Siding Increases Home Values
If you are looking for a home improvement project that will provide a substantial return on your investment, then look no further than residing the exterior of your home. In fact, in a recent show on HGTV about home improvement projects with the best return on investment (ROI), home siding was at the top of the list. On average, homeowners can expect to recoup about 80 – 110% of what they spend on an exterior home siding project in added value to their home. So, you can feel confident in knowing that whatever money you put into a home siding project is money well spent on improving your home’s value, and therefore your return on investment.
Why does home siding have such a high ROI?
• Home siding greatly enhances the look of your home and first impressions go a long way when it comes to evaluating the value of a home.
• No matter what type of home you own, there is a type of siding that looks good and can improve the appearance of your home. Vinyl siding is available in a wide variety of colors, widths and styles. Choose from more popular light colored siding or make a bold statement by introducing a vibrant, darker color on your home. Siding is available in a selection of widths, can be placed horizontally or vertically and can have different finish options, such as a smooth grain or a wood-like grain. There are also a wide assortment of finishes, trims and accessories to add to the exterior décor of almost any style of home.
• Siding is an extremely durable product. When installed correctly, vinyl siding can enhance the look of your home for years and years. It can withstand extreme temperatures, doesn’t crack or peel from the sun, and can take quite a bit of wear and tear without showing its age. Even if objects hit the house the siding isn’t easily dented or broken so it is great option when there are active kids around (especially those that like to throw a ball!).
• Siding is very low maintenance. Vinyl siding requires virtually no upkeep or maintenance at all. All that is needed to keep it looking fresh and new is an occasional cleaning with some soap and a hose. No need to repaint or touch up. Low maintenance means little work and little added expense in keeping your home looking great!
• Siding can help you save money on your energy bills. Added insulation on your home’s exterior can keep warm air in during the winter and cool are in during the summer (and not let warm air in during the summer and cool air in during the winter), keeping down the cost of heating and cooling your home. Lower energy bills can really add up over time and help you recoup some of the money you put into a siding project on an ongoing monthly basis for as long as you own your home.
Replacing the vinyl siding on your home is a great investment in your home and adds beauty and enjoyment as well. Not only can you enjoy the enhanced look of your home once you have finished the project, but in many cases you can get all or most of the money back that you put into it when it is time to sell your home. In some cases, the value of your home is even more than what you spent because the home siding project makes such a huge improvement to the look of your home. And, as an added benefit, vinyl siding is one of the most cost effective options for exterior siding on your home. It is typically less expensive than aluminum siding, and is often significantly less costly than natural wood, stucco, stone or masonry.
If you are looking to keep your costs down as much as possible when selecting an exterior home siding option, then vinyl siding is a good choice. Installing vinyl siding is a fairly easy home improvement project to tackle if you have the time, as well as a little knowledge and a few tools. Many homeowners have successfully been able to install vinyl siding on their homes and by not hiring a contractor have saved thousands of dollars in the process. As exterior siding options go, installing vinyl siding is probably one of the easiest projects for the do-it-yourselfer.
If you are not installing the siding on your own, then you can expect to pay somewhere between $4 and $12 per square foot to cover the cost of the siding materials as well as installation. The average cost of vinyl siding and installation is around $7 per square foot, but that depends on the type of materials you choose, your location and the type of contractor you select. Labor is the largest portion of the cost of a vinyl siding project and installation can run as much as three times the price of the actual cost of the materials alone. That is why do-it-yourselfers can save a substantial amount of money by installing the siding themselves, if they have the knowledge, time and determination to do so.
If you decide to have a contractor install the siding for you, it is best to have a few different companies come to give you an estimate so you can compare prices. It is also a good idea to look into the reputation of the companies, check references and previous work they have done, and get all of the information related to the work they will do and the prices they will charge in writing. You should also check on any warranties the contractor offers for their installation service, as well as what the warranties are from the manufacturer of the product and whether the contractor adheres to all installation methods so that your warranty is not void. Contractors should not charge for their estimates and if you hire them for the job, should get all of the materials for you. In some cases, you can work out a deal with contractors to have them reduce the price slightly if you’re willing to advertise their company by placing a sign in your yard for a specific amount of time.
If your home needs a bit of an external “pick me up”, then adding new vinyl siding can provide enhanced beauty, energy savings, low maintenance requirements and a great return on your investment. That adds up to a lot of value!