Guide to Siding Costs
Replacing the siding on your home is one of the most impactful investments you can make, improving both curb appeal and energy efficiency. However, accurately budgeting for this project can be difficult due to the variance in material prices and labor rates. This Siding Cost Calculator helps homeowners estimate the budget required for their specific project needs.
Factors That Influence Siding Prices
While the square footage of your exterior walls is the primary driver of cost, several other factors significantly impact the final quote:
- Material Choice: Vinyl is generally the most affordable option, costing significantly less than premium materials like natural stone or fiber cement.
- Home Geometry: A simple rectangular home is cheaper to side than a Victorian home with multiple turrets, dormers, and gables. Complex angles require more cutting and labor time.
- Old Siding Removal: If your existing siding is rot-damaged or too thick to side over, it must be stripped. This demolition adds labor and disposal fees to your project.
- Labor Rates: Installation costs vary by region and the specific expertise required. For example, installing heavy fiber cement boards requires a specialized crew, whereas vinyl is more universally installed.
Pro Tip: Always calculate for at least 10% waste. Siding materials must be cut to fit around windows, doors, and corners, resulting in scrap material that you still have to pay for. Our calculator automatically includes this buffer.
Material Comparison: Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement vs. Wood
Choosing the right material is a balance between upfront cost, maintenance, and longevity.
Vinyl Siding
The most popular choice in North America, vinyl is cost-effective, requires no painting, and is rot-resistant. However, it can crack in extreme cold and may melt if subjected to high reflected heat.
Fiber Cement (James Hardie)
Fiber cement mimics the look of wood but is fire-resistant, rot-proof, and pest-proof. It is heavier and more expensive to install than vinyl but typically offers a higher return on investment (ROI) at resale.
Natural Wood
Wood offers timeless beauty but requires the most maintenance. It must be stained or painted every few years to prevent moisture damage and rot. Cedar and Redwood are naturally more resistant but come at a premium price.
How to Measure Your Home for Siding
To get the most accurate result from the calculator above, you need a good estimate of your exterior wall area:
- Measure the width and height of each rectangular wall section.
- Multiply width by height to get square footage.
- For triangular gables, multiply the width at the base by the height, then divide by 2.
- Add all sections together.
- Do not subtract the area for windows and doors unless they are very large (like a garage door); this extra footage accounts for the necessary waste factor.