What a siding estimate is for
Siding bids get compared by the square, and the differences hide in trim, openings, tear-off and wrap. An estimate that lists each part, with a per sheet price for rot found behind the old siding, shows the owner why yours is the complete bid and keeps the sheathing conversation from becoming an argument on day two.
What to put on a siding estimate
- Wall area in squares, with waste.
- Tear-off, wrap and flashing.
- Trim per opening and corners by the foot.
- Soffit and fascia by the foot.
- Per sheet price for sheathing repair.
- Staging days for upper walls.
A worked example
A two-story house with about 2,800 sq ft of wall. Siding, tear-off and wrap use the calculator's typical prices.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding, supply and install * | 2,800 | sq ft | $7.13 | $19,964.00 |
| Remove and dispose of old siding * | 1 | each | $1,750.00 | $1,750.00 |
| House wrap and flashing * | 2,800 | sq ft | $0.75 | $2,100.00 |
| Window and door trim | 18 | each | Your price | |
| Soffit | 160 | ft | Your price | |
| Fascia wrap | 160 | ft | Your price |
Put a per sheet sheathing price on the estimate now. It is the most common surprise on a tear-off.
* Typical price from our free siding cost calculator, which lists its sources. Your own costs and market come first.
Line items siding contractors use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding, supply and install | square | Profile, gauge and color. |
| Fiber cement siding, supply and install | square | Plank or shingle, primed or prefinished. |
| Tear-off and disposal | square | Layers removed and dumpster. |
| House wrap and flashing | sq ft | Brand and how seams and openings are taped. |
| Sheathing replacement | each | Per sheet, if found soft after tear-off. |
| Corner posts | ft | Inside and outside corners. |
| Window and door trim | each | Per opening; J-channel or trim boards. |
| Soffit | ft | Vented or solid. |
| Fascia wrap | ft | Aluminum coil color. |
| Insulated backer board | sq ft | Under vinyl, where offered. |
| Staging or lift | day | For second-story and gable walls. |
| Permit | each | Where your town requires one for siding. |
Terms and deposit language for siding
- Deposit. A deposit when the contract is signed covers siding, trim and wrap ordered in the chosen color. Your state may cap home improvement deposits, so check.
- Payment. Balance due when the last wall is done, the yard is cleaned and the job is walked.
- Warranty. The maker warrants the panels. You warrant the install against loose panels and leaks at trim you installed, for the time stated. Damage from storms and impacts is not workmanship.
- Soft sheathing found after tear-off is replaced at the per sheet price on this estimate.
- Plants against the house may be trimmed back for ladders; tell us which ones matter.
- Satellite dishes, lights and hose bibs are removed and reset as listed.
How to fill it in
- Put in your business details once; this browser keeps them for every template.
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Change the line items to fit this job and add your prices.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print to PDF, download Word or CSV, or send it from Koira.
Free tools for siding
The same estimate for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpentry, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, deck, drywall, duct cleaning, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, glass, gutter, handyman, holiday lighting, home inspection, hood cleaning, hvac, insulation, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, masonry, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, property maintenance, remodeling, restoration, roofing, security system, septic, snow removal, solar, tile, tree service, water treatment, waterproofing, window cleaning, window and door.
More for siding contractors: how siding contractors run on Koira.