Siding projects are significant investments that benefit from careful up-front planning. Homeowners who make key decisions before signing a contract end up with better outcomes, fewer change orders, and less stress during construction.
Define Your Scope Before Getting Quotes
Siding failure is usually a moisture problem. Old wood siding cracks, loses its paint seal, and starts absorbing water — which gets into the wall system. Fiber cement solves this permanently: it doesn’t absorb moisture, doesn’t rot, and holds paint far longer than wood. We install it correctly — proper flashing, nailing, gaps, and a complete moisture barrier. Before reaching out to contractors, spend time defining exactly what you want. The more specific your scope, the more accurately contractors can quote — and the less likely you are to face change orders once work begins.
How the Process Works
A typical siding project follows this sequence:
- Inspection & Scope — We assess what's failing, check for moisture damage behind the existing siding, and price the full scope — including any sheathing repair.
- Material Selection — We walk you through profile, texture, and color options. We help you pick something that works with your home's architecture.
- Demo & Install — Old siding removed, moisture barrier installed, new siding installed with proper fastening and flashing at all transitions.
- Trim & Finish — All trim, corner boards, window surrounds, and caulking completed. The job is not done until every detail is finished.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Siding costs in the Bay Area depend heavily on material choice, the size and complexity of the home, and what’s found behind the old siding. Multi-story homes and homes with complex trim profiles cost more. Build in a contingency of 10–15 % on older Bay Area homes where wall conditions cannot be fully assessed until work starts.
Typical cost ranges:
- Fiber cement (HardiePlank) — 1,500 sq ft: $16,000–$28,000
- Fiber cement (HardiePlank) — 2,500 sq ft: $24,000–$42,000
- Wood siding replacement — 1,500 sq ft: $18,000–$35,000
- Partial siding repair (one elevation): $4,000–$10,000
- Sheathing repair (add-on): $1,500–$6,000
Choosing a Contractor
Verify CSLB licence status at CSLB.ca.gov. Ask for a written, itemised scope — not just a total price. Get proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask who your point of contact will be during construction. Ask how the contractor handles unexpected conditions inside walls.
Ready to Start?
IronNest Construction provides free in-home estimates for siding projects throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento. We provide written scopes, fixed-price proposals, and clear timelines. CSLB Licenced #1130134.