Introduction
If you’re considering replacing the siding on your home, one of your first and most important questions is, “How much should I budget for this project?” The cost of a full siding replacement is a significant investment, and understanding the factors that influence the price is key to making a confident decision.
While every project is unique, as of mid-2025, most Seattle-area homeowners can expect a professional siding replacement to cost somewhere between $12 to $25+ per square foot, installed. For a typical 2,000 sq. ft. home, this could translate to a range of $24,000 to $50,000+. This guide will break down why that range is so wide and what factors determine where your project will fall.
The 5 Key Factors That Determine Your Siding Cost
The final price on your quote is a combination of these five critical variables.
1. Siding Material Choice
This is the largest variable. The cost of the siding material itself can vary dramatically.
- Vinyl Siding: Generally the most affordable option upfront.
- Engineered Wood Siding: A mid-range option that offers the look of wood with enhanced durability.
- James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding: A premium choice and our top recommendation. It costs more than vinyl but offers a superior return on investment through its incredible durability and low maintenance.
- Natural Cedar Siding: Often the most expensive option, chosen for its authentic, timeless beauty.
2. The Size and Complexity of Your Home
A larger, three-story home will naturally cost more than a one-story rambler due to the sheer square footage of material needed. Complexity also plays a major role. A home with many corners, gables, dormers, and windows requires significantly more detailed cutting and labor than a simple rectangular house.
3. Labor Costs
The quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the material. A quote from a licensed, insured, and experienced siding contractor in Seattle will include the cost of a skilled crew. This labor cost covers not just the installation, but also project management, safety protocols, and the expertise to handle any unexpected issues.
4. Full Tear-Off and Preparation
A professional quote should always include the cost of a full tear-off of the old siding. This allows the crew to inspect the wall sheathing underneath for any hidden dry rot damage—a common issue in the PNW. This step, along with installing a new weather-resistive barrier, is critical for a lasting job.
5. Permits and Disposal Fees
Most siding replacement projects require a permit from the city of Seattle or your local municipality. Your contractor will handle this process, and the cost of the permit and the fees for disposing of the old material will be included in the final price.
Example Project Scenarios (Seattle Area Estimates)
To help put it all together, here are a few estimated project costs.
- Scenario A: 1,500 sq. ft. Rambler in Tacoma
- Material: Vinyl Siding
- Complexity: Low
- Estimated Cost: $18,000 – $28,000
- Scenario B: 2,200 sq. ft. Two-Story Home in Redmond
- Material: James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding
- Complexity: Medium
- Estimated Cost: $35,000 – $55,000
- Scenario C: 2,800 sq. ft. Custom Home in Bellevue
- Material: Natural Cedar Siding
- Complexity: High (many corners, gables)
- Estimated Cost: $60,000 – $90,000+
How to Get a Firm, Accurate Quote
The only way to determine the true cost for your home is with a detailed, on-site assessment. A trustworthy quote should be free of charge and itemize the costs for labor, materials, tear-off, and permits.
Our team provides free, no-obligation estimates for homeowners across the Seattle area. We’ll help you understand your options and provide a fixed-price quote that you can rely on for your budget planning.