House siding cost in 2025 depends on several key factors, including material type, labor rates, and trim details. Knowing what affects the total helps you plan your project with confidence.
Below, we explain average costs, show real examples, and outline how size, wall height, and permits can change the final price.
What Impacts the Cost of Siding a House in 2025
Several items shape your price:
- Home size and wall height
- Layout and details such as gables, bump-outs, and dormers
- Tear-off of old siding and wall repairs
- Trim scope for corners, soffit, fascia, and window wraps
- Material choice and brand
- Paint or factory finish and color choice
- Crew skill and warranty coverage
Key Takeaway: Strong installation protects your home from water and wind. A certified crew reduces repairs and keeps warranties valid.
What is the Average House Siding Cost Per Square Foot?
From recent jobs around Chicago, here’s what we actually see on signed bids.Â
- Vinyl usually comes in around $3 to $15 per square foot installed.Â
- James Hardie (fiber cement) tends to fall $8 to $20.Â
- Engineered wood costs $7 to $17. Steel or other metal lands $8 to $25+.Â
- Wood costs $7 to $20+, depending on species and finish.
Treat these as working ranges. Extra corners, gables, and window wraps slow a crew and add hours. Tear off and sheathing fixes lift the number. Bigger trim packages do too. Local labor in Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, and Skokie, plus winter staging, can push a project toward the top of the range.
Quick street math. A two-story home with about 1,900 square feet of wall area at $12 per square foot for fiber cement with standard trim lands near $22,800 installed. That is before any sheathing repair or accent upgrades.
Pro Tip: When you ask for a quote, tell the contractor to list materials, labor, trim, permits, and cleanup on separate lines. It makes the numbers clear and easy to compare.
Labor and Installation Costs
Labor often makes up 30% to 50% of the project. Steeper roofs, taller walls, and tight lots extend setup time. Chicago crews also plan for weather shifts, which can add staging days.
What trained installers do that saves money over time:
- Flash every joint and penetration
- Manage moisture with proper wraps and gaps
- Follow brand specs for fasteners and clearances
- Deliver clean lines on corners, soffit, and fascia
Key Takeaway: The lowest bid can hide shortcuts. Fixing leaks, waves, or buckles later costs more than doing it right once.
Full Siding Cost Example: 2,000 Sq. Ft. Home
For a typical two-story in the North Shore with fiber cement:
- Material: $15,000 to $25,000
- Labor: $8,000 to $12,000
- Trim, paint, and details: $2,000 to $4,000
- Waste and cleanup: $500 to $1,000
Estimated Total: $25,000 to $40,000
Need expert help with a fiber cement project? Contact All Star Windows & Siding for a free consultation. We will measure, inspect, and share photos so you can see the plan.
Estimated Siding Price by Material Type
Budget-Friendly Options
- Standard vinyl
Pros: Lower upfront cost, many colors
Cons: Shorter life, can fade or crack
Mid-Range Options
- Engineered wood or steel lap
Pros: Strong look and value
Cons: May need more trim planning
Premium Options
- James Hardie fiber cement
Pros: Long life, great Chicago freeze-thaw performance, rich color sets
Cons: Higher upfront cost
Specialty and Rustic Styles
- Board-and-batten, shakes, and wood-look planks
Pros: High curb appeal
Cons: More trim time and higher material waste
Pro Tip: If you plan to sell in 5 to 10 years, focus on materials with strong curb appeal and stable color. That helps resale value.
Additional Cost Considerations
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
- House wrap, foam board, and insulated panels improve comfort
- Energy upgrades can lower bills in winter and summer
Permits and Inspections
- Many Chicago-area towns require exterior permits
- Typical permit fees range from $100 to $500
Seasonal Timing
- Spring and fall are peak months
- Off-season work can open better scheduling and promo pricing
Chicago-Area Cost Influences
Climate Suitability
- Freeze-thaw cycles and wind need tough products
- James Hardie fiber cement handles moisture and impact very well
Local Building Codes and Aesthetics
- Some suburbs and HOAs set profile and color rules
- Matching neighborhood styles can aid appraisal
Maintenance and Longevity
- Factory finishes stretch repaint cycles
- Durable trim keeps water out at corners and windows
DIY vs. Professional Siding Installation
DIY Considerations
- Tools, staging, and disposal add hidden costs
- Moisture mistakes lead to wall damage
Professional Installation
- Trained crews follow brand specs
- Clean flashing, straight lines, and fast cleanup
- Workmanship warranty and support from a local team
Key Takeaway: A pro installs safeguard structure and finish. It also preserves brand warranty value.
How to Hire the Right Siding Contractor
- Ask around. Request local references and drive-bys.
- Get multiple bids. Compare scope, not just the total.
- Ask questions. Confirm training, flashing details, and warranty terms.
Pro Tip: Choose a James Hardie-trained installer for fiber cement. Training helps prevent swelling, cracking, and paint failure.
Realistic 2025 Siding Cost Summary
Set your budget by material and trim level, then adjust for layout and height. Vinyl can start near $3 per sq. ft. Fiber cement often lands between $8 and $20 per sq. ft. Engineered wood sits in the $7 to $17 range. Your final house siding cost depends on details, crew skill, and the condition of your walls.
Get an Exact Estimate for Your Home
Every home is unique. We measure, note wall conditions, and design trim that looks sharp and keeps water out. Then we give you a clear, line-by-line price so you can choose with confidence.
Ready to plan your project? Schedule your free quote with All Star Windows & Siding today. We serve Northbrook, Glenview, Highland Park, Deerfield, and the greater Chicago area. We bring trained crews, clean job sites, and strong warranties to every home.
